By Vinay Kothari
"Too often, a vast collection of possessions ends up possessing its owner. "Keep all we can conceivably need and distribute the rest to society for its needs."
— Warren Buffett
Warren Buffett may not be aware of his quote being so close to Jainism philosophy. Buffett here rightly says that too much accumulation of wealth would convert our role from master to that of servitude for guarding it. He also suggests a way to escape from such a dilemma. Be a philanthropist and give away surplus for the benefit of a needy person.
Aparigrah, or non-possession, is a means by which an individual learns to live more lightly, consumes less, and avoids ecological damage. Aparigrah is Jainism vision to go green and respect nature.
Aparigrah is going beyond responsibilities for oneself, family, and friends. It is to realize our responsibilities for the environment and maintain stability in ecosystems, an essential factor to make our lives possible. It is about unity within diversity, about interconnectedness, a sense of oneness with living beings without arbitrary lines of ownership and interrupting the flow of positive energy.
In the Western context, Aparigrah is in the form of downshifting, a lower notch compared to non-possession. Downshifting involves casting off unwanted possessions and is associated with the creation of alternative structures based on less materialistic values. Communal living is a product of downshifting. Downshifting helps to get rid of ambitions and anxiety. It generates calmness among downshifters.
The ecological imbalances occur due to the overconsumption of natural resources. This ecological imbalance is evident as we notice climate change, deforestation, and atmospheric pollution. The purpose of Aparigrah is to live lightly upon the earth and minimize the desire to possess. In response to our violent assault on earth, there is a rising ecological consciousness with a desire to lead a less materially demanding stressful life. Human civilization contains many possibilities for decline and collapse. But equally, there are reasons to look forward positively. Aparigrah is a tool that could fix inequality between haves and have-nots. This will create a groundswell of tolerance and understanding, and further check the rise of extremism as well as terrorism. Parigrah is a sickness, and Aparigrah is medicine.
Jainism has never been a simple "back to nature" movement in terms of resisting technologies or abandoning innovations or scientific advances. It is a unique religion not to believe in superstitions. As an ancient, almost timeless faith, it contains deep reverence for nature. As a living tradition, it encompasses philosophical speculation and rational thought. Jainism has the highest respect for scientific progress. Jain dharma believes that all living systems in the universe are mutually dependent and interlocked. Therefore, we must behave towards them with restraint and respect.
Aparigrah is a possibility of liberation through letting go. In letting go, the destructive and poisonous attachments fall away like layers of malign karma they represent. In letting go, we feel a sense of connectedness rather than competitiveness, limitless compassion, and unconditional love. Surely, this is an ecological wisdom that we can learn to live by.
Vinay Kothari is a distinguished diamond merchant with a profound commitment to the principles of Jainism.
