On Prayushan Parv festival - Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness)

Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness):

Basics of Jainism Tirthankaras Jain Festivals Inspiring Jain Stories Jain Glossary DownloadsJain Ramayana  • More Jain Stories with Pictures (Coming Soon) • Get eJainism Toolbar Ahimsa Parmo Dharma | One should fight one's inner enemies - passions, attachment, aversion, desires and the like. What is the purpose of fighting the external enemies? Conquering the self through self-reliance leads to happiness. | Parasparo Upgraha Jivanam Search:  eJainism Home |  Contact Us |  Site Map Home ► Basics of Jainism ► Jain Code of Conduct ► Aparigraha   Aparigraha is the concept of non-possessiveness. The term usually means to limit possessions to what is necessary or important, which changes with the time period, though sadhus would not have any possessions. This is based on the belief that desire for material wealth can lead a person to commit sin by giving rise to negative emotions like greed, anger and jealousy. Desires are ever-growing and they form a never-ending cycle. A person who wishes to achieve liberation from the cycle of life and death must acquire control over his senses and avoid attachment to material things, places or persons. Monks and nuns are required to give up attachment to the following: Material things such as wealth, property, house, books, clothes, etc. Relationships such as father, mother, spouse, children, friends, enemies, other monks, disciples, etc. Feelings such as pleasure and pain, feelings towards touch, taste, smell, sight, and hearing. They have the equanimity towards music and noise, good and bad smells, soft and hard objects for touch, beautiful and dirty sights, etc. They do not eat food for taste but for survival with the intention to destroy his karma with the help of this body. Non-possession and non-attachment are to be observed in speech, mind, and deed. One should not possess, ask others to do so, or approve of such activities.