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Liberation is not some distant future goal - asserts the author. Follow one, very simple but often ignored Jain principle and experience this ultimate freedom here and now.
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Liberation(Moksha) here and now
by Sudhir M. Shah
Transformative Ideas
Liberation – Moksha
Your thoughts
Moksha – Freedom, Liberation
• Derived from the Sanskrit word muc (“to free”), the term moksha literally means freedom. This concept of liberation or release is shared by a wide spectrum of religious traditions including Jainism.
My view
• Liberation is not some distant future goal.
• Follow one, very simple but often ignored Jain principle and experience this ultimate freedom here and now.
Is not achieved by what one does…• to fit in to society• to please others• to show others that they are enlightened• to fulfill the vow imposed by elders or Gurus
It is NOT grounded in fear or greed.
Moksha – the ultimate freedom
No one can challenge it
or obstruct it in any way
Moksha – the ultimate freedom
Moksha – Freedom, Liberation
• Freedom does not mean you can do whatever you want without the consequences.
• Freedom from regrets & complains about the past
• Freedom from worries about the future
• Freedom from “looking good”, “being right”
It is freedom to be - your true self.
Moksha – the ultimate freedom
Liberating self requires a through understanding of
the self
“We are not human beings
having a spiritual experience.
We are spiritual beings having a human experience”
— Chardin
• “Accept not what I say as truth because it is backed by tradition, or because it is the law of the land, or because it sounds good, or because it comes from your teacher. Accept as truth only that which is sagaciously acceptable to reason as well as sentiment” - Anguttar Nikaya
Mahavir said to Gautam
Jain Principles
Non-violence (Ahimsa)Respect for the life of all beings
leading to compassionate living and selfless service
Non-absolutism (Anekantvad)Respect for the views of others
leading to mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence
Non-possessiveness (Aparigraha)Respect for our environment
limiting our needs and honoring who we really are
Youth Question
What is the
single most important
principle of Jain Dharma?
Jain Principles – three legs
Ahim
saA
nekantvad
Apa
rigr
aha
What is the most important leg
of a three legged stool?
The one that is broken
The Jain principle of Aparigraha(non-possessiveness/non-attachment)
• Realistic
• Practical
• Rational
approach to Ultimate Liberation
Aparigraha – Non Attachment
Gives you freedom fromRag – attachmentDwesh - aversion
Our society encourages Parigraha
• Tradition
• Practices
Common Argument
• For spiritual upliftment we need our body
• It needs to be maintained, fed, sheltered, protected, educated etc…
Why than discuss aparigraha?
• Mahavir(599 – 527 BC) said “parigraha seve attai karanti prananam behanam” • Meaning, because of our parigraha we harm other
lives. Our possessiveness is the primary cause of all violence.
• Ahimsa can not be achieved without Aprigraha
• In fact, holding on to a view-point as “the truth” is a form of parigraha
• Anekantvad is nothing but an attitudinal Aparigraha!
Anekantvad can not be achieved without Aprigraha
Aparigraha - Non-possessiveness
& Non-attachment
Great tool for LiberationBut
How do we practice it!
What is Possessiveness (Parigraha)?
• Attachment• Desire• Craving
• Urge• Passion• Possessive attitude
Possessiveness is a Reaction
• To fear of a possible loss of something or someone.
• To insecurity within.
• To greed of wanting more and more
• To our desire to look good
Possessiveness is a vicious circle
•Rooted in greed - mind wants more and more - a never ending process.•More you possess, more the fear of loosing and therefore more insecurity.
Three Types of Attachments
• Attachment to body
Three Types of Attachments
• Attachment to
physical substances
Three Types of Attachments
• Attachment to ones’ views/ideas
Attitudinal non-attachment is Anekantvad
Attachment to body
• 8.4 million species
• Sheltered, fed, nurtured and allowed to grow
• Humans are not satisfied with the bounty of nature
• Love v/s Attachment
Attachment to physical substances
• Arises out of greed, ego
• Keeping up with the Jones’
• Being better than others
• Looking good / not looking bad
Being right / making others wrongDominating / Avoid dominationValidating self / invalidating others
Attachment to views
Overcoming Attachments
• Knowing the transient nature of things helps overcome attachment
• True aparigraha is mental, not physical
“External renunciation is meaningless if soul remains fettered by internal shackles”
- Bhava-pahuda(13)
Experience Freedom Now
Eliminate
Guilt, Blame, Shame
Experience Freedom Now
Discard your judge’s robe
Experience Freedom Now
Standards and Ideals
v/s
Principles and Values
Experience Freedom Now
Be an observer
Experience Freedom Now
Give up “looking good”
being “right”
urge to win
Practice… Practice… Practice
• What will you take on?