Aparigraha - non-acquisition

Jainism believes that the more a person possesses in worldly wealth the more he may be unhappy and the more likely he is to commit sin, both physically and mentally. A Jain study guide

Jains believe that possessions are an obstacle to liberation.

Jain monks have virtually no possessions, while lay Jains try to minimise their possessions.

The spiritual problem is that people form attachments to possessions. They hoard their wealth and desire more possessions: possessions become an end in themselves. This gets in the way of detachment and spiritual growth.

Security born of material things is a delusion. To remove this delusion, one takes the vow of non-possession and realizes the perfection of the soul. Mahavira

Monks and non-acquisition

A Jain monk seeks to be completely free from acquisitiveness in thought and actions. He only seeks the minimum of food and shelter required to live.

Digambara monks, for example, have virtually no property at all; they live entirely naked without even a bowl to eat from. The only possessions they carry are a whisk broom to sweep insects from their path to avoid harming them, and a water pot.

Lay Jains and non-acquisition

Lay Jains do have possessions.

They follow the principle of aparigraha by limiting their possessions to what they need - and those needs are not just the minimum to sustain life, but depend on their position in society and the size of their family.

However Jains should avoid conspicuous consumption and personal luxuries, and they should not hoard their wealth.

One tradition says that a Jain should live on half their income, save a quarter of their income for their old age, or for times of sickness, and give the last quarter to charity.

Non-acquisition and time

The idea of non-acquisition is sometimes expanded to prevent people being selfish with their time and their talent. As a result Jains feel that they should take part in projects that benefit the Jain community around them, or other beings (for example, in India, Jains are known for their support of animal shelters).

Practical consequences of non-acquisition

The Jain doctrine of non-acquisition could lead to more equal distribution of wealth in Jain society. To modern eyes non-acquisition is an ecologically sound doctrine as it leads Jains to minimise their use of resources.

Religious attitudes to possessions

A discussion of poverty and non-acquisitiveness featuring a former Jain monk, a former director of Christian Aid and the head of the Jewish Care charity.