인도 수행전통에서 물질적 소유의 의미

Abstract

This article is to examine the meaning of material possession in Indian Buddhism, Jainism and Yoga school, which may be regarded as typical traditions of self-discipline throughout the history of Indian religions. The origin and prosperity of Indian religious traditions in general is closely related to a society where material abundance is made remarkable progress. Nevertheless, Indian religions, especially Buddhism, Jainism, and the Yoga system of Pata？ali prescribe no-possession in their precepts. Here, the relationship between material abundance and no-possession is examined with regard to those religious traditions. No-possession in the "having nothing" is, from the external appearance, similar to poverty. But it is quite different from poverty in a general sense. It is obvious from the ancient Indian scriptures that disciples of the Buddha and Mahāvira, most of whom were of high standing, spontaneously renounced their material resources, wealth, family, social status, and so forth, as the Buddha or Mahāvira himself. Having abandoned material possessions of the world, through concentration on meditation and mental cultivation, they eagerly dedicate their life to spiritual ideal human beings ever cherished. Religious renouncement is much different from the concept of poverty in that it is "not able to have" but "do not want to have." In Hindu religious traditions, the idea of no-possession, that is, "do not want to have", is realized through "giving up something available." The most important message, in my opinion, that Indian philosophy presents to modern society, is the teaching of renunciation. "How do we give up?" and "What should we give up?" These questions will become decisive for the happiness of an individual or a society in the future. Of course, here renunciation does not mean a pessimistic idea. When one gives up something obtainable voluntarily, his or her renunciation has meaning on the way of spiritual enhancement. Just giving up something unreachable to us has no meaning. Giving up something that is within our reach is meaningful to us.