Acharya Mahashraman
Non-anger, non-attachment, and non-persistence are three words in their negative form. These concepts, in spite of prefixed with word 'non', are meaningful and useful. According to Hindi language grammar, any word which begins with a Hindi vowel can be converted into negative just by adding prefix 'an'. For example; the word 'avesh (anger) becomes 'an avesh' (non-anger) by simply adding prefix 'an'.
Non-anger (an-avesh)
The psychological state of non-anger is called a state of mental balance. The person who becomes angry over trivial issues can cause harm to himself. On the other hand, a person who stays level-headed can gain an advantage from the same incident. The fifth Acharya of the Terapanth order - Acharya Maghva - has been an eminent monk. His imperturbable and calm nature was always at a very high level. He was perfectly entitled as 'Veetragkalp' (like a detached person). He always remained calm whether he was admonished or complimented in public.
Man must develop the practice of staying calm in any situation. Sometimes however, just for a few second one's temperament explodes and he loses his self-control. During this emotional outburst he speaks meaningless and insulting words. His conscience goes on vacation and the person he is angry with becomes worthless for him. Some people get angry only for an instant, but at that very moment they become so dreadful as if they are erupting something. Man should avoid this weakness. He must curb his anger. Occasionally, speaking strict words is not bad. When used in the context of discipline, sometimes even strong words can be used. But strong words should also be accompanied by a calm mind. Speaking, when there is anger inside the person, is a failure of life and work.
The spiritual world gives value to non-anger (calmness). The state of non-anger is very significant in our practical life as well. Many people live together in a family. If they all are aggressive, then life becomes hell for all. Therefore, not getting angry is the first maxim of a successful life.
Non-attachment (an-asakti)
Man cannot be free from activities till he is endowed with human body. The bondage follows the activity. Therefore, man is suggested to behave or act without attachment. Man walks, talks, lives with his family and runs his business. Success can be achieved in life if detachment is integrated with these activities. Wherever attachment exists, it causes sorrow; whether it is towards any person or object.
Abeautiful couplet is found in Rajasthani literature:
]e samdrishti Jeevada, karai kutumb pratipal Antar dil nyara rave, Jyun dhaya ramavai bal
A baby-sitter, in spite of taking care and nourishing the baby, knows that the child does not belong to her. Similarly, a spiritual person should think that he lives in a family. Taking care of the family is his duty. But he should know ultimately -'I am alone; nothing is mine'.
Once, a saint visited a nearby province. He was very learned, detached, splendid and ascetic. The king himself came across the saint and requested him to visit his palace. Saint accepted his invitation and the next day went to the palace. The king made beautiful arrangements for him including accommodations and food. One week passed but the saint was not willing to leave. One day the king said to him - "O saint, the time has come for you to move somewhere else". The saint left the palace right away. The king was going with him to see him off. Along the way, he asked, "O saint, I was enjoying the luxuries in the palace and so were you. In this way we both became alike, what is the difference between two of us?" Saint replied, "O king! Let's walk little more and then I will explain my thoughts to you". After a while king asked again, "O saint! Please answer my query now. I must return to my palace". Saint replied "This is the difference between you and me. I was living inside the palace, but in your case the palace is living inside your mind". This is the difference between attachment and non-attachment. An excessive attachment is an obstacle from a spiritual viewpoint, but it is not good in our practical life either. Therefore, one should stay away from attachment.
Non-Persistence (an-agrah)
In accordance with spirituality persistence takes a person away from truth. On the other hand, a person who is humble but not persistent stays close to the truth. Man should be free from persistence. But sometimes there is a place and time for persistence. For example, a monk observes lifetime vows of non-violence, truth and non-stealing. He must have the perseverance not to quit his spiritual practices at any cost. Such firm faith and determination for adhering to vows must be followed. But the persistence in our behaviour and day to day life is not appreciable. Out of five or seven family members, one says, "I want to eat such and such food", while the other says, "I want something different". How can everybody's desires be satisfied? Because of the persistence over such small issues, the joy of family and society goes away and the entire system of family becomes disturbed. To keep the joy and harmony alive in the family, man should be flexible in his behaviour. Therefore, flexibility or non-persistence is very significant in life.
In summary, the life that is influenced by non-anger and is endowed with detachment and non-persistence is favourable. These factors make the life flourishing, joyful and happy.
