Verse 7.17 - Definition of parigraha (attachment-to-possessions)

Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of Tattvartha sūtra 7.17:

मूर्छा परिग्रहः ॥ ७.१७ ॥

mūrchā parigrahaḥ || 7.17 ||

Infatuation (mūrcchā) is attachment-to-possessions (parigraha). (17)

Hindi Anvayarth:

अन्वयार्थ: [मूर्छा परिग्रहः] जो मूर्छा है सो परिग्रह है।

Anvayartha: [murcha parigrahah] jo murcha hai so parigraha hai |

Explanation in English from Ācārya Pūjyapāda’s Sarvārthasiddhi:

The fifth vow, namely, attachment-to-possessions (parigraha), is defined next.

What is ‘mūrcchā’ or infatuation? ‘Mūrcchā’ is the activity relating to the acquisition and safeguarding of external possessions such as the cow, the buffalo, the jewels and the pearls, and also internal possessions like attachments (rāga) and desires. Now, conventionally the word ‘mūrcchā’ is used to denote fainting or swooning. Why should it not mean fainting here? Yes, it is true. The verb ‘mūrcch’ is used in the general sense of insensibility. What is mentioned in general applies to the particular also. The general meaning implies the particular meaning also. This is the section dealing with attachment. And the particular meaning of ‘mūrcch’, i.e., infatuation or delusion, is applicable here. A contention is raised. Accepting this particular meaning entails that only the internal possessions should be included and not the possession of external things. It is true. Of course, the internal thoughts only are included as being important. Even in the absence of external things, the disposition that ‘this is mine’ constitutes infatuation (parigraha).

Further, a doubt is raised. If only the internal thought–‘this is mine’–constitutes infatuation (parigraha) then knowledge (jñāna), etc., would also fall under infatuation since knowledge is considered as ‘this is mine’, like the disposition of attachment (rāga). But it is not so. The phrase ‘out of passion’ is supplied from the earlier sūtra. So the passionless person, possessed of right faith, knowledge and conduct, being free from delusion (moha) is free from infatuation (mūrcchā). Further, knowledge, etc., being the inherent-nature (svabhāva) of the soul, are not fit to be cast off. So these are not infatuation (mūrcchā). On the other hand, desire, etc., are fit to be cast off as these are the effects of karmas and contrary to the nature of the soul. So attachment to these is infatuation (mūrcchā). Infatuation or attachment is at the root of all evils. Only in the presence of the idea that ‘this is mine’ does the man proceed to safeguard his possession. In safeguarding it, violence is bound to result. For its sake he utters falsehood. He also commits theft and attempts copulation. And this results in various kinds of pain and suffering in the infernal regions.