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by taking loans, begging, and even mortgaging their own resources. The developed nations are pleased to provide means and facilities. In return they simply want their monopoly over the economic resources, mineral wealth, and markets of these undeveloped nations. The sole reason for political, economic, and territorial dominance is economic exploitation. This also leads to a competition between developed nations that could culminate into a war.
The economic disparity between individuals and nations is on the increase. The prevailing economic and social system is increasing the gap between the poor and the rich. The same holds true for nations as well. The underdeveloped nations take loans from the developed countries. For paying the interest on this loan they have to take new loans. This becomes a continuous process. A large portion of their national income is spent as repayment of loans and interest. This way the developed countries continue to exploit the economic resources of the undeveloped countries. They buy raw material at a lower than normal price and sell their finished goods at a higher than the normal price. Thus the underdeveloped countries are getting poorer and the developed countries are getting richer. The gap between the economic and social level of developed and underdeveloped nations continues to increase.
Economic problems are at the root of wars. Without solving this problem the chances of wars cannot be eliminated. There are only two ways to handle this problem - equitable distribution of wealth and reduction of needs. The first way is impossible to achieve. Only the second method is practicable. Individuals and nations should curtail their needs according to the available resources. Only the Jain vow of limiting possessions can make life happy and contented.
MORAL PROBLEMS
The problem of moral degradation looms large over the world today. Materialism has destroyed all moral values by arousing unbridled ambition for mundane pleasures. The goal of human life now is to indulge in mental, physical, and vocal enjoyments and derive sensual pleasure. Even during ancient period science existed. It also worked towards human comforts and facilities but spiritualism exercised control over science. During that period attaining spiritual
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Jain Education International
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| SR No. | 001605 |
| Book Title | Introduction to Jainism and its Culture |
| Original Sutra Author | N/A |
| Author | Balbhadra Jain |
| Publisher | Kundkund Gyanpith Indore |
| Publication Year | 2002 |
| Total Pages | 334 |
| Language | English |
| Classification | Book_English, Religion, & Culture |
| File Size | 21 MB |