________________
152
Anekanta : Philosophy of co-existence
Smriti-dharma has given directions for the earning of wealth and its consumption. Even directions to assuage desires have been given. To give these directions are mandatory for smritidharma. But this is not the job of dharma based on eternal values. If it were, however, to give directions to guide passions and wealth then it will take the form of an unchanging rule and cause impediments to the growth of society, as it is doing today. But the management of passions and wealth as designed by smriti-dharma can be supported by dharma.Mahavira provided this support. From the rules of conduct he gave to individual householders, social organization can be greatly benefited. As an example the following rules can be quoted:
1. Do not rob your labourers of their livelihood. 2. Do not over burden animals. 3. Do not give false evidence.
Do not have relations with anybody other than
your wedded wife. 5. Draw a definite limit to accumulation of
wealth. Do not go beyond that limit. 6. Do not go to the distant places to accumulate
wealth or increase consumption and so on. Mahavira gave the secret to reduce attachment that causes wealth accumulation and passionate obsessions. He however did not give the manner in which wealth accumulation should
Jain Education International
For Personal & Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org