Economics of Mahaveera

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Adarsh Sahitya Sangh

Page 22

ECONOMICS OF MAHAVIRA
Excess of Comforts We cannot ignore man's needs. Mahavira also did not reject them completely. The reason is that man possesses desires. If there is desire, material means are essential to satisfy it. Desire and means cannot be separated. If there was no desire in the nature of man, means could be dispensed with. The fact is that wherever there is desire, means are an imperative. Mahavira also accepted this reality that means are required; but he said that where means become excessive, man becomes secondary and money takes the primary position.
Luxuries
In a state of enjoyment of luxuries man does not have a place at all. At that stage, man is pushed even beyond the periphery. Only money dominates. Luxury is neither required nor essential. It gives neither comfort nor pleasure. It is unrestrained hedonism. A sensible man can find no meaning in it. In that state, there remains nothing except greed for money and means to acquire it. Luxuries generate only wanton enjoyment, and both, passion and ego, are at work.
Mahavira's Principle
Based on these practices, economic policy in the modern times has evolved under the impact of the theory that man follows the pursuit of money. It is in this context that a question arises: What is the principle that Mahavira has given on this subject? Was desire rejected by him? Mahavira did not reject the existence of desires. He said: Ichha hu agasasama anantaya - desire is endless like the sky. He did not say that we have no needs? He did not say we give up needs. What he advised was to control and moderate the needs. Control desires, restrain and limit needs.
Basic Needs It is essential in this context to understand what is necessary and what is unnecessary. There are certain things necessary to satisfy