Economics of Mahaveera

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

Page 27

THE CENTRAL FOCUS: MAN OR MONEY
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strong addicts, so many people have weakened their eyesight. I read in the newspapers that in Britain spectacles for children had a big sale. When the reason was investigated, it was found that the children see television sitting very close to it and, that too, for long hours. This has led to more eye-related problems and the use of spectacles is increasing. This is excessiveness, a tendency for extravagance.
Luxury Is Unnecessary Mahavira said: Put an end to luxury. Luxury is absolutely unnecessary. Control iť fully. Exercise control over it. This may sound to be harsh, but it is an imperative.
Savvam vilviyam geeyam, savvam nattam vidambit, Sauve abharna bhara, sauvey kama duhavaha.
The songs which arouse passion are not songs, these are lamentations. Dances and plays that arouse passion are a mockery. The ornaments and decorations which provoke exhibitionism are a drag. Unrestrained passion increases unhappiness.
If History Was Known Mahavira started a movement of restraint and control, and started an experiment at a time when there was not as much freedom as it is today. He formed a society following the principles of Mahavira. Five l'akh people is not a small number when seen in the context of those times. The head of Lichhivee Republic, King Chetak, was an important member of that devout society. A complete Jain history of those times is not available today. In the Indian history, the tenets of other religions have not been overlooked to the extent Jain principles have been overlooked. Modern historians have done away with the history of kings, heads of republics, Jain army chiefs. If their history was known to us, then it can be established that Republics like Lichhivee and Vijji followed Mahavira's principles. Mahavira presented a society which exercised restraint and was dedicated to religious principles.