Economics of Mahaveera

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

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ECONOMICS OF MAHAVIRA
The Basic Difference
Let us compare Modern Economics with Mahavira's Economics in the context of the restraint and ethical life. The first difference would be of the very fundamentals of basic philosophy. Modern Economics is based on a single track materialism. Mahavira's Economics is based on the acceptance of both materialism and spiritualism. Modern Economics has set a goal — man must become wealthy. The objective of Mahavira's Economics is that man should live his life peacefully and happily. Devoid of peace, one cannot get happiness. Happiness comes through peace. In Gita, it has been said:
Na chabha vayatah shantih ashantasya kutoh sukham..
There is no peace without feelings and without peace, happiness cannot even be dreamt.
The Central Point and Periphery On the one side, there is happiness acquired through wealth and on the other, there is happiness gained through peace. According to materialism, wealth and happiness are synonymous. The equation of Mahavira's Economics is ‘limit to wealth=peace plus happiness'. In the context of dedication to religion, restraint and limitation, we can evaluate the principles of Mahavira's Economics. The central point of these principles is that wherever there is dedication to religion, restraint and control, man is the centre of economics and wealth takes the secondary position. In the absence of dedication to religion, restraint and morality, material objects and wealth will be the focal point and man would recede to oblivion. This context facilitates better understanding of the present problems and economic offences. Why is there so much corruption? And why are so many economic offences committed? Why a person at the helm of authority involved in economic offences is forced to tender resignation and is compelled to go to jail? As long as man remains on the periphery, wealth would be the focal point, such happenings cannot be stopped. They will continue unabated.