Economics of Mahaveera

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

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ECONOMICS OF MAHAVIRA
Three Directives
Production covers several elements. Modern economists have removed some factors from production. Dr. Seth and Dr. Marshall have dissociated prostitution from production. They did not accept it as productive labour. They considered it from the point of view of morality. If we think from the point of view of Mahavira and Gandhiji, then several other things would be excluded from production. With reference to production, Mahavira gave three directions:
Ahimsappyane
:
Asanjutahikarne Apavkammovades
: :
Not to manufacture violent weapons. Not to assemble weapons. Not to impart training for sinful work and violence.
The first directive is that the manufacture of violent weapons should be removed from the realm of production. A prerequisite of a devout society is that it does not manufacture weapons. Let alone manufacture, it should not even deal in violent and destructive arms. But today the manufacture of weapons has become big business. Weapons worth millions, nay billions, of dollars are being purchased and sold. In fact, there is a race in evidence in their production. In Modern Economics, the exploitation that is being talked about is due to free market. Weapons can be purchased anywhere you choose. Licensing has not been efficacious. In some countries, there is no need for a licence at all. The manufacture, sale and purchase of weapons cannot be carried out in a devout society.
The second set of activities associated with the production of weapons is connected with the assembly of components of weapons. The members of the devout society are not involved in the import and export of the components or assembling of weapons either.
A third significant aspect is to abstain from propagating or preaching sinful actions. Even imparting training in violence and in martial arts is prohibited for a devout society; but look at today's scenario. Regular schools and institutions have been set up for