Economics of Mahaveera

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

Page 73

ENVIRONMENT AND ECONOMICS
57
The Theory of Utility We live on consumption of solid materials. A definitional concept of Jain philosophy is anantpradeshi skandh. The skandhs (stocks) are of two types – micro skandh and macro skandh. The micro skandh, which is made up of infinite atoms, is not useful to us. The macro skandh, which is also made up of infinite atoms, alone is used by us. The extent of our use has become very limited. The dimension of objects in this universe is very vast. But considered from the point of view of utility, what can be of use to us is very limited.
In Jain philosophy, this aspect has been examined very minutely from the point of view of utility. It has been said in karmshastra that there is an atom skandh (stock) which is used for language. When we speak, we catch macro-skandhs. The atomic skandh can be used for that. It can be used for food, but it cannot be used for karmbandh. For karmbandh, a deeper skhandh is needed. When limitless/endless parts get synthesised with it, it becomes useful to us.
Limited Are the Resources Our world functions on utility. The skandh of respiration, skandh of language, skandh of meditation, skandhs of the body -- all these skandhs of utility are limited. The solid skandhs, which form into visible matters, are even more limited. For satisfying the unlimited craving, the supply of these limited means is inadequate, and this causes conflicts.
Every nation wants to get more and more of the global resources. A developed nation wants that its vision of development is realised. For attaining the pinnacle of success, the best of the resources of many countries are exploited. One powerful nation might achieve this, two nations might achieve this, four nations might achieve this, but then what happens to the remaining ones? How will they be able to reach a similar goal. Obviously, they will be left with nothing at all. As a result, the problem will continue to remain as it is. It is, therefore, essential that a new thinking is evolved.