Gyandhara 05

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: Saurashtra Kesari Pranguru Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre

Page 61

totally devoid of ethical values. It is making people self-centered, greedy, insensitive and violent. If economics continues to remain merely the economics of utility, it will not be possible for us to remove social disparities. Only if the basic human values like nonviolence, peace, purity of means, self-restraint as propounded by Lord Mahaveer are integrated with the modern economic principles, it will bring about a big change in social outlook towards production, distribution and consumption. It will also result in the fulfillment of the primary needs of the poor and weaker sections of society. Lord Mahaveer has laid down the vow of non-possession for ascetics. He knew that it was not possible for the touse-holders to refrain completely from possession, so he propounded the principle of limiting individual desires and wants. If an individual can limit his desires and wants, it will pave the way for an economically sustainable society.
One of the essential steps in changing the life-style is bringing about a change in pleasure seeking lifestyle. Pleasure seeking is not bad in itself, but now thirst for pleasure has become limitless. If the desire for pleasure and comfort becomes insatiable, the appetite for glamour and pleasure will forever go on increasing. Jainism firmly believes in the aphorism: “samyamah khalu jeeanam” which means discipline coupled with stoicism is life. Life is where discipline is. If passion increases, the entire world may find itself on the brink of annihilation. ECONOMICS OF NON-VIOLENCE, PEACE AND CO-EXISTENCE
Violence and acquisitiveness (parigraha) are inseparably welded together. Voluntary limiting the ŞLIGEIRI -4 ESSE 42 sss do millècu şiid2121-4