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Further, Mahavir argued that any kind of possessiveness is bound to lead to unhappiness. If one truly wishes to be free, one needs to detach from this and live a very simple life with very limited possessions (aparigraha). He was a tremendous role model, giving up his royal kingdom, to walk into the forest, meditating and fasting for twelve years in search of the genuine path to sustainable living and everlasting happiness.
After attaining enlightenment, he founded an order of monks and nuns which numbered in thousands, and today there are two main sects the Shvetambara and the Digambara, living all over India. Jain monks live the most simple and austere lifestyle, have no possessions and go begging for the limited amounts of vegetarian food they need to survive. They walk thousands of miles every year, spreading the message of peaceful coexistence and take great care not to hurt anyone, even the minutest insects. Digambara monks even to this day do not possess anything and travel naked and barefoot, living a nomadic lifestyle and spreading the authentic Jain message wherever they may go.
This essay addresses a number of questions. Have Jains practised their sustainable values in their business? What is the ingredient of their commercial success? In what way have they avoided damaging the environment and society? Are there examples where they have elevated the quality of all life, rather than merely sustain it?
Jains understood a long time ago that they are merely passengers on this planet. Therefore, business is always a means and never an end. Profit is not the overriding aim; quality service, workmanship and discipline are vitally important. Business is at means to serve society and, if possible, uplift it. Hence the first focus is on the mind and thought process. Jains, deep in their soul, know that they are passers-by. They know it and feel it. Their monks walk barefeet, thus leaving a light footprint, not just in theory, but in everyday practice. Right Knowledge and Understanding (Samyag Gnan) is crucial to their livelihood. This is the first and most important road to sustainability. It is also very practical. Let children learn about the sacredness of life, about its physical limitations, about death and salvation, and they will respect all life. Ahimsa will not just be a theory but a personal value and mission. To hurt another, is to hurt oneself - there is no difference.
The trade or the professions Jains choose to pursue are determined by their values. They avoid the meat industry or anything that is directly or indirectly connected to the killing of animals. They tend to specialise in trading businesses, import/export, wholesaling and retailing. One of the largest newspapers in the world, the Times of India, is owned by a Jain family. From their base in Antwerp, Jains dominate the global trade in polished diamonds. A lot of business is conducted on the basis of relationship and trust, avoiding the need for expensive lawyers and contracts. There is a desire to benefit the opposite party in any deal, not to squeeze them and exploit them. Inter-dependence is a natural law, even in business, and business transactions adhere to this. A lot of businesses tend to be family run, with many continuing and evolving for generations. There is a deep sense of loyalty to the locality from
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Extending Jain Herilage in Western Environment
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