________________
illiteracy, inequality and environment. UN Millennium Goals are developed to address these issues. Jain Tirthankaras, visionaries as they were, have given us the means and the mindset to provide compassionate solutions, long before the concerns for people and planet surfaced in modern society. A new economic order envisioned by Lord Mahavir teaches us lessons in social responsibility, interconnectedness, inner transformation and social justice. Earning and disposal of wealth must be guided by these principles.
The new order is based on four parameters- it does not pose a threat to world peace, it brings about a reduction in crime, it does not increase violence and promotes the feeling of non-destructiveness in matter i.e. a feeling that material possessions are not our defense. Lord Mahavir's revolutionary preaching shows that anyone who wants to develop in isolationwhether an individual, business, society or nation- poses a threat to peace.
Abraham Heschell's
words are so
appropriate in this context:
The goal is Not to Have but to Be Not to own but to give
Not to control
but to share Not to Subdue but
to be in Accord
Violence and crime primarily result from wealth inequalities, deprivation, greed and lack of moral values. Jainism teaches us to live a life of restraints, limit our wants and waste, and be sensitive to other peoples' needs. As stated in Economics of Mahavir- "the world will be happy when I would relinquish excessive possessions." Mahatma Gandhi reiterated this truth when he said "live simply so others may simply live". This requires an internal change in man.
Today, much of the attention is focused on external change-changing organizations, changing production systems, etc. As Acharya Mahapragya points out, no attention is paid to the change in the man. "Until man does not change from inside, what good can a change in the system alone can achieve? Man can manufacture the best possible motor car. If the driver were not skilled and reliable, there would always be a risk." With peace within, we can have lasting peace outside.
Such is our heritage. It reflects a pool of profound wisdom resulting from endless years of meditation by Tirthankaras who themselves were leaders and reformers. It can serve as a model for effective leadership. Corporate executives can draw lessons for social responsibility and conscious conduct from the parameters of new economic order. Compassion and interconnectedness and inner transformation are powerful values that can provide an added dimension to corporate decision-making process. A mindset of "people matter" will result in compassionate solutions and provide mutually beneficial outcomes. A virtuous cycle sets in with an attitude of going beyond profits and following a noble purpose. Not only are Jains uniquely suited to contribute to the current trend but with reverence for all life, they are in a position to take the movement to a new level. They can take compassion to new heights, grow goodness and expand their sphere of influence to create a "world of good". <>
4th Biennial AINA Convention 2007
For Private & PersZ5se Only
PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUErary.org
