Jain Journal 2002 07

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 36

Mahāvira's vision on Business / Occupation/Management
Smt. Lata BOTHRA
In ancient times, Lord Rishabhdev was the principal educator of development. Till that time people were content as nature took care of their essential requirements. However, the course of nature started changing when these basic supplies became scarce and the normal things in life, became difficult to get for they lacked in the knowledge of competent living. Rishabhdev, while at one end taught 72 forms of skills to men and 64 to women, helped them overcome these difficulties. He also realised at the other end that even in a civilized society, for a complete advancement of mind and body, the span of human life had become far too short. Thus he cautioned all not to waste even a moment of their precious life and spend time for development of their souls and attain liberation.
Lord Mahavira, 2600 years ago, told this clearly to Shri Gautam Gandhar when he says – “As life is so fleet and existence so precarious, wipe off the sins you ever committed. Gautama be careful all the while'' (Uttarādhyayanasūtra, 10.3). It appears that this original mantra of our ancient culture, can become the foundation of our desires and in fact is true more so today.
Peter F. Drucker, a world-renowned expert in the field of management in business and industries, and American scholars, Dr. Laird and Napoleon Hill, have similarly advised people, not to tolerate idleness and utilize every spare moment constructively. This guidance recalls what our ancient culture had taught. A simple habit of making notes to schedule our daily activities and pursuing their achievements for results is an important and powerful skill for proper management. The present pillar of united Germany, Prince Bismarck, would not allow a single moment to be wasted. He would maintain in his Bible a piece of paper in which he would jot down his routine procedures. Jamshedji Tata, Ghanshyamdas Birla have successfully built and organized their business empires by utilizing their time to full capacity proving how surprisingly true are the echoes of this sūtra.
In present organizations, management of time is of such practical