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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 a 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 where business is done, and there is active charitable contribution and community patronage. Employees are treated and trained as colleagues, and those who leave are helped in setting up their own businesses.
Through a daily 48-minute Samayika, Jains reflect on their actions, seek forgiveness for any transgressions and actively attempt to renew and rekindle their intelligence so that harm is avoided and good is done. This is a daily act of humble worship and meditation. It is an inner bath and cleansing, removing the grime of greed, of ego and selfishness. It is part
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WALKING THEIR TALK
Jains believe that wealth and financial profits earned by their businesses do not belong to them
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of the process of constant self-improvement. It keeps the ego down and raises the soul up. In this way, right understanding is retained and even elevated.
Jain monks are the role models and examples of selflessness. They possess nothing, and hence do not suffer from financial insecurity. They have firmly put their faith in the wisdom of the inner soul and its capability to transcend life. As nomads, they have to beg for their food and provide knowledge and wisdom to people whom they meet along their journey. Many a businessman feed the monks with their own hands and spend valuable time with listening to their discourses and resolve any personal questions or dilemmas. All over India beautiful temples have been built, hospitals, schools, orphanages and libraries by businessmen who have been inspired by Jain monks. Their very life is one of unconditional giving, and they spread this vibration wherever they set foot. This is elevation, not sustenance. It is an act of ecological stewardship with the highest sense of planetary responsibility and care.
Jains believe that the wealth and financial profits earned by their businesses do not belong to them. Just as the monks are simple and selfless, entrepreneurs detach themselves from their business and believe that success is not because of effort or personal intelligence but due to their good merit earned from past lives (punya). Profit is a reward and not a return. It is nature's dividend and not a performance measure or benchmark. It has no connection with any person or ego, as no one person is the performer. Thus charity becomes a natural act for Jains, not requiring any active sacrifice. Nature's fruits need to be replanted, so that more trees and fruits may grow in the future. They are certainly not meant for hoarding. Accumulation leads to rotting, insecurity and, finally, loss. For Jains, business is not solely for profit.
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December 2002 February 2003 Jain Spirit
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