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Self-restraint: A Must for World Peace : 85 upliftment of this act of sharing Lord Mahāvīra gave the vow of Atithisaṁvibhāga. It asks for sharing food to ascetic by laity but in this context it can be interpreted in the form of sharing things to the people devoid of it. Through this vow, the problem of poverty, unequal distribution of income and wealth can be mitigated.
The modern economy is encouraging to increase desires, production, consumption and distribution. On the other hand spirituality and morality inspire to control all this. Now the question is how to fill the gap between these two thoughts. Here, I would like to introduce a new model of economy envisioned by Ācārya Mahāprajña. While studying and editing the Jaina canons and texts Ācārya Mahāprajña found some of the maxims of economics given by Lord Mahāvīra.? Analyzing all the current problems he prepared a new economic model called “Relative Economics”. I would like to discuss some of the essential features of Relative economics.
1. The first consideration for a relative economics is coordination between human labour and machines. It is not only necessary that there is to be a increase in the utilization of human labour but the valuation of those labours should also be proper. They should not be exploited. 2. The second feature of relative economics is recognising the priorities and preferences of the society. Investment should essentially be increased in production of goods and services which form a part of the consumption of the common man.
3. The.third feature of relative economics is the coordination between the present and future needs. Ensuring adequate availability of resources which could meet the requirements of both today and tomorrow should be an essential ingredient of the economic system. Preservation of ecology is necessary for this assurance. 4. The fourth feature of relative economics is the encouragement of decentralization of wealth and production.
