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Non-Violence In Today's World
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harmonious. This requires immediate attention and necessary action on war footing. The teachings of Lord Mahāvīra, though 2500 years old, are relevant even today and provide correct solution to the problems of mankind. The following corrective steps have to be taken:
1. Reduction of desires for material objects: Environmental and other problems cannot be solved unless people reduce their desires for material consumption. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “Nature can fulfil all the needs of mankind but not its greed.” Over-exploitation of natural resources by a small group of wealthy people deprives a large population of their basic needs of materials. Hence, man should make optimum use of the available resources.
2. Spiritual base of economic system: Lord Mahāvīra laid emphasis on having control over economic needs and advocated self-restraint in their use. Man is not an economic unit only but he is basically a spiritual personality. The mechanical worldview advocated by western thinkers has not solved the problems of humanity. Lord Mahāvīra emphasised self-realization as the goal of human life.
The Principle of Aparigraha Aparigraha taught by Lord Mahāvīra is a realistic, practical and rational principle with a solid foundation for social upliftment. Lord Mahāvīra says that all material comforts and pleasures can never satiate anybody and give him true happiness. In his own words, “Even if this whole world full of wealth is given to a man, he will not be contented, for it is very difficult to satisfy the desires of an avaricious man."10 He preached the doctrine of non-possession to limit the desires for worldly pursuits. He says, “It is owing to attachment that a man commits
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