Economics Of Mahavira: [09.22] Livelihood with Religion. Limits to Desires - Implications of Limiting Needs

In short, the conclusions of limiting needs may be summed up as follows:

1. The ideal is neither poverty nor affluence.
2. Money is a means for fulfillment of needs and not an end.
3. Conscious efforts should be made for earning money for the satisfaction of one's needs but they should not be such as to impinge on the rights of others.
4. The limits of resources for the satisfaction of needs, comforts and conveniences of life should be determined.
5. Infusing the principle of usage in wealth, developing the principle of detachment in the accumulation of wealth should be practiced.
6. While accepting the value of money as a means to satisfy needs, its insignificance from the point of view of spiritual development should be considered.
7. The capacity to abnegate or renounce should be developed.