Economics Of Mahavira: [09.10] Livelihood with Religion. Limits to Desires - The Approach of Religion

From the point of view of Economics, things like morality and peace are secondary. The main objective before it is human welfare through economic progress. On this premise, it encourages the consumption of luxuries and considers these essential for economic progress.

From the point of view of a religious person, the question of economic progress is secondary; the question of morality and peace is primary. A religious teacher initiates a societal person living a family life into religion; but he cannot formulate the rules leading to total non-possession by ignoring completely the economic expectations. Considering this, Mahavira formulated the rules of moral conduct following the principle of limitation of needs:

1. • Don't cheat others by wrong weights and measures.
2. • Don't resort to adulteration.
3. • Don't sell spurious articles after showing genuine articles.