Acharya Mahaprajna
The approach of religion in respect of life is basically different from that of Economics. Religion interprets life with the objective of development of self-awakening. Economics interprets life through the medium of economic activities. The background and perspectives of both interpretations are not the same. That is why it seems that Theology does not support Economics and Economics does not support Theology. But both religion and wealth are associated with social life. Consequently, on some points in life, a confluence of both takes place and the two impact each other.
Bhagwan Mahavira said, "Conquer desires with contentment". Fire cannot be extinguished by putting fuel into it. In the same way, desires cannot be satisfied by fulfilling desires. The increase in wants calls for the multiplication of articles of consumption and increase in production and labour. However, it is only an illusion that it contributes to happiness and peace. With expansion in wants, the standard of living rises, but it cannot be accepted that it leads to higher levels of happiness and peace.
