Acharya Mahaprajna
On the one side, there is happiness acquired through wealth and on the other, there is happiness gained through peace. According to materialism, wealth and happiness are synonymous.
The equation of Mahavira's Economics is:
limit to wealth = peace plus happiness
In the context of dedication to religion, restraint and limitation, we can evaluate the principles of Mahavira's Economics.
The central point of these principles is that wherever there is dedication to religion, restraint and control, man is the centre of economics and wealth takes the secondary position. In the absence of dedication to religion, restraint and morality, material objects and wealth will be the focal point and man would recede to oblivion.
This context facilitates better understanding of the present problems and economic offences. Why is there so much corruption? And why are so many economic offences committed? Why a person at the helm of authority involved in economic offences is forced to tender resignation and is compelled to go to jail? As long as man remains on the periphery, wealth would be the focal point - such happenings cannot be stopped. They will continue unabated.
