Acharya Mahaprajna
I wish to present an ideabefore the world's government in power - In order to get solution to the problems deliberations are made from political, economic andmaterialistic point of view. Similarly, deliberations are required tobe made from the points of view of non-violence and non-absolutisticapproach (that is taking into consideration all points of view).
If “Ahimsa Ayoga” (Non-violence Commission) is set up for such purposes, we can hope for sentimental behavior in human relations.
Spiritual Solution to Economic Problems
The sources of problems lie both in the material world as well as in the intrinsic world of consciousness. The former being related with the external world which is easily accessible while the latter one being related with the hidden (internal) world, the general attitude of man is to seek solution to the problem only in the external world. This does not give a complete solution.
Bhagwan (Lord) Mahavira was a mantradata - a preceptor of short cut but precise solutions to intricate problems. One of his mantras to solve problems was based on the principle of bringing harmony between two extremes. So he said, “ One who is cognizant of the intrinsic is cognizant of the extrinsic; one who is cognizant of the extrinsic is cognizant of the intrinsic”. Hence, the intrinsic correlates with the spirituality, while the extrinsic with the external or physical conditions.
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Now, there are some people who assert that the spirituality holds keys to all problems, while some others insists on bringing about change in the external conditions for solving all problems. Both these views are nothing but partial. In fact a holistic approach would be that it is imperative to change the external conditions as well as the internal ones.
There are two great challenges of the present day world:
- Unlimited personal wealth
- Unlimited consumption
On account of limitless individual possession, one section of the society is becoming more and more prosperous and affluent, whereas on the other hand another section of the society is becoming deprived and reeling under the agony of extreme poverty and hunger. On account of limitless consumption, the problems of ecological imbalance and environmental pollution are aggravated.
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For solving these two prime challenges, two mantras enunciated by Bhagwan Mahavira can prove extremely effective:
- Putting a limit on one's possessions: The first and foremost vow of code of conduct prescribed for a householder is to put a limit on one's own accumulation of wealth. The vow of non-possession can not be prescribed for a householder. For an individual totally devoid of possessions can not make material and economic developments, nor can he solve the problem of hunger. One who puts voluntary limit to his individual possessions can keep less for him and give more to the society.
- Putting a limit to one's consumption: The second vow of the code of conduct of householder is to put a voluntary limit to one's individual consumption. One of the main causes of the environmental pollution is over consumption or unnecessary consumption. Attachments to (or infatuation with) the sensuality, the so-called standards of status, the exhibition of pomp and show, expansion of mentality to seek more and more comforts and the like - all these have lead to imbalance in the natural resources. The great scientists and the heads of nations are striving hard to solve the problems of the external world. In spite of many conferences and seminars, little change is visible in the situation.
Now, if efforts for bringing about internal change are coupled with those for external one and training is started to a change in the human consciousness, then better results can be gained in attaining success in solving the problems.
On this august occasion, I wish to present an idea before the world's government in power - In order to get solution to the problems deliberations are made from political, economic and materialistic point of view. Similarly, deliberations are required to be made from the points of view of non-violence and non-absolutistic approach (that is taking into consideration all points of view).
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If “Ahimsa Ayoga” (Non-violence Commission) is set up for such purposes, we can hope for sentimental behavior in human relations.
30th March 2007
Manda, Pali, Rajasthan, India