जैन साहित्य मे प्राप्त आर्थिक चिंतन

Summary

The article examines economic thought within Jain literature, particularly in the context of the global financial crisis that began in the United States and spread to Europe and India. It argues that while economics focuses on growth and Jainism advocates renunciation, there is no inherent contradiction when viewed through the lens of householder (shravak) ethics, which permit wealth accumulation within moral boundaries. The text traces the origins of economic thinking to the first Tirthankara, Rishabhadeva, who is credited with introducing the three foundational vocations: *asi* (governance), *masi* (writing/commerce), and *krishi* (agriculture). He also established systems of measurement, trade, and family structure. The article notes that Jain agamas contain numerous references to economic activities, including descriptions of merchants (sarthavaha) engaged in sea voyages, the use of 18 scripts, and the practice of studying economics (atthasattha). Specific examples are drawn from texts like the Jnatadharmakathanga, which describes the merchant Dhanna and the prince Abhayakumara, who was skilled in statecraft and trade. The Upasakadashanga outlines the twelve vows for lay followers, while the Anuttaropapatikadashanga mentions a successful female merchant named Bhadra. The article concludes that ancient Indian economic thought, as preserved in Jain literature, offers alternatives to failed modern systems like communism and consumerism, emphasizing non-possession (aparigraha) and ethical livelihoods to address poverty and unemployment.