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समतामूलक आर्थिक संरचना एवं वैयक्तिक मूल्यों का विकास

Vol. 52 · No. 12December - 2004pp. 14-18Hindi

Summary

The text discusses a concept of development centered on individual capabilities, self-reliance, and moral values, drawing on the philosophy of Mahavira. It argues that true development involves the elevation of life conditions across four dimensions: happiness, peace, prosperity, and harmony. A sustainable solution is found in developing individual capacities, including ethical strengths, which indirectly boost productivity. The text critiques purely economic definitions of development, noting that economic prosperity alone, without moral and spiritual growth, can lead to stress, family breakdown, and inequality. It highlights the widening gap between rich and poor, both among individuals and nations, as a source of distrust and unrest. Mahavira’s teachings on non-attachment and restraint in consumption are presented as essential for social and economic tolerance. The text emphasizes voluntary restraint in consumption, not imposed limits, as a means to free resources for the less privileged and to set correct priorities in production and consumption. It introduces the concept of "ichha-pariman" (limitation of desire) as key to balanced development. The text also references Acharya Mahapragya's "Ahimsa Yatra," which established training centers focusing on inner transformation, meditation, addiction relief, and self-employment, benefiting around 90,000 people. It concludes that development must integrate economic growth with environmental awareness, moral values, and spiritual consciousness, rejecting a purely materialistic view. The philosophy advocates for a equitable economic structure where individual capabilities are prioritized, and the individual is valued beyond being merely a producer or consumer.

Conclusion

The document's implications center on a holistic development model that integrates economic prosperity with ethical, spiritual, and individual capacity building. It argues that sustainable progress requires balancing material wealth with inner peace, voluntary consumption restraint, and social equity. The analysis critiques purely economic measures of development, highlighting how inequality and moral decline undermine long-term stability. By emphasizing personal capabilities, self-reliance, and community well-being, the text proposes a framework where development is measured not just by output but by harmony between individual aspirations and collective welfare. This approach offers a pathway to address contemporary challenges like environmental degradation, social fragmentation, and economic disparity, suggesting that true advancement lies in synthesizing ancient wisdom with modern needs.

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