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Jaina Concept of Non-possession... : 65 ācāryas hold that it is not the mutual conflict but mutual co-operation, which is the law of living. In his work Tattvārtha- sūtra, Umāsvāti" maintains that mutual cooperation is the essential nature of human being. It is only through mutual faith, co-operation and unity that we can pave the way to prosperity and peace of mankind. Jainas believe in the unity of mankind, but unity for them doesn't mean absolute unity. By unity they mean an organic-whole, in which every organ has its individual existence but works for a common goal i.e. human betterment. For them unity means, 'unity in diversity'. They maintain that every race, every religion and every culture has full right to exist, with all its peculiarities, but at the same time, it is its pioụs duty to work for the welfare of the whole humanity and be prepared to sacrifice its own interest in the larger interest of humanity. In the Jaina text Sthānānga-sūtra, we have the mention of Grāmadharma, Nagaradharma, Rāstradharmaetc. referring to one's duty towards one's village, city and nation that has to be fulfilled. Problem of Economic inequality and Consumer's Culture Economic inequality and vast differences in the mode of consumption are the two curses of our age. These disturb our social harmony and cause class-conflicts and wars. Among the causes of economic inequality, the will for possession, occupation or hoarding are the prime ingredients. Accumulation of wealth on the one side and the lust of worldly enjoyment of the other, are jointly responsible for the emergence of present-day materialistic consumer culture. A tremendous advancement of the means of worldly enjoyment and the amenities of life has made us crazy for them. Even at the cost of health and wealth, we are madly chasing them. The vast differences in material possession as well as in the modes of consumption have divided the human race into two categories of 'Haves' and 'Havenots.” At the dawn of human history also, undoubtedly, these classes were existent but never before the vices of jealousy and hatred were as alarming these as today. In the past; generally these classes were cooperative to each other 'while at present they are in conflicting mood. Not only disproportionate distribution of wealth, but luxurious life which rich people are leading these days, is the main cause for jealousy and hatred in the hearts of the poor.
