Business Engagement and Ethics - An Overview

Jain narrative as well as canonical literature indicates that the first tirthankara of Jains, Lord Adinath, was the founder of work and knowledge-based culture in India. He taught people how to live as communities and adhere to certain prearranged rules of coexistence and cooperation. He prescribed six different skills to be acquired by his subjects for worldly activities like (i) Asi (swordsmanship for protection), (ii) Masi (writing skills), (iii) Krishi (agriculture), (iv) Vidya (knowledge), (v) Vanijya (trade and commerce) and (vi) Shilp (crafts). These skills not only help in creating worldly wealth but also assist individuals and communities to live happily with overall prosperity. Following the path shown by Lord Adinath and subsequent tirthankaras.