8th Century Document On Means Of Earning Money

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "8th Century Documents on Means of Earning Money" by Prof. Prem Suman Jain:

This document, based on the 8th-century work Kuvalayamala by Udyotana Suri, explores the various methods people employed to earn money in ancient India, categorizing them into "ignoble" and "respectable" vocations.

Ignoble (Dishonest/Unethical) Means of Earning:

The text highlights that while trade was the primary source of income, many unethical and "ignoble" methods were also practiced, often yielding quick but illicit returns. These included:

• Gambling: A common practice for quick gains.
• Theft and Robbery: Breaking into houses, snatching jewelry, and looting passengers.
• Pickpocketing and Cheating: Deceiving people for financial benefit.
• Juggling: Engaging in deceptive performances for money.
• Selling Creatures and Animals: This was also considered ignoble, likely due to principles of non-violence.

These ignoble methods were explicitly prohibited by Jain writers due to their violation of the core Jain principle of ahimsa (non-violence).

Respectable (Noble) Vocations:

In contrast, the text details several "respectable" or "noble" vocations sanctioned by ancient sages. These were considered legitimate ways to earn a livelihood:

1. Disi Gamana (Traveling to Other Places): Merchants, like Mayaditya, Dhanadev, and Sagardatta, earned significant wealth by traveling to different countries. This allowed for fearless business, the opportunity to sell goods at higher prices in foreign lands, and the purchase of local goods at lower prices. It also provided valuable experience in inter-state trade.

2. Partnership (Mitrakaranam): Engaging in business with partners offered advantages such as shared risk, mutual support, and combined business acumen. Examples include Mayaditya and Sthanu, Dhandeva and Bhadreshthi, and Sagardatta partnering with a foreign merchant. However, the text also cautions about the potential for dishonesty among partners, leading to betrayal and loss.

3. Naravar Seva (Pleasing the King): Gaining the king's permission and favor was crucial for conducting business within a territory. Merchants would offer valuable presents to kings upon arrival to secure these permissions.

4. Kusalityanam Ca Manappamanesu (Skill in Weights and Measures/Judging Goods): A skillful merchant's ability to accurately judge the quality and worth of goods was essential for profitable trade. Purchasing pure goods was key to earning a profit.

5. Alchemy (Dhatuvada): The art of creating artificial gold from metals through chemical processes was a recognized means of earning money. The text mentions "Dhatuvada" as a developed art in the 8th century, practiced in secluded areas.

6. Devayarahan (Worship of Deities): Before embarking on money-making journeys, people performed various rituals and worshipped specific deities considered auspicious for their endeavors. Thieves invoked deities like Kharpat, Mahakala, and Katyayani, while merchants traveling to foreign lands worshipped sea gods and other favorable deities like Indra, Dharnendra, and Dhanpal.

7. Sayar-Taranam (Sea Voyage): Sea voyages were vital for foreign trade, allowing for the export of domestic goods at higher prices and the import of wealth. While profitable, these voyages also carried significant risks to life.

8. Digging of the Rohanparvata: This refers to a belief in a mountain in the infernal regions made of gold. People who couldn't earn money through other means would resort to seeking wealth from this mythical location, symbolizing persistent and arduous labor as a last resort.

9. Other Means: The text also lists a variety of other occupations and activities, including:

   • Agriculture
   • Loading animals
   • Slavery (working for others)
   • Begging
   • Service
   • Soldiery
   • Using occult powers
   • Entering caves (for resources)
   • Mantra Siddhi (achieving power through incantations)
   • Exchange
   • Wrestling
   • Mining

Reinterpreting Means in a Spiritual Context:

The document notes that when worldly means failed, people often sought solace in religion and interpreted these earnings methods in a moral and spiritual sense. For example:

• Trade: Symbolized controlling the "body shop" with the "heart shopkeeper" and trading in virtues for the "profit of happiness."
• Begging: If one had to beg, it was advised to do so with trust, self-control, and wisdom to seek the "alms of knowledge."

Udyotana's Perspective:

Udyotana Suri viewed all these earthly means of earning as connected to violence in some form. Therefore, he believed that engaging in them would not lead to liberation from the cycle of rebirth. However, he acknowledged that worldly people used these methods to support their families. Despite his disapproval due to the inherent violence, the text provides a comprehensive overview of the economic activities of the time, emphasizing that the division of labor was not rigid, and individuals could pursue various professions. Varanasi is also highlighted as a significant commercial hub.