The sources of problems lie both in the material world as well
as in the intrinsic world of consciousness. Bhagwan Mahavira was
a mantradata — a preceptor of short-cuts to precise solutions to
intricate problems. One of his mantras to solve problems was
based on the principle of bringing harmony between two extremes.
So he said, “One who is cognisant of the intrinsic is cognisant
of the extrinsic; one who is cognisant of the extrinsic is
cognisant of the intrinsic”. Hence, the intrinsic correlates
with the spirituality, while the extrinsic with the external or
physical conditions. Now, there are some people who assert that
the spirituality holds the key to all problems, while others
insist on bringing about change in the external conditions for
solving all problems. In fact, a holistic approach would be that
it is imperative to change the external conditions as well as
the internal ones. The two great challenges of the present day
world are unlimited personal wealth and unlimited consumption.
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