No. In Jainism, true spiritual progress cannot be achieved by “external” prayers or rituals alone if one’s everyday conduct is unethical.

Key points to keep in mind

• Right conduct is central: Jainism teaches five main vows (ahimsa, satya, asteya, brahmacharya, aparigraha). In business, asteya (non-stealing) and satya (truthfulness) are especially important. Pushing for profit through deceit, exploitation, or unfair advantage harms others and creates karmic bondage, regardless of devotional practices.
• Karma follows intention and action: Even sincere prayers cannot erase negative karma generated by unethical behavior. The path to liberation requires consistency between belief, intention, and everyday actions.
• Ethics over rituals: Rituals and rites are meaningful only when they accompany ethical living. If someone cheats in business, their spiritual practice is incomplete.
• Compassion and restraint: Ahimsa extends to how one treats customers, employees, suppliers, and competitors. Practicing restraint, fairness, and integrity is itself a form of spiritual practice.

What a Jain might consider doing in such a situation

• Reflect and repent: If unethical actions occurred, acknowledge them and perform pratikraman (confession and turning away from the wrongdoing).
• Restore and rectify: Where possible, make amends or restitution to those harmed.
• Strengthen vows in daily life: Recommit to asteya and satya in all dealings, including negotiations, pricing, and contracts.
• Seek consistent practice: Include regular practices like samayik (meditation), fivefold reflection, or study to align thoughts, speech, and actions with Jain ethics.

Different Jain traditions may have nuanced discussions about ethics, but the core message remains: spiritual progress requires ethical consistency in all aspects of life, including business.