Antim Tirthankar Ahimsa Pravartak Sargnav Bhagwan Mahavir Sankshipta

This document is a Jain text titled "Antim Tirthankar Ahimsa Pravartak Sargnav Bhagwan Mahavir Sankshipta" (The Last Tirthankar, Propounder of Non-violence, Lord Mahavir: A Concise Account) by Gulabchand Vaidmutha. It aims to provide a concise biography of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankar of Jainism, emphasizing his role as a proponent of ahimsa (non-violence).

The book begins by acknowledging the profundity and complexity of Lord Mahavir's life and teachings, noting that detailed accounts can be found in various Jain scriptures like the Kalpasutra, Acharanga Sutra, and Avasyak Sutra, as well as in Buddhist inscriptions and Digambara scriptures. The author expresses the difficulty of the task and apologizes for any discrepancies or errors due to the vastness and potential for differing interpretations of the subject matter.

Key Themes and Sections:

• Introduction to Lord Mahavir: The book clarifies a common misconception that Lord Mahavir might be confused with Hanuman. It explicitly states that Lord Mahavir, also known as Vardhaman Swami, was the 24th Jain Tirthankar who appeared in India 2500 years ago.
• The Concept of Time (Kalachakra): It explains the Jain concept of time cycles, Utsarpini (ascending time) and Avasarpini (descending time), each divided into six stages. Each cycle witnesses the appearance of 24 Tirthankaras, 12 Chakravartis, and other great souls, totaling 63 "Shalaka Purushas" (distinguished individuals) per cycle. Lord Mahavir appeared during the Avasarpini era.
• Antiquity of Jainism: A significant portion of the book is dedicated to establishing the ancient origins of Jainism. It cites various sources, including:
  • References to Jain Tirthankaras like Rishabhnath and Arishtanemi in the Vedas (Yajurveda, Rigveda).
  • Mentions of Jainism's influence in historical accounts.
  • References in epics like the Mahabharata and philosophical texts like the Yoga Vasistha.
  • Mentions in the Manusmriti and archaeological findings from Mohenjo-daro.
  • Testimonies from renowned scholars and figures like Pandit Rajendranath, Mahamahopadhyaya Pandit Gangānath Jha, Dr. Satish Chandra Vidyabhushan, Swami Ram Mishra, and Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak, who highlight Jainism's antiquity, profound principles, and influence on other Indian religions.
• Lord Mahavir's Early Life:
  • Birthplace and Dreams: It details Lord Mahavir's birth in Kundagrama, near Vaishali, in Bihar. It describes the fourteen (or sixteen, according to some traditions) auspicious dreams of his mother, Queen Trishala, interpreted by scholars as foretelling the birth of a great soul.
  • Childhood and Strength: It recounts incidents from his childhood, highlighting his extraordinary strength, which earned him the name "Mahavir" (Great Hero) from Indra. It also emphasizes his inherent power and how he faced challenges with courage and composure.
  • Education: It describes his early education, where his exceptional intellect impressed his teachers, leading to advanced learning that even surpassed his instructors. It mentions how his understanding of grammar laid the foundation for the Jainendra Vyakarana.
  • Youth and Marriage: While some traditions consider him a lifelong celibate, the book mentions that, following Shvetambara traditions, he married Yashoda and had a daughter, Priyadarshana, to fulfill parental obligations and experience worldly life as part of his karmic journey. His youth was characterized by detachment despite worldly comforts.
• Renunciation (Deeksha): It explains that Lord Mahavir renounced worldly life at the age of 30 after the passing of his parents, fulfilling his promise to them. It describes his deep compassion and attempts to console his elder brother, Nandivardhan, before his renunciation. He then performed the "Varshavardhana" great charity for a year before his formal initiation.
• Austerities and Vows: The book details his severe austerities and vows, emphasizing his unwavering commitment to tolerance and non-violence, even when facing extreme hardship and torment.
• Upsargas (Trials and Tribulations): A significant portion of the book is dedicated to narrating the numerous severe trials and tribulations, known as upsargas, that Lord Mahavir endured during his ascetic life. These included:
  • The incident with the bees: Bees attracted by the fragrance of incense on his body bit and consumed his flesh.
  • The allurements of celestial beings: Nymphs tried to seduce him with their beauty and songs, but he remained unaffected.
  • The incident with the cowherd boys: They beat him with sticks, mistaking him for a thief.
  • The incident with the snake Chandakaushik: The snake's venomous breath and bites had no effect on him, and he ultimately enlightened the snake, leading to its salvation.
  • The incident with the demon Sudrishta: The demon, holding a grudge from a past life, attempted to harm him while he was crossing the Ganges.
  • The incident with Goshalaka: Goshalaka, a former disciple who became a rival preacher, tried to harm him with tejoleshya (fire-based psychic power).
  • The incident with Sangama Deva: A celestial being tried to obstruct his penance with dust storms, venomous insects, and seductive nymphs.
  • The incident with Chandanbala: He took alms under specific, extremely difficult conditions from Chandanbala, who had been sold into slavery, demonstrating extreme adherence to his vows and the purity of his offerings.
  • The incident with the shepherd: The shepherd, angered by his lost sheep, hammered nails into Mahavir's ears.
  • The incident with the merchants and their carpets: He endured the harshness of cold and heat, and his carpets, when tested by King Shrenik, revealed their magical properties.
• Enlightenment (Keval Gyan): After enduring immense suffering and practicing severe penance for twelve and a half years, Lord Mahavir attained Keval Gyan (omniscience) near Jambukagrama, under a Shal tree by the river Rjuvālika. This event brought immense joy to the world, celebrated by gods and humans.
• The Samavasarana: It describes the divine assembly hall created by gods for Lord Mahavir's sermon, where all beings, regardless of species or social status, could listen to his teachings and experience peace and understanding. His teachings were in Ardha Magadhi but understood by all in their respective languages.
• The Sermon (Deshna): The book highlights that Tirthankaras preach only after attaining Keval Gyan. Lord Mahavir's sermons focused on ahimsa (non-violence) as the supreme dharma, truth, self-control, detachment, and the path to liberation. He emphasized the principles of syadvada (the doctrine of manifold aspects) and the equality of all beings. He challenged the prevailing ritualistic violence in sacrifices and the caste system.
• The Ganadharas (Chief Disciples): It details how Lord Mahavir's teachings attracted numerous scholars and intellectuals, including the eleven prominent disciples (Ganadharas) like Indrabhuti Gautam, Agnibhuti, Vayubhuti, Vyakt, Sudharma, Mandit, Maury, Akamp, Achalbhraat, Metarya, and Prabhas. These disciples resolved their doubts and achieved spiritual realization through Mahavir's teachings, forming the core of the Jain monastic order.
• The Lay Disciples (Shravakas and Shravikas): The book also discusses the importance of householder vows (Aṇuvratas) and the establishment of the four-fold Jain community (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen). It mentions prominent lay followers like Anand, Kamdev, Chulapriya, Chulashataka, Kundakolika, Arjun, and Shalisbhadra, highlighting their devotion and spiritual aspirations.
• Goshalaka's Defection: It narrates the story of Goshalaka, an initial disciple who, due to his inherent nature and the influence of his own doctrines (Ajivika), separated from Lord Mahavir and founded his own sect. He developed psychic powers (tejoleshya and ashtanga nimitta) and claimed to be a Tirthankar, but his teachings were ultimately unsustainable. The book recounts his eventual demise and the salvation of his followers who returned to Mahavir's fold.
• The Significance of Ahimsa: The book repeatedly stresses that ahimsa is not a religion of the weak but a principle for the brave and a means to achieve universal peace and well-being. It is presented as the foundation of human civilization.
• Lord Mahavir's Final Teachings and Nirvana: It describes Lord Mahavir's final discourse, outlining the ten characteristics of righteous conduct (Dharma) – forgiveness, humility, straightforwardness, purity, truth, restraint, penance, renunciation, non-attachment, and celibacy. It culminates with his Nirvana (liberation) on the night of Kartik Krishna Amavasya, which is commemorated as Diwali. The book highlights the continuation of his teachings through his disciples, particularly Gautam Swami and Sudharma Swami, who disseminated the message of ahimsa.

The book is structured as a narrative, presenting Lord Mahavir's life chronologically, interspersed with explanations of Jain philosophy and historical context. It aims to inspire readers with the life and teachings of the last Tirthankar, emphasizing the eternal relevance of ahimsa and the path to spiritual liberation.