Basic Thought Of Bhagwan Mahavir - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of "The Basic Thought of Bhagavan Mahavir" by Dr. Jaykumar Jalaj:

This book delves into the fundamental philosophical and ethical principles of Bhagavan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. It aims to present Mahavir's vision and thought in a way that is accessible to those seeking to understand them.

Mahavir's Life and Context: The book begins by establishing Mahavir's birth in 599 BCE in Kundagram, near Vaishali. It highlights his royal upbringing, his names (Vardhaman, Sanmati, Mahavir) signifying his purity and bravery. Crucially, it emphasizes Mahavir's upbringing within the democratic and republican environment of the Vajji Sangh. This context instilled in him a deep understanding and appreciation for:

Freedom for all: Autonomy and negation of dynastic rule.
Equality: Recognizing the equal status and rights of all members.
Freedom of expression and debate: A transparent decision-making process.
Mutual respect and co-existence: Living harmoniously with others.

Mahavir's Life and Realization: Mahavir's life is characterized by serenity, contemplation, and impartiality. His renunciation at the age of 30 was not a hasty decision but a deeply meditated process. After twelve and a half years of rigorous penance and contemplation, he attained omniscience (Kevala Jnana) under an Ashok tree near the Rijukula river. This profound realization formed the bedrock of his philosophy.

Core Concepts of Mahavir's Thought:

Respect for Jiv (Living) and Ajiv (Non-living): Mahavir's penance revealed the inherent existence and importance of all matter, both sentient and insentient. He advocated treating all entities with respect, a concept that modern science and political thought took millennia to grasp. This includes recognizing the life in immobile beings like earth, water, fire, air, and plants, and condemning their wastage or unnecessary usage as violence.
Omniscience: Mahavir's omniscience is not about knowing trivial details but about possessing the ultimate knowledge after which nothing remains unknown. This knowledge allows for the standardization of mutual behavior, fostering personality development and underlining the importance of Anekant (manifoldness), Syadvad (conditional predication), Ahinsa (non-violence), and Aparigrah (non-possession).
Anekantavada (The Theory of Manifoldness of Reality): This is a cornerstone of Mahavir's philosophy. It states that reality is manifold, with every substance possessing numerous attributes (Dharmas). Different viewpoints or assertions about a thing are not contradictory but represent different facets of its reality. Disputes arise from ignorance and one-sided perspectives. Anekantavada promotes reconciliation, integration, and synthesis of conflicting views.
Syadvada: This is the linguistic representation of Anekantavada, applied to speech and communication. It acknowledges the limitations of language in fully capturing the totality of reality. The use of "Syat" (perhaps/in a certain way) indicates that a statement is true from a particular perspective, but other characteristics of the thing exist that are not being stated due to linguistic limitations. Syadvada is a symbol of certainty and truth, not uncertainty.
Upadan (Material Cause) and Nimitta (Instrumental Agency): Mahavir's doctrine of Upadan and Nimitta emphasizes individual responsibility for one's progress or regress. Each entity is its own material cause, responsible for its changes. Instrumental causes (like a potter for a pot) facilitate change but do not possess inherent agency. We are the Upadan for ourselves and can be Nimitta for others. Trying to be the Upadan for others is a form of violence and a primary cause of conflict. Mahavir encourages being an instrument of positive change for others without imposing our will.
The Art of Living: This principle is derived from the Upadan-Nimitta concept. While we are responsible for our own growth (Upadan), we have a role in assisting others' development as an instrumental agency (Nimitta). This mutual interaction fosters harmonious coexistence. The Jain principle of "Parasparopagraho Jivanam" (living beings mutually help each other) encapsulates this idea.
Ahimsa (Non-violence): Mahavir's concept of Ahinsa extends beyond physical violence to include mental violence, stemming from attachment and aversion. The essence of Ahinsa lies in the absence of attachment and aversion in the soul. Intentional violence, driven by ego and attachment, is strongly condemned. The gravity of violence is determined by the intent and mental attitude behind the act.
Karma and Liberation: The book explains the Jain understanding of Karma as subtle matter that attaches to the soul, leading to bondage and rebirth. The soul is its own regulator, and liberation is achieved by stopping the inflow of new karma (Samvar) and shedding existing karma (Nirjara) through rational perception, knowledge, and conduct. Even the desire for merit (punya) or liberation can be an impediment; one must rise above them to attain true freedom.
Ratnatraya (The Trio of Jewels): Rational perception (Samyak Darshan), rational knowledge (Samyak Jnana), and rational conduct (Samyak Charitra) are presented as the indivisible path to liberation (Moksha). Rational perception is the foundational requirement, followed by rational knowledge that reinforces faith, and finally, rational conduct.
Seeker's Religion: Mahavir's religion is for the seeker (sadhak) who realizes truth through contemplation and practice, not merely through scripture. A realized soul is self-authenticating.
Classification of Substances: The universe is explained through six substances (Tattvas): Jiv (soul), Pudgal (matter), Dharma (principle of motion), Adharma (principle of rest), Akash (space), and Kaal (time). The central focus is on the Jiv (soul), distinct from the body.
The Game of Karmas: The book details how the soul is affected by karmas, leading to different types of bodies and experiences. Liberation involves transcending these karmic influences through diligent effort.
Modern Challenges and Relevance: The book concludes by emphasizing Mahavir's enduring relevance in addressing modern societal issues like bias, consumerism, and the erosion of human values. It calls for a return to Mahavir's fundamental teachings to navigate contemporary challenges and achieve personal and societal well-being. Mahavir's thought is presented as a scientifically constructed edifice that demands comprehensive understanding, not piecemeal interpretation.

In essence, "The Basic Thought of Bhagavan Mahavir" provides a structured and insightful overview of Mahavir's philosophy, highlighting its profound emphasis on individual responsibility, ethical conduct, universal respect, and the path to spiritual liberation.