Bhagwan Mahavir

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhagwan Mahavir" by Kumarpal Desai, based on the provided pages:

This book, "Bhagwan Mahavir," by Kumarpal Desai, published by Shree Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust, is part of a series introducing Jain philosophy and figures. The series aims to present the eternal principles of Dharma, the lives of virtuous personalities, and stories that highlight humanitarian values, all in simple and fluid language for easy understanding. The book emphasizes the need to counteract the narrowing of religion into rigid rituals or its misuse for selfish purposes, aiming instead to provide a broader understanding of Dharma and philosophy. This specific volume focuses on Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism.

The Historical Context and Societal Ills: The text vividly describes the era of Lord Mahavir's birth, portraying a world steeped in suffering. It highlights a society where:

• Fatalism prevailed: People believed destiny controlled everything, negating the power of human endeavor.
• Religious practices were corrupted: Temples were centers of greed and lust, with rituals like sacrifices involving the slaughter of thousands of animals for the supposed attainment of heaven. Kings waged wars for petty desires, leading to widespread loss and orphanhood.
• Knowledge and penance were restricted: Knowledge and spiritual practices were monopolized by a select few. Lower castes and women were denied access to scriptures, with severe punishments like having molten lead poured into their ears for attempting to learn.
• Women were subjugated: Women were treated as property, with their independence unwelcome. Liberation for a woman was practically impossible without death.
• Social hierarchy was rigid: The caste system created immense disparity, with untouchables facing extreme hardship. Enmity was considered valor, and friendship was seen as weakness.

The Advent of Lord Mahavir and His Birth: In this oppressive environment, 2500 years ago, Lord Mahavir was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala in Kundagram, near Vaishali. Queen Trishala had fourteen auspicious dreams, which were interpreted by learned scholars as predicting the birth of a great soul, a spiritual leader who would guide humanity. The dreams included an elephant, a bull, a lion, Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), a garland, the moon, the sun, a flag, a pitcher, a lake, an ocean, a celestial vehicle, a mine of jewels, and a fire. These symbolized his virtues, spiritual power, and influence.

The text notes that even before his birth, there was an unusual prosperity in the land – crops flourished, cattle produced more milk, and people felt an inexplicable sense of joy. This was seen as a precursor to the divine arrival.

Early Life and Demonstrations of Strength and Compassion: From childhood, Vardhaman (Mahavir's birth name) displayed extraordinary courage and physical strength. An incident is recounted where as a young boy, he calmly removed a snake coiled around a tree trunk while other children fled in terror. Another instance describes a god testing his courage by transforming into a terrifying demon. Young Vardhaman, unfazed, fought back, demonstrating immense bravery, earning him the name "Mahavir" (Great Hero). This incident also highlighted his inherent compassion as he urged the god to be released rather than punished further, emphasizing that understanding one's error was the greatest punishment.

Renunciation and Spiritual Journey: Despite living a life of royalty, Vardhaman's thoughts were deeply philosophical. He observed the suffering caused by attachment and aversion and realized the futility of external battles. He understood that true victory lay in conquering one's inner self. At the age of 28, after the passing of his parents and with the consent of his elder brother Nandivardhana, he renounced worldly life. He lived as an ascetic for over a year, distributing all his wealth and living a life of extreme austerity. He observed the Panch Mahavratas (five great vows) – Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).

Asceticism and Trials: Lord Mahavir's spiritual journey was marked by immense hardship and extreme penance for twelve and a half years. He endured harsh conditions, faced natural elements, and encountered various beings who tested his resolve. He stayed in desolate places, crematoriums, and dense forests. A significant event was his encounter with the Yaksha Shulapani in Asthigram. The Yaksha, known for its terrifying presence, attempted to scare Mahavir, but the ascetic remained steadfast, demonstrating inner peace and equanimity. Ultimately, the Yaksha was subdued by Mahavir's spiritual strength and transformed into a benevolent being. He also faced trials from the god Sangam, who tormented him for six months with various afflictions. Despite the suffering, Mahavir's compassion remained unwavering, and he ultimately subdued Sangam with his understanding and forgiveness.

Key Teachings and Reforms:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): Mahavir placed paramount importance on non-violence in thought, word, and deed, extending it to all living beings. He advocated for a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.
• Satya (Truth): He emphasized the importance of truthfulness, not just in speech but also in thought and action, warning against the subtle forms of untruth that arise from anger, greed, fear, and jest.
• Asteya (Non-stealing): This extended beyond material possessions to abstaining from taking anything that is not freely given, even the smallest of things.
• Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): He highlighted the importance of controlling desires and passions, recognizing them as the root of suffering.
• Aparigraha (Non-possession): This involved detachment from material possessions and attachments, understanding that true happiness comes from within.
• Language and Accessibility: Mahavir preached in local languages, specifically Ardhamagadhi, making spiritual knowledge accessible to the common populace. This was a significant departure from the prevalent use of Sanskrit, which was understood only by a select few.
• Empowerment of Women: He broke societal barriers by allowing women to become ascetics, granting them spiritual freedom and equality.
• Caste Equality: He abolished the caste system, emphasizing that one's spiritual status is determined by actions (karma) and not by birth. He initiated Chandanbala, a former slave girl, as the first female ascetic.
• Equanimity and Non-attachment: His life exemplified detachment from worldly pleasures and pains, demonstrating an unwavering focus on spiritual liberation.
• The Importance of Penance (Tapas): Mahavir's own life was a testament to the power of rigorous penance in achieving spiritual purity and liberation. He undertook numerous fasts and periods of intense austerity.
• Anekaanta (Multiplicity of Viewpoints): He introduced the concept of Anekanta, advocating for understanding multiple perspectives and avoiding dogmatism, recognizing that truth is often relative.

Enlightenment (Keval Gyana): After twelve and a half years of intense asceticism, while meditating under a Sal tree by the river Juvvalika, Mahavir attained Keval Gyana (omniscience). This marked the culmination of his spiritual quest, illuminating the world with profound knowledge.

Establishment of the Jain Sangha: Post-enlightenment, Mahavir established the Chaturvidha Sangha (fourfold order) – monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. He debated prominent scholars and intellectuals of his time, convincing them of his teachings and bringing them into his fold, forming his key disciples called Ganadharas. His teachings spread throughout various regions, attracting followers from all strata of society.

Nirvana (Final Liberation): Lord Mahavir attained Nirvana at the age of 72 in Pavapuri. His departure was mourned by gods and humans alike. Even his chief disciple, Gautam Swami, initially experienced profound sorrow, which Mahavir's departure transformed into a deeper understanding of detachment and the supremacy of inner spiritual practice over outward reverence.

Legacy and Message: The book concludes by highlighting Mahavir's enduring message of self-reliance, the power of the soul, and the path to becoming a divine being (Paramatma) through righteous actions, love, and truth. His teachings continue to inspire humanity, emphasizing that the strength of the soul transcends material power. The text emphasizes that Mahavir's greatest contribution was making spiritual knowledge accessible and advocating for social reform, breaking down barriers of caste, gender, and dogma, and fostering a society based on equality, compassion, and self-effort.