Bhagwan Mahavir

This document provides a summary of the Jain text titled "Bhagwan Mahavir" by Chandraraj Bhandari. The book appears to be a comprehensive biography of Lord Mahavir, covering his life and teachings from historical, mythological, and psychological perspectives.

Here's a breakdown of the content based on the provided pages:

Overall Theme: The book aims to present a complete and universally accessible account of Lord Mahavir's life, transcending sectarian divides within Jainism. It emphasizes Mahavir's profound sacrifice, disciplined lifestyle, divine teachings, and his message of universal welfare.

Key Sections and Content:

• Foreword/Praise (Page 3): This section contains a recommendation from Jain muni Shri Nyayavijayji, who praises the author's effort in presenting Mahavir's life in a complete manner, drawing from numerous texts and employing historical and scientific methods. The muni acknowledges the potential for minor inaccuracies but emphasizes the book's overall value for all Jain sects and hopes it will contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of Mahavir's life.
• Introduction (Pages 5-8):
  • The author emphasizes the importance of studying the lives of great souls for the welfare of humanity.
  • He highlights the challenges faced in writing about Mahavir due to sectarian interpretations (e.g., Digambara vs. Shvetambara views on celibacy).
  • The author states his intention to write a book that is inclusive and beneficial for both Jains and non-Jains, accepting the reality that Mahavir belongs to the entire world.
  • He asserts that Mahavir's significance lies not in his marital status or birth but in his "unbroken renunciation, severe restraint, elevated character, and universal generosity."
  • The book acknowledges assistance from approximately 55 sources, including Jain scriptures, Buddhist texts, and historical works.
• Historical Section (Pages 13-338): This is the most extensive part of the book, delving into the socio-political and religious context of Mahavir's time.
  • Chapter 1: India at that Time (Pages 21-38): Describes the political landscape with four major kingdoms (Magadh, Koshal, Vatsa, Avanti) and twelve other smaller states, as well as eleven republican states. It touches upon the economic and social conditions, the decline of the Varnashrama Dharma, and the prevailing corruption.
  • Chapter 2: Rise of Buddhism (Pages 52-54): Briefly introduces Lord Buddha, his life, and the spread of Buddhism, noting its liberal approach compared to early Jainism.
  • Chapter 3: The Ajivika Sect (Pages 55-60): Discusses the Ajivika sect, its founder Gosala, and his philosophical differences with Mahavir, particularly the concept of "Niyati Vada" (determinism). It also touches upon the portrayal of Gosala in Jain texts and mentions that the Ajivika sect was influential during Buddha and Mahavir's time.
  • Chapter 4: Other Sects of that Time (Pages 61-66): Mentions other philosophical schools prevalent at the time, including proponents of materialism and agnosticism (Sanjaya Vetaliputta). It discusses the similarities between these views and those found in Buddhist texts. Dr. Hermann Jacobi's theory connecting Sanjaya's agnosticism to Mahavir's "Syadvada" is mentioned.
  • Chapter 5: Were Jainism and Buddhism Revolutions Against Brahmanism? (Pages 66-67): Argues that Jainism and Buddhism can be considered religious revolutions against the prevailing Vedic practices and social injustices of the time.
  • Chapter 6: Conflict Between Jainism and Buddhism (Pages 68-71): Details the historical animosity and criticisms between Jain and Buddhist texts, citing examples of derogatory portrayals of each other's founders and beliefs.
  • Chapter 7: Was Mahavir the Original Founder of Jainism? (Pages 72-81): Discusses the scholarly debate on Mahavir's role in Jainism. While some earlier Western scholars believed Jainism was a later offshoot of Buddhism, modern scholarship, including that of Dr. Jacobi, establishes Jainism as an independent and ancient religion. It highlights the historical evidence for Parshvanath as an earlier proponent and suggests Mahavir was a reformer of the existing Jain tradition.
  • Chapter 8: Chronological Determination of Lord Mahavir (Pages 83-96): Addresses the complex issue of Mahavir's timeline, discussing the traditional Jain date of 527 BCE for his Nirvana and comparing it with Buddhist timelines and historical research. It explores theories, including those by Dr. Jacobi, regarding discrepancies and potential dating issues. It also touches upon Mahavir's birthplace and family lineage.
  • Subsequent Chapters (Pages 97 onwards): The historical section continues to cover various aspects like Mahavir's parents, his birth, early life, spiritual journey, attainment of Kevala Jnana, his teachings, disciples, and eventual Nirvana. It also includes detailed discussions on:
    • Psychological Section (Pages 108-119): Analyzes Mahavir's childhood, youth, and the psychological factors contributing to his spiritual journey.
    • Mythological Section (Pages 197-288): Delves into Mahavir's previous births (Puruva-bhava) and the mythological accounts surrounding his life, including interactions with deities and significant events.
    • Philosophical Section (Pages 289-408): Explores the core philosophical tenets of Jainism, including:
      • Ahimsa (Non-violence) (Pages 289-318): A detailed examination of the concept of Ahimsa in Jainism, its nuances, the distinction between gross and subtle violence, and its practical application. It addresses criticisms of Jain Ahimsa as impractical or leading to cowardice.
      • Syadvada Philosophy (Pages 318-338): Explains the Jain doctrine of "Anekantavada" (multi-sidedness) and "Syadvada" (conditional predication), which advocates for understanding truth from multiple perspectives. It discusses its logical structure and addresses criticisms, particularly from Shankaracharya.
      • Naya (Standpoints) (Pages 339-340): Discusses the different logical standpoints used to understand reality.
      • Moksha (Liberation) (Pages 341-355): Explains the Jain concept of liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
      • Spiritual Development of the Soul (Pages 356-374): Discusses the stages of spiritual evolution of the soul according to Jain philosophy, comparing it with Vedic and Buddhist concepts. It highlights the "Gunasthanas" (stages of spiritual development).
      • Jain Scriptures on Physical Development (Pages 375-380): Briefly touches upon how Jain scriptures might describe physical development or the cosmic order.
      • Duties of a Householder (Pages 381-397): Details the twelve vows and ethical duties prescribed for Jain householders (Shravakas). It also discusses the prohibition of night meals from religious and health perspectives.
      • Jainism's Place in Comparative Religious Studies (Pages 391-408): Compares Jainism with other religions, particularly Brahmanism and Buddhism, and discusses its unique contributions and ancient origins. It highlights the rationality of Jain cosmology and its philosophical depth.
      • Jainism's Universality (Pages 403-413): Argues for Jainism's potential for global acceptance based on its principles of social harmony, individual spiritual upliftment, and its rational approach to deity and ethics.
• Appendix Section (Pages 411-488):
  • Brief Biography of Lord Mahavir (Pages 411-418): Summarizes Mahavir's life, emphasizing his exemplary character and the challenges faced by the Jain community in modern times due to internal conflicts and deviations from original teachings.
  • Opinions of Non-Jain Scholars (Pages 445-463): Presents favorable views on Jainism and Mahavir from prominent scholars of various backgrounds, including Indians and Westerners, highlighting the universality and depth of Jain philosophy and ethics.
  • Biographical Sketch of Seth Chandmalji (Pages 465-484): This section provides a detailed account of Seth Chandmalji, a prominent Jain philanthropist and community leader from Riyan, Marwar. It recounts his family history, business acumen, philanthropic activities, social contributions, and honors received from both princely states and the British government, illustrating the enduring legacy of Jain patrons.

Overall Impression:

The book "Bhagwan Mahavir" by Chandraraj Bhandari appears to be a scholarly and earnest attempt to present a comprehensive, well-researched, and accessible biography of Lord Mahavir. It aims to provide a balanced perspective, addressing historical context, philosophical depths, and the practical application of Jain principles. The author's dedication to presenting Mahavir's message in a universal light, free from sectarian bias, is evident throughout the text. The inclusion of opinions from various scholars and detailed historical accounts adds significant weight to its claims. The appendix, with its focus on a prominent Jain patron, further contextualizes the Jain community's historical and social impact.