Contribution Of Mahavir To Indian Culture - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Contribution of Mahavir to Indian Culture" by Kailashchandra Jain, based on the given pages:

This excerpt from "Contribution of Mahavir to Indian Culture" by Kailashchandra Jain highlights the profound and lasting impact of Mahavir, a 6th-century B.C. religious leader, on Indian civilization. Mahavir is described as a paramount figure who significantly shaped Indian culture through his teachings and the establishment of Jainism.

The text identifies several key contributions:

Ahimsa (Non-Violence): Mahavir's most significant contribution is the doctrine of ahimsa, or non-violence, in thought, word, and deed. This doctrine was a direct response to the pervasive animal slaughter and injury to living beings prevalent in society, including religious sacrifices. The practice of ahimsa led to a widespread vegetarian diet and influenced philanthropic acts and institutions aimed at protecting animals. This principle was instrumental in Jainism's appeal to the masses.
Caste and Creed Equality: Mahavir rejected the distinctions of caste and creed, asserting that salvation is a birthright accessible to everyone through righteous conduct. He emphasized that one's status (Brahmana, Kshatriya, etc.) is determined by actions (karma), not birth. His religion attracted followers from all social strata, including kings, queens, ministers, wealthy merchants, and even the downtrodden, demonstrating his inclusive approach.
Inclusion of Women: Mahavir notably admitted women into his monastic order, granting them equal opportunities to practice the principles of religion and philosophy. Some women achieved distinction as teachers and preachers, with individuals like Ajita Chaudana and Jayanti exemplify this openness.
Strict Monastic Discipline: Mahavir established a rigorous disciplinary framework for the Jaina monastic order, outlining detailed rules for ascetics' conduct, including begging, walking, speech, and daily activities. These rules aimed to prevent worldly disputes and ensure monks served as ideal role models and guides for society.
Democratic Organization of the Community: Drawing from his background in a republican environment, Mahavir organized his community on democratic principles. He established four orders: monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen. He integrated the laity into the monastic order by allowing householders to observe five lesser vows (anuvrata), fostering a close connection between the monastic and lay followers. This organizational structure is credited with enabling Jainism to endure in India while Buddhism declined.
The Doctrine of Nirvana: Mahavir taught that the ultimate goal is Nirvana, characterized by peace and infinite bliss. This state is achieved by annihilating past karma through austerities and preventing new karma influx through self-restraint (Samvara) in body, speech, and mind. He stressed the interconnectedness of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct as the path to perfection.
The Theory of Karma: Mahavir's doctrine of karma posits that actions, both intentional and unintentional, shape an individual's destiny. He asserted that caste and birth are secondary to karma, and future happiness depends on its destruction. This theory highlights individual free will and responsibility for one's experiences of pleasure and pain.
The Doctrine of Naya (Syadvada): In contrast to agnosticism, Mahavir propounded the doctrine of Naya, which evolved into Syadvada (the theory of manifold aspects). This doctrine emphasizes understanding phenomena from multiple perspectives, offering seven potential alternatives for a decisive conclusion. Naya served as a means to avoid rigid dogmatism and insensitivity, promoting tolerance and mutual appreciation among different religious sects. This attitude of tolerance is a key factor in Jainism's survival.
Aparigraha (Freedom from Possession): Mahavir advocated for aparigraha, the doctrine of non-possession and detachment from worldly possessions and desires. This practice leads to contentment and indifference to sensory experiences, fostering a healthy societal atmosphere where individuals prioritize the welfare of all beings over personal wealth and power.
Vow of Chastity: Mahavir elevated chastity to a distinct vow, recognizing its importance in preventing moral decay within the monastic order. This vow involves abstaining from sexual pleasure and controlling thoughts, actions, and desires related to it.
Use of Vernacular Language: A significant contribution was Mahavir's decision to preach his doctrines in the common language of the people, Ardha Magadhi. This not only made his teachings accessible but also elevated Ardha Magadhi to a literary language. The canonical texts were originally composed in this dialect.

In essence, the text portrays Mahavir as a transformative figure whose philosophical insights and practical teachings on non-violence, social equality, disciplined spiritual practice, and intellectual tolerance deeply enriched Indian culture and laid the foundation for the enduring legacy of Jainism.