Lord Mahavira

This book, "Lord Mahavira" by Bool Chand, published by the Jain Cultural Research Society, aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the life, teachings, and historical context of the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.

The book begins by setting the stage in 6th century BCE India, describing it as a period of significant intellectual ferment across the globe, including India. Indian society was undergoing a transition, moving away from the simple, republican structures of the Vedic era towards a more stratified system with rigid caste distinctions and priestly dominance. The religious landscape was similarly evolving, with complex rituals and a multiplicity of gods replacing the earlier nature worship. This period also saw the rise of philosophical rationalism, with thinkers questioning established norms. Economically, India was transitioning from agriculture to cottage industries and experiencing growth in trade. Politically, new kingdoms were emerging, some of which were republican in nature.

The narrative then focuses on Mahavira's birth and early life. It introduces the concept of Tirthankaras in Jainism, revealing Mahavira as the last of the 24 Tirthankaras of the current era. The book acknowledges the historical debate surrounding the Tirthankaras but credits Professor Hermann Jacobi with establishing Mahavira's historical existence. It details Mahavira's parentage, identifying his father Siddhartha as a chieftain and his mother Trisala as the sister of Chetaka, the ruler of Vaishali. The text briefly touches upon the historicity of Tirthankara Parshva, Mahavira's predecessor, and highlights differences in their teachings, such as the number of vows and the inclusion of women in their monastic orders.

The book delves into Mahavira's period of preparation, which spanned over twelve years of ascetic life and penance. It discusses his natural inclination towards spirituality from a young age, his eventual renunciation of worldly life at the age of thirty, and the details of his rigorous ascetic practices. This section also explores the significant association Mahavira had with Gosala Mankhaliputra, the founder of the Ajivika sect, noting their initial companionship and eventual divergence of paths and philosophies. The text details Mahavira's harsh experiences during his wanderings, including persecution and indifference from people, and his adherence to a strict code of penances, self-restraint, and meditation.

The chapter on Enlightenment describes Mahavira's attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience) under a Sala tree near Jrimbhikagrama. It explains the Jain theory of knowledge, differentiating between various types of jnana and their obscuration by karma. The book highlights Mahavira's possession of different levels of knowledge from childhood and his eventual attainment of perfect, all-encompassing knowledge. It emphasizes that Mahavira's enlightenment led him to become a Tirthankara, a spiritual guide who establishes a "ford" (Tirtha) across the cycle of birth and death.

The Enunciation of the Truth section focuses on Mahavira's teachings, which were compiled into the Angas. It discusses the structure and loss of the original Purvas, the compilation of the canon, and the differences between Svetambara and Digambara traditions. Mahavira's view of the world is presented as gloomy, characterized by suffering and the consequences of actions (karma). His teachings emphasized Kriyavada (actionism) and personal responsibility for one's destiny, contrasting with fatalism and other prevailing philosophies. The fundamental truths of Jainism are outlined, including the categories of Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Papa (demerit), Asrava (influx of karma), Samvara (stoppage of karma), Bandha (bondage), Nirjara (shedding of karma), and Moksha (liberation).

The chapter on System of Ethics portrays Jainism primarily as an ethical system, emphasizing a rigorous discipline for both ascetics and householders. The core principles of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct are explained, with a particular focus on the five great vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, Aparigraha) and their comprehensive interpretation, especially Ahimsa. The text highlights the importance of mental purification, meditation, and the practice of ten dharmas. It delves into the four Kashayas (anger, conceit, deceit, greed) and their different degrees of intensity, and the resultant impact on one's spiritual progress. The book also clarifies Jainism's rejection of a creator God, defining God as the ideal man or a liberated soul, and emphasizes individual responsibility for one's actions.

Jain Atheism is discussed, clarifying that while Jainism rejects a creator deity, it does believe in the concept of godhead as embodied in perfected souls. The argument against a creator God is presented, emphasizing the world's explanation through the law of Karma.

The section on the Propagation of the Doctrine details Mahavira's thirty years of missionary work, his travels, and his significant conversions, including the eleven learned Brahman teachers who became his chief disciples (Ganadharas). It highlights the establishment of the four orders of the Jain Sangha (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) and Mahavira's organizational genius, which provided Jainism with a strong foundation among the laity. The influence of Mahavira's teachings at royal courts in Magadha, Videha, Vatsa, Avanti, and Anga is discussed, noting his connections through his maternal family. The book also presents a map of Mahavira's travels and lists prominent followers.

Finally, the Conclusion summarizes Mahavira's life as a pursuit of truth and enlightenment, his remarkable organizational skills in establishing the Sangha, and his teachings that emphasized spiritual democracy, equality, and individual responsibility. It highlights Jainism's rational outlook, its commitment to non-violence (Ahimsa), and its enduring influence on Indian culture. The book acknowledges the ongoing research into Jainism's antiquity and its distinctiveness within the broader context of Indian religious thought. It also briefly touches upon the rival sects, including the Buddhists, Ajivikas, and Brahmanic schools, and the internal schisms (Nihnavas) that the Jain community faced.