Lord Mahavira

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Lord Mahavira" by Dr. Bool Chand:

This book, "Lord Mahavira: A Study in Historical Perspectives" by Dr. Bool Chand, published by the Jain Cultural Research Society, aims to present a historically grounded account of Lord Mahavira and his teachings. The author acknowledges the assistance of Pandit Dalsukh Malvania and Shri Nathmal Tatia in its preparation.

The book is structured into several key sections, providing a detailed overview of Mahavira's life, teachings, and the socio-historical context in which he lived.

1. Indian Society in the 6th Century B.C.: The book begins by painting a vibrant picture of 6th century BCE India as a period of significant intellectual and social upheaval, comparable to similar movements in Greece, Persia, and China. It highlights:

• Intellectual Ferment: The era saw the rise of influential thinkers, marking a shift towards philosophical rationalism.
• Social Transition: Society was transitioning from simpler Vedic times to a more stratified system, with caste distinctions and priestly dominance causing social irritation.
• Religious Evolution: Early nature worship had evolved into complex rituals, theoretical monotheism, and superstition, leading to dissatisfaction among the populace.
• Economic Growth: Agriculture remained primary, but cottage industries, trade, and commerce saw significant growth.
• Political Landscape: New republican and tribal kingdoms were emerging, some shifting towards monarchy and territorial expansion.
• Social Conditions: Caste rigidity had increased, with Brahmins gaining influence through sacrifices. The position of women had deteriorated.
• Religion and Philosophy: This period was marked by both growing orthodoxy and significant revolt against it, with numerous philosophical schools emerging. The author details the decline of Vedic nature worship and the rise of ritualism, leading to a spiritually unsatisfying and chaotic religious environment. The Upanishadic philosophers sought an alternative through the "way of knowledge."
• Economic Conditions: The economy was shifting from pastoralism to a more complex system, with the growth of towns, guilds, specialized crafts, and increasing trade, both domestic and international. This economic individualism found resonance in Jainism and Buddhism.
• Political Conditions: The political scene was characterized by the rise of monarchies and the increasing obsolescence of democratic elements within kingdoms. Northern India was divided into sixteen states, with some powerful kingdoms like Kosala, Avanti, Vamsa, and Magadha vying for dominance. Republics also existed, such as the Sakiyas, Lichchavis, and Mallas, with their own forms of governance.

2. Mahavira's Birth and Early Life: This section focuses on establishing the historical context and identity of Mahavira.

• Tirthankara Parsva: The book introduces Tirthankara Parsva as the 23rd Tirthankara, establishing him as a historical figure. It notes the differences between Parsva's teachings and Mahavira's, particularly the addition of the vow of celibacy and the distinction between lay followers.
• The Jain Idea of Biography: The author explains that Jain biographies focus on the spiritual journey and attainment of salvation, often omitting mundane details.
• Mahavira's Biographies: The text discusses the available biographical material, noting the differing accounts between Svetambara and Digambara traditions. The earliest accounts in the Acharanga Sutra offer limited details, while later texts like the Kalpa-Sutra provide more elaborate narratives, including miraculous elements.
• Parentage and Birth: The book delves into the differing accounts of Mahavira's conception and birth, particularly the Svetambara tradition of embryo transfer and the Digambara rejection of it. It suggests Devananda might have been Mahavira's foster mother.
• Facts of Early Life: While acknowledging later embellishments, the author highlights Mahavira's likely handsome appearance, courage, intelligence, and well-connected family background. He was born into a Kshatriya clan (Jnatrikas) and his family had significant royal connections through his mother. The environment of his upbringing was described as royal, tempered by republican influences, fostering a strong sense of democracy and social responsibility.

3. Period of Preparation: This section details Mahavira's transition to asceticism.

• Mahavira's Natural Bent of Mind: The book contrasts the Svetambara view of Mahavira as always reflective with the Digambara view of him as initially living a normal household life. It discusses his marriage to Yashoda and the differing accounts regarding children.
• Renunciation: The text vividly describes Mahavira's formal renunciation of worldly bonds at the age of thirty, leaving his wealth and comforts to embrace the life of a homeless ascetic.
• The Ascetic Life: Mahavira's ascetic life lasted over twelve years. The book notes he initially wore clothes, possibly in accordance with Parsva's tradition, but later adopted nudity. His life was marked by extreme self-denial, neglect of his body, and patient endurance of suffering and insults.
• Penances: Mahavira underwent twelve years of severe penances, involving uninterrupted meditation, chastity, and meticulous observance of rules. The Acharanga Sutra describes his intense sadhana, his indifference to physical comfort, and his rigorous adherence to non-violence even towards small creatures.
• His Wanderings: The book details Mahavira's extensive travels during his ascetic period, spending time in various locations, including Asthigrama, Nalanda, Champa, and the Ladha country. These travels were marked by encounters with other ascetic groups and challenges from what Jain texts describe as "tempter-gods."
• Gosala Mankhaliputra: This section introduces Gosala, the founder of the Ajivika sect, who became Mahavira's associate for six years. Their relationship ended due to fundamental differences in their philosophical outlooks, particularly regarding fatalism (Gosala) versus self-exertion (Mahavira). The author refutes the idea that Mahavira was Gosala's disciple.

4. Enlightenment: This chapter focuses on Mahavira's spiritual attainment.

• Kevalin: After a period of intense meditation, Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience) under a Sala tree near Jrimbhikagrama. This complete and perfect knowledge meant he could perceive past, present, and future for all living beings.
• Jain Theory of Knowledge: The book explains the Jain epistemological framework, differentiating between perception (darśana) and knowledge (jnana), and outlining various types of jnana, including mati, sruta, avadhi, manahparyaya, and kevala.
• Jina: The attainment of Kevala Jnana earned Mahavira the title of Jina (conqueror), signifying his victory over karmas. The text elaborates on the Jain concept of karma as a substantive force that obstructs the soul's inherent radiance. It details the eight types of karma and their classification into Ghati (obstructive) and Aghati (non-obstructive) karmas. The fourteen stages (gunasthanas) of spiritual progress are also explained, leading to liberation.
• Tirthankara: Mahavira assumed the role of a Tirthankara, signifying his responsibility for organizing the community (Sangha) and establishing a path for others to achieve liberation. He is credited with a remarkable organizational genius, uniting ascetics and laypeople, men and women, into a structured community with clear duties and disciplines. The book highlights the significance of the lay community (Sramana-upasaka) in supporting the Sangha and enabling Jainism's survival.

5. Enunciation of the Truth: This section details Mahavira's teachings.

• Mahavira's Teachings: The book discusses the transmission of Mahavira's teachings through the Purvas and the compilation of the Jain canon (Angas). It addresses the differing views of Svetambara and Digambara traditions regarding the canon's authenticity.
• View of the World: Mahavira presented a "gloomy picture" of the world as afflicted and suffering, emphasizing the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) driven by karma.
• Kriya-vada (Doctrine of Action): Mahavira's central teaching was Kriya-vada, emphasizing individual responsibility for one's actions and their karmic consequences. He distinguished this from fatalism (Akriya-vada of Gosala) and agnosticism.
• Fundamental Truths: The core Jain philosophical tenets are presented, including the nine categories (dravyas): Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Punya (merit), Papa (demerit), Asrava (inflow of karma), Samvara (stoppage of karma inflow), Bandha (bondage by karma), Nirjara (destruction of karma), and Moksha (liberation). The text explains the nature of Jiva and Ajiva, the process of karma accumulation, and the path to liberation.
• System of Ethics: Jainism is presented as primarily an ethical system with rigorous practical discipline for both ascetics and householders. The emphasis is on Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct, with Ahimsa (non-violence) as the supreme principle, extending to thought, word, and deed, and encompassing active service.
• Jain Atheism: The book clarifies Jainism's stance on God. While rejecting a creator God, it acknowledges "godhead" in the form of liberated souls. Jainism emphasizes human potential and self-reliance in achieving spiritual perfection, with karma being the ultimate law governing the universe.

6. Propagation of the Doctrine: This part focuses on Mahavira's missionary activities.

• Conversion of the Ganadharas: The text details the conversion of eleven learned Brahmin teachers, who became Mahavira's chief disciples (Ganadharas), forming the foundation of his Sangha.
• Influence at Royal Courts: Mahavira received support from various ruling houses in Eastern India, including Magadha, Videha, Vatsa, Avanti, and Anga, largely due to his family connections through his mother and maternal uncle. His teachings gained prominence among royalty and nobility.
• Licchavis and Other Republican Clans: The book highlights the strong support Mahavira received from the Licchavis and other republican clans, noting that Vaisali was a stronghold of Jainism.
• Map of Mahavira's Travels: The author reconstructs Mahavira's extensive travels across India, identifying the places where he spent his rainy seasons and listing prominent followers.
• Mahavira's Community of Followers: The text details the Sangha's organization into four orders: monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen, emphasizing Mahavira's organizational skills and the inclusivity of his movement.
• Nirvana: Mahavira attained Nirvana at Pava at the age of 72, marking the end of his earthly existence.

7. Rival Sects: This section discusses the philosophical and religious landscape Mahavira operated within.

• Classification of Creeds: The book outlines the existence of numerous philosophical schools, categorized into Kriyavada, Akriyavada, Ajnavavada, and Vinayavada, along with their core tenets.
• Buddhists: The book notes the significant rivalry with Buddhism, with Buddhist literature offering more criticisms of Jainism than vice versa.
• Ajivikas: The Ajivikas, led by Gosala Mankhaliputra, are presented as a major rival sect, advocating extreme fatalism. The text recounts the famous encounter between Mahavira and Gosala and the ultimate demise of Gosala.
• Brahmanic Schools: The text mentions popular Brahmanical schools that did not emphasize asceticism and other philosophical systems like Sankhya and Yoga, as well as materialist philosophies.
• Nihnavas: The book describes the emergence of schisms within the Jain Sangha, detailing the doctrines of various "Nihnavas" (dissenters) and the Sangha's strength in addressing internal challenges.

Conclusion: The book concludes by summarizing Mahavira's profound impact as a spiritual leader and social reformer. It reiterates his emphasis on ethical conduct, self-reliance, and spiritual democracy, his rejection of superstitious ritualism and the caste system, and his commitment to the people's language. Mahavira's teachings are characterized by their rational outlook, their focus on the individual's responsibility, and their insistence on non-violence. The book acknowledges the ongoing research into the antiquity of Jainism and its foundational role in the broader Sramana tradition.

In essence, "Lord Mahavira" by Dr. Bool Chand provides a comprehensive historical and philosophical examination of Mahavira's life and teachings, situating them within the complex socio-religious context of 6th century BCE India and highlighting their enduring significance.