Lord Mahavira Vol 01

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Lord Mahavira Vol. 01" based on the provided text:

Overview:

"Lord Mahavira Vol. 01," edited by S.C. Rampuria and published by Jain Vishva Bharati Institute, is the first volume of a three-volume compilation dedicated to the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira. Published on the occasion of his 2600th birth anniversary, it features contributions from various eminent scholars, both Indian and international, offering diverse perspectives on this pivotal figure in Jainism. The preface highlights Mahavira's message of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), celibacy (brahmacharya), and non-possession (aparigraha) as foundational to Jainism's humanistic and tolerant approach. It also acknowledges the immense responsibility of compiling such a work and expresses gratitude to the many scholars, some of whom are no longer alive, whose writings are included.

Key Themes and Content:

The book delves into various aspects of Lord Mahavira and Jainism, encompassing his life, teachings, the historical context of his era, and the philosophical underpinnings of the religion. The contributions can be broadly categorized as follows:

1. Life of Lord Mahavira:

• Biographical Accounts: Several articles, most notably "Vardhamana Initiated Himself As A Monk" by Hermann Jacobi and "The Life of Mahâvîra" by K.V. Mardia, provide detailed accounts of Mahavira's birth, his royal upbringing, his renunciation of worldly comforts, his extensive ascetic practices for twelve years, and his eventual attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience).
• Genealogy and Family: The text touches upon Mahavira's parents, Siddhartha and Trisala, and his family lineage. It also discusses the Svetambara and Digambara traditions regarding his birth and family life, including the significant narrative of the embryo transfer.
• The Great Renunciation and Asceticism: The rigorous nature of Mahavira's twelve years of penance, including extreme fasting, neglect of his body, and enduring physical and verbal abuse without retaliation, is a recurring theme. This is exemplified in chapters like "Vardhamana Initiated Himself As A Monk" and "The Practice of the Earlier Tirthankaras."
• Enlightenment and Preaching: The book describes Mahavira's attainment of Kevala Jnana and his subsequent career as a Tirthankara, organizing the four-fold Jaina order (monks, nuns, laymen, and laywomen). His preaching assemblies, such as the samavasarana at Champa, are detailed, highlighting his ability to convey profound truths to diverse audiences.
• Post-Enlightenment Life and Death: Accounts of Mahavira's travels, his encounters with contemporaries like Makkhali Gosala, and the organization of the Jaina sangha are presented. His death (Nirvana) at the age of 72 in Pava is also noted, along with the traditional dates associated with this event.

2. Foundations of Jainism and its Predecessors:

• The Tirthankara Tradition: The concept of the twenty-four Tirthankaras, cosmic cycles (utsarpini and avasarpini), and the Tirthankaras' role as "fordmakers" or spiritual guides is extensively discussed in chapters like "Jinas and Avatars" by G. Parrinder and "The Founders of Jainism" by Jack Finegan.
• Pârsvanâtha and Earlier Tirthankaras: Several articles, particularly "On Mahavira and His Predecessors" by Hermann Jacobi, "Jainism Before Lord Mahâvîra" by Devendrakumar Shastri, and "Parsvanatha as an historical Figure and the Real Founder of Jainism" by Kailash Chand Jain, explore the historical context of Jainism, suggesting that Mahavira was a reformer of an existing tradition, likely founded by Pârsvanâtha. The differences in their teachings, such as the four vows of Pârsva (châturyâma dharma) versus the five vows of Mahavira (pañca mahavrata), are analyzed.
• Vedic and Pre-Vedic Influences: The book touches upon the potential influences of Vedic religion, Brahmanism, and even pre-Aryan cultures on the development of Jainism, as discussed in articles like "The Predecessors of Lord Mahâvîra" by N.R. Guseva and "Jainism Before Mahâvîra" by Devendrakumar Shastri. This includes examining the possible origins of concepts like vegetarianism, asceticism, and animistic beliefs.
• The Digambara and Svetambara Schism: The fundamental differences between the two major Jaina sects, particularly concerning nudity, the nature of the Jina, the role of women, and the interpretation of scriptures, are explored in depth in "Vardhamana and the Foundations of Jainism" by Padmanabh S. Jaini and "Jainism Upto the Last Victor" by S.R. Goyal.

3. Philosophical and Ethical Teachings:

• The Five Great Vows (Mahavratas): Chapters like "Thus Sayeth Lord Mahavira" by Ganesh Lalwani and "The Philosophies of the Gnyata Putra" by K.C. Lalwani elaborate on the core ethical principles of Jainism: ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), asteya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (celibacy), and aparigraha (non-possession).
• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The paramount importance of ahimsa in Jainism is stressed, with discussions on its various interpretations and applications, extending even to inanimate objects and the avoidance of mental violence.
• Karma and Rebirth: The Jain concept of karma, as the driving force behind rebirth and the cycle of suffering (samsara), and the path to liberation from it are central themes.
• The Three Jewels (Triratna): The path to salvation is described as comprising right faith (samyak darshana), right knowledge (samyak jnana), and right conduct (samyak charitra), as detailed in "Jainism Upto the Last Victor."
• Anekantavada and Syadvada: The unique Jaina philosophical principle of manifold perspectives and conditional truth-telling is discussed, highlighting its approach to reconciling seemingly contradictory viewpoints.
• The Seven Tattvas: The fundamental realities of Jaina philosophy—Jiva (soul), Ajiva (non-soul), Asrava (influx of karma), Bandha (bondage), Samvara (prevention of influx), Nirjara (annihilation of karma), and Moksha (liberation)—are outlined.
• The Pañchaparameshthins: The five revered beings—Siddha, Arhat, Acharya, Upadhyaya, and Sadhu—who represent different stages of spiritual realization and serve as ideals for followers, are presented.

4. Iconography and Practice:

• Yaksini Siddhâyikâ: The chapter "Yaksini of the Twenty-Fourth Jina" by Umakant P. Shah explores the iconography and worship of Siddhâyikâ, the attendant deity of Mahavira, detailing her various forms and symbols according to both Svetambara and Digambara traditions.
• Monastic Practices: The book provides insights into the rigorous monastic discipline, including rules about food, clothing (or lack thereof), wandering, and various forms of penance (tapas), particularly highlighting the differences between the Digambara and Svetambara practices.

Overall Significance:

"Lord Mahavira Vol. 01" serves as a foundational text for understanding Jainism, offering a rich tapestry of scholarly analyses on Mahavira's life, the philosophical bedrock of his teachings, and the historical development of the religion. It underscores the enduring relevance of Mahavira's message of compassion and non-violence in the contemporary world. The inclusion of diverse scholarly viewpoints and the detailed exploration of Jaina scriptures and traditions make this volume a valuable resource for students and scholars of religion and Indian history.