Lord Mahavira Vol 03

This document is Volume III of "Lord Mahavira," edited by S.C. Rampuria, published by Jain Vishva Bharati Institute. It's a collection of scholarly articles on the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira, compiled during his 2600th Birth Centenary celebration.

The preface emphasizes the relevance of Mahavira's message of non-violence, truth, celibacy, and non-possession in today's violence-prone world. It expresses gratitude to the eminent scholars who contributed, acknowledging that many of them are no longer alive.

The book contains various articles exploring different facets of Mahavira's life and philosophy:

Key Themes and Articles:

• Mahavira's Discourses (R.B. Pandey): This article outlines the core tenets of Mahavira's philosophy, including his rejection of Vedic authority, the concept of reality as pluralistic (Jiva and Ajiva), the theory of manifoldness of reality (Anekantavada), and the ethical code of conduct centered around the Triratna (Right Knowledge, Right Faith, Right Conduct) and Panchavrata (Five Vows). It details the classification of beings based on sensory organs and the importance of non-violence (Ahimsa paramo dharma). The article also delves into Jain epistemology, including Nayavada and Syadvada, and the five types of knowledge. Excerpts from the Acaranga Sutra and Uttaradhyayana Sutra are presented to illustrate these concepts.

• The Social and Political Background of Mahavira's Teachings (Dr. N.N. Bhattacharya): This piece contextualizes Mahavira's teachings within the socio-political landscape of 6th century BCE India. It highlights the transition from tribal settlements (Janapadas) to organized states (Mahajanapadas) and the impact of warfare, particularly the destruction of the Vajjian confederacy, on the preachers of non-violence like Mahavira and Buddha. The rise of class society, accumulation of wealth, and the resulting social transformation are discussed as contributing factors to their teachings. The article also analyzes the philosophical responses of contemporaries like Gosala, Ajita, and Sanjaya to these societal changes.

• The Spirit of Mahavira's Teachings (S.S. Raghavachari): This article characterizes Jainism, as re-promulgated by Mahavira, as a "gospel of comprehension or enlargement." It highlights Anekantavada as a unique contribution to epistemology, emphasizing the recognition of all standpoints and approaches to reality. The article discusses the comprehensive view of knowledge in Jainism, encompassing sense experience, reason, and intuition. Metaphysically, it notes the rejection of one-sidedness, embracing both temporal and eternal aspects of reality, and the affirmation of matter and spirit as ontologically ultimate, with interaction through Karma. The anti-theistic stance of Jainism is explained as stemming from a scientific understanding of nature and an affirmation of human freedom. The ultimate goal of Moksha is described as self-realization through right conduct, faith, and knowledge, with a strong emphasis on Austerity (Tapas) and Non-violence (Ahimsa).

• Mahavira's Contribution (T.V. Mehta): This article focuses on Mahavira's specific contributions, particularly his introduction of Brahmacharya (Celibacy) as the fifth vow, distinct from Aparigraha (Non-possession). It explains how Parsvanatha's Chaturyama (four vows) included Aparigraha, which implicitly covered celibacy, but Mahavira's distinct emphasis was necessary due to perceived laxity. The article also discusses the organizational structure of Jainism into four orders (monks, nuns, laymen, laywomen) and the significance of Aparigraha in modern economic and social contexts, contrasting it with Western materialism.

• Fifth Vow of Vardhamana Mahavira: Its Causes (Ramchandra Jain): This piece delves into the historical and social reasons behind Mahavira's inclusion of Brahmacharya as a distinct vow. It traces the evolution of sexual relationships in Vedic society, highlighting practices of communal and regulated sex, and the moral decadence that ensued. The author argues that Mahavira's emphasis on Brahmacharya was a response to this societal moral decay and the need to purify the monastic order.

• Date of Mahavira's Nirvana (Hiralal Jain): This article discusses the discrepancies in various Jaina traditions regarding the starting point of the Vira Nirvana Samvat and its relation to the Vikrama era. It examines different accounts from Svetambara and Digambara texts and highlights the challenges in establishing a precise historical date for Mahavira's Nirvana.

• 488 B.C. as the Date of Mahavira Nirvana (H.C. Seth): Seth critically examines existing chronological traditions, particularly those of the Svetambara Jains, and argues against the commonly accepted date of 528 B.C. He analyzes the historical context of kings and dynasties mentioned in Jaina chronologies and attempts to reconcile them with Buddhist traditions, suggesting 488 B.C. as a more plausible date for Mahavira's Nirvana, which would place his death shortly before Buddha's.

• Mahavira's Contemporary Kings (K.C. Shah): This article uses the itinerary of Mahavira's post-initiation life to infer the chronology of contemporary kings. By cross-referencing with Puranic accounts and Buddhist traditions, it attempts to establish a timeline for rulers like Satanika, Udayana, Srenika (Bimbisara), Kunika (Ajatasatru), and Pradyota, ultimately suggesting a death date for Mahavira around 468 B.C.

• A Note on the Relation of Parsvanatha and Mahavira with Kalinga (A.K. Rath): This paper discusses the historical presence of Parsvanatha and Mahavira in Kalinga (modern Odisha), highlighting the early antiquity of Jainism in the region. It references Jain texts and inscriptions to trace their preachings and influence, suggesting that Kalinga was a significant stronghold of Jainism even before it became a state religion.

• Mahavira & Buddha (Kamta Prasad): This article compares the lives and teachings of Mahavira and Buddha, acknowledging them as contemporaries and supporters of the Sramana cult. It notes similarities and differences in their paths to enlightenment, their approaches to asceticism, and their organizational structures. The author also touches upon the influence of the Nirgrantha tradition on early Buddhism.

• Mahavira And The Buddha (A. Berriedale Keith): This article critically examines the debate on the chronological relationship between Mahavira and Buddha. Keith challenges Professor Jacobi's conclusions about Mahavira outliving Buddha, arguing that the dating evidence for both figures is unsatisfactory and that the Buddhist tradition placing Mahavira's death before Buddha's should not be easily dismissed.

• The Date of Mahavira (P.C. Roy Choudhari): This article reviews the prevailing dates for Mahavira's death (527 B.C. and 467 B.C.) and critiques the traditional Jaina chronology, particularly the king lists provided by Merutunga and Hemacandra. It also discusses the arguments for and against these dates, highlighting inconsistencies and the reliance on late traditions. Seth's proposed date of 488 B.C. is also examined.

• Birthplace of Lord Mahavira Re-Considered (Ram Prakash Poddar): This article re-examines the location of Mahavira's birthplace, Kundagrama, questioning the identification of Basokunda near Vaishali as the historical site. It proposes Chitri village, located further northeast of Vaishali, as a more plausible candidate for Ksatriya Kundagrama, based on linguistic and geographical considerations, as well as the presence of ancient sites and clan associations.

• A Note on Lord Mahavira's Clan (D.D. Malvania): This piece discusses the clan affiliation of Mahavira, exploring the debate between "Jnata" and "Naga." It analyzes the use of these terms in Jain and Buddhist texts, the potential for phonetic variations, and the historical significance of the Naga clan in ancient India and its connection to Jainism. The article also touches upon the classification of prominent Vamsas (dynasties) in Jain literature.

• Mahavira's Dynasty: Naga or Jnata (Acharya Tulsi - Muni Nathmal): This article, a translation from Hindi, presents the thesis that Mahavira might have belonged to the Naga clan rather than the Jñata clan. It argues that the Prakrit word "Nata" or "Naya" could have "Naga" as a correct Sanskrit form, and that the Naga clan, a non-Aryan and non-Vedic people, has a long-standing connection with Jainism.

• The Nativity of Mahavira: A Discussion (Asis Sen): This article examines the symbolic representations of Mahavira's birth, particularly the legend of dual birth and the role of the deity Naigameshi. It draws parallels with Vedic and other mythological traditions, suggesting that such legends arise from archetypal ideas within the human psyche and are often influenced by contemporary cultural contexts. The interpretation of archaeological findings at Mathura is also discussed.

• Location of the Place of Enlightenment of Lord Mahavira (Kanhaiya Lal Saraogi): This article focuses on identifying the location where Mahavira attained enlightenment (Kevala Jnana). It discusses differing accounts from Digambara and Svetambara traditions and critically evaluates previous assumptions about the location of Jrimbhikagama. The author proposes Jhanjhwa in Siwan district of Bihar as the likely site, based on the presence of a sala tree, a river resembling Rijukulya, and its geographical proximity to Pava.

• Lord Mahavira: A Revolutionary (Muni Dulaharaj): This article portrays Mahavira as a revolutionary figure who embodied love, compassion, and spiritual awakening. It highlights his life of severe penance, his confrontation with societal evils like slave trade and casteism, and his teachings on non-violence, fearlessness, self-control, and the importance of inner purity over rituals. The article emphasizes Mahavira's universalism and his emphasis on the inherent strength and potential of every individual, including women. It also touches upon his interactions with contemporary rulers and his role in reconciling diverse philosophical viewpoints.

• The Philosophical Teachings of Lord Mahavira (Elizabeth Sharpe): This piece provides a concise overview of Mahavira's philosophical doctrines, focusing on his dualistic view of reality (Jiva and Ajiva), the concept of Karma, and the classification of beings and knowledge. It explains the Jain understanding of matter, energy, time, and space, and the process of liberation through purification from karmic matter. The article suggests a strong influence of Mahavira's philosophy on the Upanishads, particularly in its dualistic aspects.

• Life of Lord Mahavira and His Teaching (Dr. K.R. Chandra): This article provides a biographical sketch of Mahavira, tracing his life from birth in a royal family to his ascetic practices and eventual attainment of Kevala Jnana. It discusses his teachings on non-violence, truth, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession, as well as his critique of fatalism and rituals. The article also touches upon the organizational structure of the Jain community and the principles of tolerance and self-restraint.

• Lord Mahavira: Message to Gautama (R.B. Pandey): This section presents a discourse from Mahavira to his disciple Gautama, emphasizing the fleeting nature of life, the importance of human birth, and the consequences of karma. It provides a detailed account of the different classifications of beings based on their sensory organs and the immense duration of their existence in various forms. The overarching message is a call for constant vigilance and careful conduct.

Overall, "Lord Mahavira Vol. III" is a comprehensive academic exploration of Lord Mahavira's life, teachings, and the historical and philosophical context in which he lived. The articles offer diverse perspectives on his profound impact on Indian thought and religion.