Mahavir Aur Hamara Kartavya

This document is an excerpt from the book "Mahavir aur Hamara Kartavya" (Mahavir and Our Duty) by Darbarilal Kothiya. The publisher is listed as "Z_Darbarilal_Kothiya_Abhinandan_Granth_012020.pdf". The catalog link provided is for personal and private use only by JAIN EDUCATION INTERNATIONAL.

The text focuses on the teachings and legacy of Lord Mahavir, particularly emphasizing the central role of ahimsa (non-violence) in his life and enlightenment.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided pages:

Page 1:

• Lord Mahavir's Qualities and Achievements: The text begins by questioning what qualities and actions led Lord Mahavir to become a divine figure and be remembered by all. It states that his principles and teachings, as compiled by scholars, reveal these attributes.
• Ahimsa as the Foundation: The core of Mahavir's greatness is attributed to his profound establishment of ahimsa (non-violence) within himself. Through this practice, he conquered all internal vices like lust and anger. Even cruel opponents would bow before him upon seeing him, signifying his transcendence over worldly afflictions.
• Life-Building through Ahimsa: Mahavir not only built his own life through ahimsa but also guided others to build their lives through his teachings. The practice of ahimsa bestowed upon him infinite virtues like renunciation, patience, tolerance, compassion, gentleness, straightforwardness, truthfulness, contentment, celibacy, faith, and knowledge. These qualities made him popular and a leader of the people, and ultimately, a guide on the path to liberation.
• Ahimsa as a Solution to Worldly Problems: The text highlights the "naked dance of violence and inequality" prevalent in Mahavir's time and how he dispelled it with the "weapon of ahimsa," establishing peace.
• Modern Relevance of Ahimsa: It argues that the current global unrest and fear stem from the "corrupt ill-intentions of violence and domination." To establish peace and eradicate mutual fear in the world, the only infallible weapon is the adoption and practice of ahimsa.
• Critique of Force and Warfare: The idea that peace can be established by instilling fear through violent weapons is dismissed as a grave mistake. The impact of terror is always temporary. Past wars, it states, prove that they have never led to lasting peace, otherwise, one war would not have followed another.
• The Destructive Nature of Power: Those who possess power might be satisfied with the notion that they have found a formula for world peace, but violent power always leads to destruction. No one can survive by annihilating another's existence.
• Call for a Non-Violent Future: Therefore, the text urges the elimination of all violence-inducing means like atomic bombs and hydrogen bombs, advocating for the establishment of peace and fearlessness through non-violent and benevolent efforts.

Page 2:

• Our Duty to Oppose Violence: The text explicitly states that it is our duty to completely oppose violence. Everything that causes or is used for violence should be strictly opposed.

• Proactive Action for Non-Violence: To achieve this, a strong movement should be initiated both within and outside the country, and a global anti-violence organization should be established.

• Specific Actions for the Anti-Violence Organization: The document then outlines a detailed ten-point program for this organization to oppose violence:

  1. Halt the invention and use of destructive scientific means like atomic and hydrogen bombs, and promote the development and use of beneficial and protective means.
  2. Widely promote vegetarianism and the consumption of plant-based food, and prohibit meat-eating.
  3. Stop the brutal atrocities committed on animals and birds.
  4. Close down slaughterhouses. The killing of useful animals should be completely banned.
  5. Prohibit scientific experiments on animals like monkeys, dogs, and cats, asserting that every living creature in creation has the right to live.
  6. Promote the development and protection of the lives of the poor, downtrodden, disabled, and destitute.
  7. Prevent corruption in industries, trade, and financial transactions, and avoid avoidable violence.
  8. Stop animal sacrifice before deities in the name of religion.
  9. Cease the violent act of skinning live animals.
  10. Widely promote the concept of becoming moral and non-violent citizens.

• Call for a Movement: The text concludes with the belief that lovers of ahimsa will launch a strong and widespread movement in this regard.

In essence, the excerpt from "Mahavir aur Hamara Kartavya" presents Lord Mahavir as the ultimate exponent of ahimsa, whose teachings offer a timeless solution to violence and conflict. It strongly advocates for the active practice and promotion of non-violence in all aspects of life as a crucial duty for individuals and a global necessity for peace and well-being.