Mahavir Aur Unke Siddhant - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mahavir aur Unke Siddhant" by Jagdishchandra Jain, based on the text provided:

This document, an excerpt from the "Munishri Hajarimal Smriti Granth," introduces Lord Mahavir and his core principles by situating his life and teachings within the socio-economic and religious context of ancient India, approximately 2500 years ago.

The Historical Context:

The author, Dr. Jagdishchandra Jain, sets the stage by describing the limitations of that era: restricted economic conditions, underdeveloped trade and transportation making long-distance communication difficult.
Religious practices were dominated by beliefs in various deities and the prevalence of animal sacrifice in rituals (Yajnas) for prosperity and peace in the afterlife.
The Vedic Varna system, initially useful for division of labor based on color/traits, was becoming detrimental due to changing economic and social realities, leading to increasing societal disparity.

Lord Mahavir's Early Life and Inspiration:

Mahavir, born as Vardhaman in Kundagram, Vaishali (a republic ruled by elected kings), was the son of Siddhartha, a prominent king, and Trishala, from the Lichhavi dynasty.
From childhood, Vardhaman displayed exceptional intelligence, obedience, and a compassionate nature. He was deeply affected by the suffering of others and was inherently brave and courageous, earning him the name "Mahavir" (Great Hero).
Mahavir was increasingly disturbed by the injustices and atrocities he witnessed in the world: kings engaged in war for wealth, people oppressed by taxes and rule, individuals struggling with debt, famine, and starvation, and those living lives worse than animals, like slaves. He also observed the marginalization of Shudras and the lack of rights for women.
He was disheartened by the hypocrisy and rituals prevalent in religion, driven by the caste pride of the upper classes.
These observations led to deep contemplation. Though he considered renouncing worldly life and embracing asceticism, he was initially unable to obtain permission from his family.

Mahavir's Renunciation and Austerity:

At the age of thirty, determined to work for the welfare of the world, Mahavir renounced all his worldly possessions: fine clothes, jewelry, gold, silver, precious stones, delicious food, friends, family, and relatives.
With the permission of his family, he embarked on a palanquin to the Udyan (garden) called Jatrukhand and accepted the path of an ascetic (Shraman Diksha).
Mahavir then underwent severe penance for over twelve years. He would subsist on meager, uninvited meals, often going without food for days and foregoing medical treatment when ill. He lived in abandoned houses, gardens, cremation grounds, or under trees, often standing for long periods. He endured hardship and criticism with equanimity.

Mahavir's Travels and Enlightenment:

Mahavir traveled extensively, purifying lands in Bihar and cities of Eastern Uttar Pradesh like Varanasi, Saket, Shravasti, and Kaushambi. He faced particular hardship in the Ladha region of West Bengal, inhabited by non-Aryan tribes who disdained ascetics. However, he remained steadfast in his mission.
Finally, in Jambhiyagram, by the bank of the Baluka river, while meditating, Mahavir attained enlightenment (Bodhi) and his "knowledge-eyes" (Gyana Chakshu) opened, granting him omniscience (Kevalgyana).

Mahavir's Teachings and the Jain Sangha:

Following his enlightenment, Mahavir's fame spread, attracting large crowds eager to hear his sermons, ask questions, resolve doubts, and satisfy their curiosity.
Renowned scholars of Vedic philosophy became his disciples, astonished by his wisdom and multifaceted intellect. These disciples later attained the status of Ganadharas.
Mahavir organized his followers into four main groups: monks (Sadhu), nuns (Sadhvi), laymen (Shravak), and laywomen (Shravika), establishing leaders for each to ensure the Sangha's strong organization.
His followers, known as Nirgranthas (unfettered ascetics), lived in monasteries or Upaashrayas and traveled in large groups. They would stay in one place for four months during the monsoon season and travel for the remaining eight months. This necessitated knowledge of local languages, customs, and the psychology of the common people.

Core Principles of Mahavir's Philosophy:

Ahimsa (Non-violence): Mahavir placed the greatest emphasis on Ahimsa. He taught that all beings desire peace and happiness, and therefore, no creature should be harmed. True Ahimsa, for him, involved conquering one's own passions, controlling the senses, and limiting one's activities, emphasizing constant awareness in speech, movement, sleep, and eating.
Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): Mahavir believed that even vast amounts of wealth could not satisfy human greed. He advocated for reducing one's possessions and attachments. True renunciation, he stated, is turning away from desirable objects and pleasures, even when encountered.
Rejection of a Creator God: Mahavir did not consider God to be the creator of the universe. He believed that the highest state of self-development is "Godhood" (Ishwaravastha).
Equality and Anti-casteism: Mahavir was a staunch opponent of the caste system and untouchability, emphasizing the equality of all human beings. He repeatedly addressed his disciples, stating that a true Jain or a true Brahmin is one who has conquered attachment and aversion, controls the five senses, does not lie, and works for the welfare of all beings. He asserted that one's caste (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) is determined by one's actions, not by birth.
Inclusivity: Mahavir's Nirgranth religion was accessible to all, and he actively initiated individuals from all walks of life, including the outcast, thieves, robbers, fishermen, and prostitutes, into his fold.

Mahavir's Nirvana:

After attaining omniscience, Mahavir continued to preach for thirty years. He spent his final Chaturmas in Pavapuri and attained Nirvana (liberation) on the morning of Kartik Amavasya (New Moon) in 527 BCE, at the age of 72.
The news of Mahavir's Nirvana spread rapidly. The Mallas and Lichhavis of Kashi and Kosala celebrated this occasion by lighting lamps, marking the beginning of Diwali.
The text concludes by reflecting on Mahavir's legacy, describing him as a divine being whose passing left a void, a friend to the weak. It emphasizes that his teachings continue to guide humanity and offer solutions to national problems, even in the modern age of atomic power. However, it stresses the importance of understanding and internalizing the true essence of his principles rather than merely adhering to outdated customs in his name.