Mahavir Charitra - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Mahavir Charitra" by Motilal Hirachand Gandhi, based on the provided pages.

The provided text is an introduction and the initial chapters of a book detailing the life of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankar of Jainism. The book aims to present Mahavir's life and teachings in a way that is accessible and beneficial to all readers, not just followers of Jainism.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and content:

Overall Purpose and Tone:

Elevating the Reader: The introduction emphasizes that reading Mahavir's biography is not just about recounting historical events, but about understanding a path to eternal happiness and liberation from suffering. It acknowledges that while ordinary lives are filled with mundane struggles, Mahavir's life offers a higher perspective.
Spiritual Guidance: The book is presented as a religious scripture, offering guidance to those seeking lasting freedom and permanent happiness.
Historical and Philosophical Depth: The author (or those providing the preface) makes a strong case for the importance of studying Jainism. It delves into the historical context of Jainism, its relationship with other Indian religions, and the philosophical underpinnings of its teachings, particularly in relation to concepts like karma, reincarnation, and spiritual liberation.

Key Themes and Discussions:

The Nature of Mahavir's Biography:
- It distinguishes Mahavir's biography from that of ordinary great men, historical figures like Shivaji or Napoleon, and even divine avatars like Rama and Krishna. While the latter figures' lives involve extraordinary events comprehensible to common understanding, Mahavir's life represents the pinnacle of spiritual attainment, which is beyond ordinary intellectual grasp.
- The book suggests that Mahavir's life should be read with a different perspective, focusing on the spiritual liberation he achieved rather than seeking relatable, everyday experiences.
Jainism's Place in Indian Culture and History:
- The text highlights India's deep spiritual inclination, where the pursuit of otherworldly happiness has always been paramount.
- It discusses the proliferation of religions in India, with Hinduism being considered the "motherland of religions."
- Indian Identity and Dharma: A significant portion is dedicated to establishing "Dharma" as the defining characteristic of Indian national life, more so than economics in other nations.
- Historical Challenges: The author acknowledges the difficulty of writing a purely historical account of Indian religions due to the reliance on oral traditions, later accounts, and legends, which are prone to inconsistencies and potential fabrication.
- Ancient Indian Civilization: The text touches upon the origins of Indian civilization, the evolution of Aryan culture, and the potential influence of non-Aryan cultures, suggesting that Jainism might have roots in these earlier, indigenous traditions.
- The Concept of Tirthankaras: The book extensively explains the concept of Tirthankaras, who are spiritual leaders and guides who show the path to liberation. It details the rigorous preparations and virtues (like the sixteen key emotions or bhavanas) required to become a Tirthankara.
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa is presented as a central tenet of Jainism, but the text acknowledges that its interpretation and application have been misunderstood or misrepresented, leading to criticisms of impracticality or national weakness. It vigorously defends Ahimsa as a source of spiritual strength and a practical guide for living, not a cause of national decline. The text argues that historical periods of Jain influence coincided with prosperity and strength, and that national weakness stems from other factors.
- Comparison with Buddhism: The text draws parallels and distinctions between Mahavir and Buddha, noting their contemporaneous existence and the influence Jainism may have had on Buddhism. It discusses the similarities in their teachings and the eventual divergence of their paths.
- Debates on Dating: The book engages in discussions about the chronological placement of Mahavir and Buddha, referencing various historical calculations and scholarly opinions.
- Birthplace and Traditions: It identifies Kundalpur, near Vaishali, as Mahavir's birthplace, and discusses the genealogical lineage of Mahavir and his contemporaries.
Mahavir's Life and Teachings:
- Pre-Ascetic Life: The text describes Mahavir's birth into a royal family, his virtuous upbringing, and the events that led to his renunciation.
- Ascetic Practices: It details his rigorous penance, the hardships he endured, and the spiritual disciplines he undertook for twelve years.
- Kevala Jnana (Omniscience): The attainment of omniscience after severe austerities is a crucial event discussed.
- The Jain Dharma (Governance): The establishment of the Jain spiritual order (Sangha) with its eleven Ganadharas (chief disciples) and the principles of Jain governance are outlined.
- Core Philosophical Principles: The summary touches upon fundamental Jain philosophical concepts like the six substances (dravyas), the nine fundamental realities (tattvas), the doctrine of karma, the causes of bondage (asrava), the path to liberation (moksha), and the concept of soul-matter interaction. It explains the importance of the three jewels (Samyak Darshan, Samyak Jnana, Samyak Charitra) and the fourteen stages of spiritual development (gunasthanas).
- Syadvada and Anekantavada: The text highlights the unique Jain epistemological principles of Syadvada (conditional predication) and Anekantavada (non-absolutism), emphasizing their role in understanding reality from multiple perspectives and avoiding dogmatism.
- The Nirvana of Mahavir: The text culminates with the description of Mahavir's final liberation (Nirvana) at Pavapuri, and the profound impact of this event.

Structure of the Book (indicated by chapter titles):

Chapter 1: Tirthankar Mahatmya (Glory of the Tirthankaras)
Chapter 2: Jain Dharma ka Prachintva (Antiquity of Jain Dharma)
Chapter 3: Mahavir Purvakal (Pre-Mahavir Period)
Chapter 4: Mahavir Samakal (Mahavir's Contemporaries)
Chapter 5: Janmasthan va Varsh Nirnay (Birthplace and Year Determination)
Chapter 6: Veer Janma Kalyanaka (The Auspicious Birth of Mahavir)
Chapter 7: Diksha Grahan va Kevala Jnana Prapti (Taking Renunciation and Attaining Omniscience)
Chapter 8: Mahavir Shasan (The Teachings of Mahavir)
Chapter 9: Ekadash Ganadhar va Kshatra Shishyagan (The Eleven Ganadharas and Kshatriya Disciples)
Chapter 10: Bhagwan Mahavir va Mahatma Buddha (Lord Mahavir and Mahatma Buddha)
Chapter 11: Mahavir Nirvana Kalyanaka (The Auspicious Nirvana of Mahavir)
Chapter 12: Mahavir Pashchatkal (Post-Mahavir Period)
Chapter 13: Upasanhara (Conclusion)

The summary also includes discussions on the historical context of Mahavir's time, the social and religious conditions of India, and the debates surrounding the exact dating of Mahavir's life. The author also addresses common misconceptions about Jainism and its core principles, particularly Ahimsa. The text is written with a strong commitment to presenting Jain philosophy and history accurately and respectfully.