Mahavir Darshan - Book Summary

The provided text is the book "Mahavir Darshan" by Ramniklal Savla, published by Anandji Kalyanji Pedhi. It is intended for private and personal study only.

Here's a comprehensive summary of the text:

Overall Purpose: The book "Mahavir Darshan" aims to elucidate the teachings of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of this era, within the framework of Jain philosophy. It emphasizes the path to liberation through right faith, knowledge, and conduct, rooted in the core principles of Jainism like non-violence (Ahimsa), self-reliance, and the understanding of reality.

Key Themes and Concepts:

The Essence of Jainism and Lord Mahavir: The book presents Jainism not as a religion or sect, but as the inherent nature of reality itself. Lord Mahavir's teachings are highlighted as the path to spiritual realization and transcendence from worldly suffering. The concept of "becoming" a God rather than being born one is central, achieved by conquering internal enemies like delusion, attachment, and aversion.
The Importance of Samyak Darshan (Right Faith): The text strongly emphasizes that true religion begins with Samyak Darshan. Without understanding the true nature of the self and non-self (the soul and its properties), mere rituals, vows, or austerities are considered ineffective for liberation.
The Principle of Soul's Self-Reliance and Independence: A foundational principle discussed is the absolute independence of every entity (Dravya) in terms of its properties (Guna) and states (Paryaya). No entity can affect or be affected by another. This principle of "Kartā-Dhartā koī ja nahīṁ" (no one is the doer or controller) is repeatedly stressed, pointing to the soul's intrinsic self-sufficiency.
The Nature of Reality (Dravya, Guna, Paryaya): The text delves into the Jain metaphysical concepts of substance (Dravya), qualities (Guna), and modes (Paryaya). It explains that every substance is eternal (Dhruva) but undergoes constant change in its modes (Paryaya). The six Dravyas of Jainism are enumerated: Jiva (soul), Pudgala (matter), Dharmastikaya (medium of motion), Adharmastikaya (medium of rest), Akash (space), and Kaal (time).
The Six Samavayas and Five Causes: The book touches upon the five co-existing factors (Samavaya) that are essential for any event: self-nature, destiny, time, causality (Nimit), and effort (Purusharth). It also highlights the principle of Upadan (inherent cause) and Nimit (instrumental cause), asserting that Upadan is the primary driver of any transformation.
The Nature of Karma and Its Dissolution: The text explains that karma is not an external force but a manifestation of the soul's own states and actions. The bondage and liberation from karma are ultimately the soul's own doing. The path to liberation involves understanding the soul's true nature and disassociating from karmic impurities.
The Concept of Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa is presented as the supreme virtue and the root of all other virtues. It's not just about physical non-violence but also mental and verbal non-violence, stemming from the absence of anger, pride, deceit, and greed (Kashayas). The true definition of Ahimsa is realizing the self as distinct from the non-self, thus eliminating any intent to harm.
The Ten Virtues (Dash Lakshana Dharma): The text details the ten virtues that embody the soul's inherent nature: Forgiveness, Humility, Straightforwardness, Purity, Truthfulness, Self-control, Austerity, Non-possession, Asceticism, and Celibacy. These are not external practices but the manifestation of the soul's pure state.
The Path to Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal is Moksha, which is achieved through the consistent practice of Samyak Darshan, Samyak Gyan, and Samyak Charitra (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct). This path involves introspection, detachment from worldly possessions and desires, and the realization of the soul's true, unadulterated nature.
Detailed Explanation of Mahavir's Life and Teachings: The book traces Lord Mahavir's life journey, including his past lives (mentioning his birth as Mariachi, son of Bharat Chakravarti, and his time as a lion), his renunciation, his austere penance for twelve years, his attainment of Keval Gyan (omniscience), his teachings in the Samavasarana, and his final Nirvana.
The Philosophy of Many-sidedness (Anekānta): The concept of Anekānta is presented as a crucial aspect of Jain philosophy, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of reality and discouraging rigid, one-sided viewpoints.
The Importance of Understanding Nayas (Standpoints): The text highlights the role of Nayas (standpoints) in understanding reality, explaining the interplay between Nishchaya Naya (ultimate truth) and Vyavahar Naya (conventional truth). It emphasizes that while Vyavahar is necessary for understanding, the ultimate goal is to transcend to Nishchaya, the pure, unadulterated truth of the soul.
The Nature of Knowledge (Gyan): A significant portion is dedicated to explaining the nature of knowledge. It's described as the soul's inherent quality, capable of knowing everything without being affected by what is known. True knowledge is self-aware and transcends the senses.
Lord Mahavir's Special Message: The text concludes by highlighting Lord Mahavir's emphasis on individual freedom of thought and action. He encouraged critical inquiry and experiential validation of his teachings, warning against blind faith. His concept of "We are all equal" rather than "We are one" is noted as promoting individual liberty within unity.

Structure and Content: The book is structured thematically, covering the life of Lord Mahavir, the principles of Jainism, the path to liberation, and the philosophical underpinnings of the faith. It includes:

Explanations of core Jain concepts.
Discussions on the nature of the soul, karma, and reality.
The significance of virtues like Ahimsa and the ten virtues.
The practical steps for spiritual progress.
The importance of scripture and the role of true gurus.
The unique philosophical approach of Anekānta and Nayas.
Lord Mahavir's life story and the events leading to his enlightenment and nirvana.
The emphasis on self-reliance, inner spiritual practice, and the realization of the soul's inherent divinity.

In essence, "Mahavir Darshan" serves as a guide to understanding and internalizing the profound spiritual principles taught by Lord Mahavir, with a strong emphasis on self-effort and realizing the soul's inherent nature as the path to ultimate happiness and liberation.