Mahavir Jayanti

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Mahavir Jayanti:

The text, "Mahavir Jayanti" by Darbarilal Kothiya, celebrates the birth of Lord Mahavir, which occurred 2554 years ago on the pleasant day of Chaitra Sud 13. It emphasizes that Lord Mahavir was a human who attained divinity through his exceptional spiritual prowess, not through mere miracles. While he displayed extraordinary knowledge and strength, evidenced by events like imparting knowledge to ascetics, subduing a venomous snake, and remaining detached from worldly desires, his true greatness, or "Mahavir-hood," lies in his victory over inner vices and weaknesses.

The author highlights that Mahavir first conquered himself before attempting to rule others. He mastered all human frailties and imperfections. The text points out the common human tendency to find it easy to preach but difficult to practice. Mahavir, conversely, embodied his teachings first, achieving self-confidence, self-knowledge, and self-control before guiding others.

His rigorous spiritual practice spanned twelve years of intense austerity, driven by the unwavering resolve to either attain his goal or abandon his physical body. This dedication led to his complete success, achieving the status of a Tirthankar, like Parshvanath and others before him. Crucially, Mahavir navigated immense adversities and conflicts of his time with the serenity of the ocean, the steadfastness of Mount Meru, the detachment of the sky, and the illuminating impartiality of the sun. This approach allowed him to effectively counter and outshine other contemporary religious leaders such as Makkhali Goshalak, Ajit Keshmblin, and Sanjaya Vairaputra, whose influence waned over time.

The text also draws parallels with the Buddhist scriptures, specifically the Majjhima Nikaya, where dialogues between Ananda and the Buddha reveal the Buddha's curiosity about Mahavir (referred to as Nigganthnataputta). In one instance, the Buddha sent Ananda to observe Mahavir, who was found in deep meditation on a high, exposed rock. Impressed by this intense penance, the Buddha acknowledged Mahavir as a "long-term ascetic."

In another significant interaction, while Mahavir was seated on Vipulgiri after attaining omniscience and dispensing spiritual wisdom to all beings, the Buddha was on the nearby Gridhrakuta hill. The Buddha inquired if women were present in Mahavir's assembly. Ananda discovered that Mahavir's congregation had more women than men, including both lay followers (shravikas) and nuns (bhikshunis), who actively listened to his teachings and accompanied him. Upon hearing this, the Buddha, momentarily astonished, declared Mahavir to be omniscient and decided to admit women into his own monastic order. The text asserts that these episodes demonstrate Mahavir's profound influence even on a prominent contemporary figure like the Buddha.

The author concludes by stating that the conqueror of inner vices holds a superior position to the conqueror of external enemies. Such a person unlocks immeasurable inner strength, knowledge, and joy, a source that Mahavir also attained. He propagated his principles for the benefit of humanity, with Ahimsa (non-violence) and Syadvada (the doctrine of manifold aspects or conditional predication) being his two most significant teachings. Ahimsa was presented as the purifier of conduct, while Syadvada was the purifier of thought. The text explains that the greater the purity of one's conduct and thought, the closer they move from the self towards the soul and ultimately towards the divine, potentially becoming divine themselves. For those who cannot reach such spiritual heights, Mahavir advised them to remain as lay followers (shravakas), perform their duties with justice and morality, and strive for their own happiness and the happiness of others.