Mahavir Ke Siddhanto Ka Danik Jivan Me Upayog

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mahavir ke Siddhanto ka Danik Jivan me Upayog" by Narendra Bhanavat, focusing on the practical application of Lord Mahavir's principles in daily life:

The text argues that Lord Mahavir's principles are often perceived as rigid and complex, making their application in modern life difficult. However, the author asserts that this perception stems from a lack of understanding, as we tend to view these principles through a philosophical lens rather than in the context of practical, everyday living.

Lord Mahavir, after years of rigorous penance and meditation, deeply understood the truths of life and nature. He realized that all beings possess self-consciousness, the capacity to experience happiness and sorrow according to their potential, and the inherent ability to awaken their dormant powers and achieve ultimate spiritual development. He emphasized humanity's superiority due to its potential for self-control and spiritual practice. Mahavir believed humans could destroy the seeds of attachment and aversion (karma) and attain a state of equanimity. He placed human potential and effort at the center of spiritual practice, dispelling the notion of dependence on deities.

The author laments that despite the passage of over 2500 years since Mahavir, humanity remains entangled in superstitions, fatalistic beliefs, rituals, and the allure of the unknown. This indicates a disconnect from Mahavir's consciousness, which was rooted in his thoughts, words, and actions. Instead, we are drawn to the very obstacles Mahavir identified as hindering self-realization. This deviation from his path, the author suggests, prevents us from reaching our true destination.

Mahavir's life is compared to the vast, profound, and peaceful ocean, filled with the pearls of self-qualities. In contrast, our lives are likened to the turbulent surface waves, characterized by constant agitation and excitement. Mahavir dedicated his life to eternal values like renunciation, love, compassion, kindness, friendship, and truth. Our lives, however, are driven by fleeting market values, fluctuating like stock prices in the pursuit of worldly pleasures. Mahavir's life was guided by inner sincerity, while ours is mechanical. He dwelled in pure consciousness and philosophical contemplation, whereas we are lost in sensory indulgence and mental distractions. This disconnect explains why we intellectually support Mahavir's principles, praise them verbally, but fail to integrate them into our actions and daily lives. This gap between principles and practice is identified as the greatest tragedy of modern civilization.

Mahavir did not merely theorize; his principles were the embodiment of his lived experiences and actions. While we can easily draw inspiration from his experiences, our attraction to sensory objects, attachment to vices like anger, pride, deceit, and greed, our tendency to look down upon others, and our crooked mental states act as significant barriers. To emulate Mahavir's character, we need purity of life and simplicity of mind.

True adherence to Dharma (righteous conduct) is possible only with purity of consciousness and simplicity. The author points out the pervasive impurity in all aspects of life, from food to social interactions. Ironically, even elements considered purifying by nature, like land, water, and vegetation, are becoming polluted due to insatiable greed and the ruthless exploitation of nature. The author argues that by controlling our desires, avoiding excessive accumulation, and refraining from exploiting others for momentary pleasure, we can maintain the purity of our consciousness. Purity, the text states, leads to health and independence. Those who are impure are unhealthy, stressed, frustrated, hopeless, and feel lifeless even while alive. Mahavir's revolution was against this inertia, advocating for constant awareness. He taught that one who is mindful and cautious in all activities – eating, sleeping, walking, and sitting – remains pure and healthy.

The path Mahavir indicated for this awakening is Ahimsa (non-violence), Sanyam (self-control), and Tap (penance).

• Ahimsa means not causing suffering to any being through thought, word, or deed. It also involves actively helping those who are suffering, connecting with them through love, compassion, and friendship, protecting them in times of crisis, and removing obstacles to their freedom.
• Sanyam encompasses purity of mind, speech, and action; judicious use of resources to fulfill needs; dedicating one's earnings for societal and public welfare; and controlling one's inclinations through self-discipline.
• Tap means enduring the fire of righteous conduct to destroy mental impurities, practicing patience in difficulties, developing resilience, and accepting hardship. It also involves dedicating oneself to the welfare of the world without selfish motives and realizing the distinction between the body and the soul to dwell in equanimity.

The author reiterates that our intellect is dominated by materialistic desires and indulgence, leading us to live even daytime as if it were night. We fail to internalize Mahavir's teachings and instead seek to control and dominate other living beings, infringing upon their freedom and interfering in their happiness and sorrow. This is not the true bravery of Mahavir, but rather animalistic brutality and cruelty. True bravery emerges when we cultivate a faithful, strong, bright, pure, and detached mind. Mahavir's life and teachings are a testament to this path.

To enter this path of Ahimsa, Sanyam, and Tap, Mahavir presented four gateways: Dharma (righteousness), Nirlobhta (non-greed), Saralta (simplicity), and Namrata (humility). The author urges readers to learn the art of passing through these gateways in their daily lives to pacify their anger, disputes, and conflicts. When facing any situation, one should analyze it from multiple perspectives and consider the consequences. This practice, the text suggests, will gradually reduce anger and foster compassion and forgiveness. When faced with crookedness or negativity, one should lighten their mind and embrace simplicity. Cultivating non-greed and detachment, and recognizing the impermanence of the present moment and the ever-changing nature of reality, will lead to a state of equanimity and freedom from stress.

Finally, the author emphasizes the futility of unfulfilled desires, stating that unquenched desires lead to a degraded state.

In essence, the text is a powerful call to action, urging individuals to move beyond intellectual appreciation of Mahavir's teachings and actively integrate principles like purity, simplicity, non-violence, self-control, and detachment into their daily lives to achieve true inner peace and liberation.