Mahavir Ki Jan Jivan Ko Den

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mahavir ki Jan Jivan ko Den" by Shobhnath Pathak, focusing on the essence of Lord Mahavir's teachings and their relevance to human life:

The article "Mahavir ki Jan Jivan ko Den" (Lord Mahavir's Contribution to Public Life) by Shobhnath Pathak, published as part of the Shrimad Jayantsensuri Abhinandan Granth, emphasizes the profound and enduring impact of Lord Mahavir's five great vows (Panchavrata) on human society. The author asserts that these vows – truthfulness (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), non-stealing (Asteya), non-possession (Aparigraha), and celibacy/chastity (Brahmacharya) – are not just ancient ideals but are more crucial today than ever before.

Core Message:

Lord Mahavir's teachings offer a vital blueprint for navigating the complexities and distractions of modern life. In an era of scientific advancement and rampant materialism, his principles provide a path towards genuine satisfaction and moral upliftment, counteracting the destructive tendencies of violence, selfishness, and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures.

Analysis of Each Vow and its Relevance:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence):

  • The article begins by highlighting Ahimsa as the foundational contribution of Mahavir. It transformed an era dominated by violence, providing direction from violence to non-violence, from sin to merit, and from falsehood to truth.
  • Mahavir's call to protect the life of all beings, quoting the Acharya Sutra, states that all beings hold their lives dear, desire happiness, and aversion to suffering. He questions why humans inflict harm on others when they wouldn't want it for themselves, posing it as a societal challenge to overcome a "heart of stone."
  • The text strongly condemns the current wave of violence where innocent lives are taken with impunity, deeming it an extremely reprehensible tendency.
  • Mahavir's teaching from the Dasha Vaikalika Sutra emphasizes that the most precious thing to any living being is its life, and no one has the right to take it away. Protecting every life is presented as the greatest human duty.
  • The author stresses the urgent need for the widespread dissemination of this "Ahimsa Mahamantra" for the well-being of all beings globally, not just Indians.

• Satya (Truthfulness):

  • In the context of modern communication, where accusations and counter-accusations fuel social discord, Mahavir's principle of truth is presented as a powerful tool to counter such negativity.
  • The article quotes the Dasha Sutra which states that falsehood is condemned by all saints and has caused great destruction. Despite this, humans continue to speak lies, polluting themselves and society.
  • Mahavir taught that "Truth is God," implying that speaking the truth leads to the attainment of the divine. The national emblem of India, "Satyamev Jayate" (Truth alone triumphs), is cited as evidence of the importance of truth.
  • The author advocates for the adoption of truth as the most beneficial path for society.

• Asteya (Non-stealing):

  • Mahavir's teaching on Asteya is highlighted as crucial in addressing social inequality and developmental hindrances caused by the appropriation of others' property and resources.
  • The text quotes from the Dasha Sutra, stating that no one should take anything that belongs to another, nor inspire others to do so. This emphasizes the importance of not taking any item without the owner's permission.

• Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment):

  • The article emphasizes the virtue of non-possession, stating that attachment to possessions is the root of worldly bondage. By relinquishing attachment, one moves towards liberation.
  • Mahavir's teaching, quoted from the Uttara Sutra, suggests that those who acquire wealth through sinful means become entangled in the strong bonds of karma. Ultimately, all wealth and possessions must be left behind.
  • The author strongly advises against the tendency of accumulation, calling it fatal for both the individual and society. The true well-being of humanity is believed to be possible only by following Mahavir's ideals of non-possession.

• Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity):

  • Mahavir's emphasis on Brahmacharya is described as a paramount virtue, which he himself embodied.
  • The text quotes that Brahmacharya is the root of self-control, vows, knowledge, perception, conduct, and humility.
  • It's stated that in Jainism, internal purity is valued more than external purity. If the inner self is impure, external cleanliness is of no benefit. The focus should be on internal purification.
  • The article elaborates on the nature of the soul as a knower and perceiver, whose true form is veiled by ignorance and attachment. The desire for the liked and aversion to the disliked, driven by delusion and ignorance, distorts our perception. Therefore, becoming a "true perceiver" is essential.
  • The text concludes by stating that, according to Jain scholars, even the smallest of things should not be taken without the owner's permission. This highlights the elevated standard of conduct promoted by the vow of Brahmacharya, followed by all divine and celestial beings.

Author and Publisher Information:

• Author: Dr. Shobhnath Pathak, associated with the cultural literary institution Vanya Prakashan Bhopal.
• Publisher: Part of the Shrimad Jayantsensuri Abhinandan Granth.
• Inspiration: The article draws heavily from the teachings of Jain Acharya Shrimad Jayantsensuri.

Overall Significance:

The article powerfully argues that Lord Mahavir's five vows are not mere historical relics but are essential principles for building a peaceful, ethical, and enlightened society in the present day. His teachings offer solutions to the pervasive problems of violence, falsehood, acquisitiveness, and internal impurity that plague humanity. The author calls for the active adoption and propagation of these timeless ideals for the welfare of all.