Mahavir Ki Vani Ka Mangalmay Krantikari Swaroop - Book Summary

This comprehensive summary outlines the revolutionary and auspicious nature of Lord Mahavir's teachings, as presented in the book "Mahavir ki Vani ka Mangalmay Krantikari Swaroop" by Mahavir Sharan Jain. The text emphasizes how Mahavir's philosophy, rooted in the ancient Shraman tradition, brought a significant shift to Indian thought by introducing the "Panch Mahavratas" (five great vows) and proving the efficacy of self-effort in spiritual realization.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes:

Mahavir's Philosophy as Auspicious and Revolutionary: Mahavir elevated religion to a path of auspicious practice, making it synonymous with spiritual endeavor. His life exemplified spiritual contemplation and disciplined living, serving as a mirror to the soul's self-realization through one's own efforts. It's presented as a scientific laboratory for the soul's journey to divinity, not reliant on external blessings.
Context of Mahavir's Era: The text highlights that Mahavir emerged during a time when materialistic and skeptical philosophies questioned established religious beliefs and faith. Thinkers like Puran Kassap, Makkhali Goshal, Ajit Kesakambali, Pakudha Kachchayan, and Sanjaya Belatthiputta advocated for the neglect and rejection of ethical and moral principles. This led to the rise of hedonism, inaction, and nihilism, leaving people entangled in doubt, fear, distrust, and disbelief.
Mahavir's Response to the Challenges: In this environment, Mahavir offered a path for the welfare of all beings, emphasizing self-effort and development. He introduced the Anekantavada (many-sidedness) and Syadvada (conditional predication) perspectives, enabling a comprehensive understanding of multifaceted reality and promoting principles like Aparigraha (non-possession) and Ahimsa (non-violence) in social life.
Relevance of Mahavir's Teachings Today: The text draws parallels between the challenges of Mahavir's time and contemporary issues. Modern materialism, intellectualism, and the pursuit of fleeting pleasures have created societal discord and individual mental distress. Mahavir's teachings are presented as the solution, offering a path that inspires critical thinking and addresses these problems. He attacked superficiality and ritualism, emphasizing that true liberation comes from inner purification and self-knowledge, not external acts like bathing or performing sacrifices.
Critique of Ritualism and Externalism: Mahavir strongly criticized the ritualistic practices and superstitions prevalent at his time. He exposed the falsity of animal sacrifices and declared that harming living beings is not a path to liberation. He challenged religious divisions and proclaimed that true religion resides within the soul, not in external locations. He advocated for decisions based on wisdom and right knowledge.
The Revolutionary Idea of the Self: A cornerstone of Mahavir's teachings was the revolutionary idea that the soul (Jiva) is Brahman (the ultimate reality). This insight allowed him to assert that liberation comes from self-realization and inner refinement, not from worshipping external forces. He also emphasized that mere study of scriptures is insufficient for salvation; true understanding comes from knowing the soul through the soul itself.
Broadening Perspective and Inner Development: Mahavir's message broadened individual perspectives, provided a framework for continuous intellectual engagement, and revealed the profound secrets of self-realization through self-power. He fostered compassion and a sense of belonging towards all creation, transcending the limitations of attachment and aversion.
The Need for a Scientific and Socially Relevant Philosophy: The text calls for a religion and philosophy that is scientific, can influence all beings, and guides them towards self-development. It stresses the need to integrate spiritual and material aspects of life and to interpret religious and philosophical concepts in a manner relevant to contemporary social contexts and future human consciousness.
Democracy and Equality: Mahavir's philosophy aligns with democratic principles of equality and liberty. He proclaimed the inherent freedom of all souls, asserting that while distinct, all souls are essentially equal. This mutual dependence of freedom and equality is presented as unique to his teachings, fostering social harmony and brotherhood.
Self-Reliance and the Path to Divinity: Mahavir's teachings empower individuals to achieve the highest potential through their own efforts, with each soul capable of becoming divine. He taught that the soul becomes worldly or liberated due to its own actions. While external factors can be understood in terms of bondage and liberation, the soul itself is the cause of both. It binds itself through its own karma and can achieve the highest development through self-exertion.
The Shraman Tradition and Human Dignity: The Shraman tradition, as exemplified by Mahavir, is highlighted for its emphasis on human dignity, seeing individuals as humans rather than being categorized by caste, creed, or sect. Jainism's strong support for human greatness and the democratic proclamation of the soul's freedom are emphasized.
Freedom from Attachment and the Path of Renunciation: The text discusses the spiritual path requiring detachment from all possessions, freedom from attachment and aversion, and perseverance in the face of worldly temptations. It criticizes those who exploit religion for personal gain and highlights the rare individuals who challenge hypocrisy and corruption within religious spheres.
The Essence of True Religion: Drawing upon the wisdom of saints like Namdev and Kabir, the text reiterates that true religion lies in inner purity and self-realization, not in outward show or ritual. It underscores the importance of contemplation, equanimity, and the renunciation of desires for achieving this.
The Concept of Universality and Oneness: The book explains how Mahavir's teachings lead to a state of equanimity where one recognizes oneself in all beings and understands the interconnectedness of all existence. Knowing "one" is knowing "all," and vice versa. This understanding aligns with the philosophical insights of thinkers like Shankaracharya and Kabir, albeit with the Jain distinction of an infinite number of souls.
Anekantavada and Syadvada as Tools for Truth-Seeking: The text posits that in the modern scientific and logical era, a philosophy that encourages objective truth-seeking is essential. Jainism's Anekantavada shakes individual ego and questions absolute perspectives. Syadvada, with its emphasis on "perhaps," "possibly," and "maybe," guides towards understanding the relativity of truth and reaching ultimate, absolute truth. It is presented as a scientific method of investigation.
Syadvada as a Scientific Approach: The text draws a parallel between Einstein's theory of relativity and Jainism's Anekantavada, both acknowledging that a single entity can possess contradictory qualities from different perspectives. Syadvada helps to identify these relative aspects and arrive at a definitive conclusion. It is described as a method that tests and resolves doubts, offering a scientific approach to understanding reality.

In conclusion, "Mahavir ki Vani ka Mangalmay Krantikari Swaroop" presents Lord Mahavir's teachings as a timeless and relevant philosophy that offers solutions to both individual and societal challenges. It champions self-effort, ethical living, intellectual inquiry, and compassion, paving the way for a more harmonious and liberated existence in the modern world.