Mahavir Siddhant Ke Updesh

The book "Mahavir Siddhant ke Updesh" (Teachings of Mahavir) by Purushottam Jain and Ravindra Jain, published by Purshottam Jain and Ravindra Jain, is a work that aims to present the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, to a Punjabi-speaking audience.

The book begins with a quote by Tilakdhar Shastri, highlighting that Lord Mahavir's principles of equal treatment for all, non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness, celibacy (Brahmacharya), renunciation (Tyaga), and detachment (Vairagya) are what made him a divine figure.

The publication is dedicated to Shri Padmachand Ji Bhandari Maharaj, who is recognized as the founder of the 25th Mahavir Nirvana Centenary Committee of Punjab. His efforts are credited with promoting Jain literature, establishing hospitals, and building Mahavir Bhawans and schools in Punjab.

The book was translated by Shri Ravindra Kumar Jain. In his preface, he humbly states that all credit for the content belongs to Upadhyay Shri Amar Muni Ji Maharaj, the original author. He expresses gratitude for the support and blessings of Shri Ratan Muni Ji Maharaj, Shri Phoolchand Ji 'Nirvaancharya' Maharaj, Pandit Tilakdhar Shastri, and his brother Shri Purshotam Das Jain, whose encouragement enabled him to undertake this work. He also thanks Shri Hira Lal Jain, Secretary of the Shri Mahavir Jain Sangha, Punjab, for his cooperation in propagating the book.

The publisher's note, by Sant Kumar Jain (General Secretary of the 25th Mahavir Nirvana Centenary Organizing Committee, Punjab), expresses happiness in presenting Lord Mahavir's biography and teachings in Punjabi. He acknowledges the permission granted by Sanmati Gyan Peeth, Agra, for the translation.

The introductory note from the author, Purshotam Jain (Dhuri), highlights the ongoing preparations for the 2500th Mahavir Nirvana festival across India and abroad. He recounts the genesis of the book, a desire to create an authentic work on Mahavir's life and teachings, which he entrusted to his brother Ravindra Jain. He also expresses gratitude to Shri Bhojraj Jain, President of the 25th Mahavir Nirvana Centenary Organizing Committee, for his generous financial support in publishing the book.

A foreword from L.M. Joshi, Reader of Buddhism at the Guru Gobind Singh Department of Religious Education, Punjabi University, Patiala, congratulates Ravindra Kumar Jain for his work. He acknowledges the originality brought into the Punjabi translation by Ravindra Ji's own understanding. Joshi notes the scarcity of Jain literature in Punjabi and welcomes any such contribution as it aids in the propagation of Jainism and the development of the Punjabi language. He also mentions that Punjabi University, Patiala, has started the study of Jain philosophy and that Ravindra Kumar Jain has donated valuable religious texts to its library.

The book is structured into several sections covering:

1. Mahavir's Life Story:
   • Household life (Gṛhastha Jīvan)
   • Ascetic life (Sādhu Jīvan)
   • Tirthankara life (Tīrthaṅkara Jīvan)
2. Mahavir's Principles (Siddhānta):
   • Freedom from Slavery: Aparigraha (Non-possession)
   • Music of the Soul: Ahimsa (Non-violence)
   • The Main Voice of Jain Philosophy: Anekānta (Multi-perspectivism)
   • Mahavir's Immortal Gift: Unity (Ekta)
   • The Fundamental Basis of Morality: Karmavada (Law of Karma)
   • A Message: Man is God (Manav hi Ishwar hai)
3. Mahavir's Teachings (Upadesh):
   • Soul (Ātmā)
   • Karmavada (Law of Karma)
   • Ahimsa (Non-violence)
   • Truth (Sach)
   • Conduct (Āchārya)
   • Aparigraha (Non-possession)
   • Vairagya (Detachment)
   • Moksha (Liberation)

The initial chapters detail the historical context of India during Mahavir's birth, describing it as an era of spiritual and moral decline, where superstition, false beliefs, and corrupt religious leaders dominated. It highlights the harsh realities of casteism, the subjugation of women, and the decay of traditional religious practices. The birth of Lord Mahavir in Kundagram, near Vaishali, is presented as a beacon of hope in this dark period.

The book then proceeds to describe Mahavir's childhood, his marriage to Yashoda, his initial household life which he conducted with dignity, and his eventual renunciation of worldly pleasures at the age of 28 after the passing of his parents. It emphasizes his profound sense of detachment and his ultimate decision to embrace asceticism, dedicating 30 years to spiritual practice.

The subsequent sections delve into his rigorous ascetic life, the hardships he endured, and the divine interventions that sought to aid him but were steadfastly refused by Mahavir, who believed in self-reliance. His compassion is illustrated through anecdotes like his interaction with a poor Brahmin and his encounter with the dangerous serpent Chandakoushik, whom he pacified and enlightened. The book also highlights Mahavir's profound forgiveness, as seen in his interaction with Sangam, a deity who tested him.

The "Tirthankara Life" section describes Mahavir's attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience) under a Sal tree near the river Rijubaluka, marking his spiritual enlightenment and his becoming an Arihant and Jin. His first sermon is presented as the dawn of a new era for humanity. The book further elaborates on his opposition to violent rituals like animal sacrifices (Yajnas), his advocacy for the eradication of casteism by emphasizing the equality of all humans regardless of birth, and his profound respect for women, establishing an independent order of nuns led by Arya Chandana. His emphasis on selfless service, living by truth, and his comprehensive philosophy of Anekantavada (multi-perspectivism) are also discussed as key contributions.

The book further elaborates on core Jain principles like Aparigraha (non-possession), emphasizing that true happiness lies in detachment from material possessions and controlling desires. It explains Ahimsa (non-violence) not just as abstaining from harm but as extending love and compassion to all living beings, advocating for "Live and Let Live." The concept of Karmavada (Law of Karma) is presented as the fundamental basis of morality and the driving force behind an individual's destiny. The book also discusses the philosophical schools of Kalavada (Time), Svabhavavada (Nature), Karmavada (Karma), Purusharthavada (Effort), and Niyativada (Fate), advocating for a synthesis of these viewpoints through Anekantavada, which seeks to understand truth from multiple perspectives. The final sections touch upon the concepts of truth, celibacy, detachment, liberation, and the ultimate goal of realizing the divine within oneself, emphasizing that "Man is God."

In essence, "Mahavir Siddhant ke Updesh" serves as a comprehensive guide to the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, offering profound insights into Jain philosophy and its relevance for achieving a virtuous and liberated life.