Mahavir Vani

The book "Mahavir Vani" compiled by Shreechand Rampuriya and published by Jain Vishva Bharati, is a collection of the teachings of Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The book aims to bring the essence of Mahavir's teachings to the general public in a simple Hindi translation.

The text begins with an introduction highlighting the significance of Mahavir's silence during his 12.5 years of ascetic practice, emphasizing that his speech only began after attaining omniscience (Keval Gyan). His teachings, conveyed through his disciples (Gandharas), formed the basis of the Jain scriptures (Agams). The compiler's intention was to make these profound truths accessible for the upliftment of lives.

The book is structured into 38 chapters covering various aspects of Jain philosophy and ethics as expounded by Lord Mahavir. The core tenets of Mahavir's teachings include:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): The principle that all living beings have an equal right to life and should not be harmed, injured, enslaved, or caused pain. It advocates for universal friendship.
• Equality: The concept that all humans are equal, irrespective of caste, creed, color, or gender. All distinctions are man-made, and no one should be considered inferior.
• Relativity of Truth and Co-existence (Anekantavada/Syadvada): Truth is multi-faceted and can be viewed from different perspectives. Therefore, harmony should be sought between opposing viewpoints, and peaceful co-existence should be maintained by abandoning one-sided perspectives.
• Self-Sovereignty: Individuals are the creators of their own destiny and possess infinite potential. They are responsible for their actions and their consequences. Liberation from bondage is achieved through self-effort.
• Soul (Atmavada): The soul is a reality, distinct from the body. It is trapped in the cycle of birth and death, which is filled with suffering. Liberation from this cycle leads to eternal happiness.
• Freedom from Passions (Kashaya-mukti): Passions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed are the root cause of karma binding the soul. These karmic particles are subtle physical substances. Freedom from these passions leads to liberation and supreme bliss.
• The Path of Sadhana: This comprises Right Knowledge (understanding the true nature of the soul), Right Faith (belief in the soul's reality), and Right Conduct (self-control, renunciation of actions driven by passions, constant awareness, equanimity in all circumstances, and self-purification through practices like meditation, study, and fasting).

The book criticizes practices like animal sacrifice in rituals, the slave system, casteism, and the denial of religious rights to women. It highlights the relevance of Mahavir's teachings in the present era for establishing:

• World peace through non-violence and disarmament.
• A social order free from exploitation and violence.
• True socialism based on the renunciation of possessions.
• Harmony between different religions, political parties, and communities through Anekantavada.
• Mental peace through the practice of equanimity and freedom from passions.

The book is a comprehensive compilation of Mahavir's universal teachings, covering topics such as:

• Praise and Reverence: The Namokar Mantra and the significance of the Five Supreme Beings (Arhant, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyaya, Sadhu).
• Teachings: Emphasizing diligence, renunciation of the world, the importance of virtue, and spiritual discipline.
• The Soul: Its nature, bondage, and liberation.
• Rare Opportunities: The rarity of human birth, acquiring spiritual knowledge, developing faith, and cultivating strength in practicing restraint.
• Dharma: The ten cardinal virtues, the path of dharma, and the importance of selfless action.
• Pleasures and Desires: The transient nature of sensual pleasures and the futility of greed, depicted through analogies like mirages.
• Humility: The importance of humility, its various forms, and its role as the root of dharma.
• Character: The contrast between good and bad conduct and the consequences thereof.
• Righteousness vs. Unrighteousness: The importance of adhering to righteous principles.
• The Path of Victory: Overcoming enemies within oneself like ego, desires, senses, and passions.
• Effort/Energy: Differentiating between the futile effort of the ignorant and the purposeful effort of the wise.
• Causes of Suffering: Identifying desire, sensual objects, and passions as the roots of suffering.
• Illustrative Stories: Narratives like that of Elaka, the donkey, and the merchant illustrate moral principles.
• Samadhi (Meditation/Equanimity): Describing different types of meditation, self-study, penance, and the ultimate state of liberation.
• Abstinence from Sin: The importance of self-observation and avoiding sinful actions.
• Gems of Knowledge: Short, insightful sayings conveying profound wisdom.
• Abstinence from Violence: The essence of non-violence and its practice.
• Abstinence from Falsehood: The importance of truthfulness.
• Abstinence from Stealing: The virtue of not taking what is not given.
• Abstinence from Unchastity: The significance of celibacy.
• Abstinence from Possession: The curse of wealth and the distinction between the possessive and the non-possessive.
• The Three Barbs (Trishalya): Identifying delusion, deceit, and desire as the three inner torments.
• Self-Praise vs. Self-Criticism: Discouraging self-praise and condemnation of others, and advocating for equanimity.
• Company: The impact of good and bad company.
• Easy vs. Difficult: Discussing the rarity of spiritual awakening and good fortune.
• Understanding Causes: Analyzing the causes of virtue, vice, passions, and violence.
• Figurative Language: Explaining the deeper meanings behind symbols and metaphors.
• Monks and the Worthy: Describing the qualities of true monks and the venerable.
• Wise vs. Unwise Disciples: Differentiating between enlightened and ignorant followers.
• Renunciation: The path and process of renunciation.
• Self-Reflection: Contemplating the nature of the soul and overcoming the fear of death.
• The Conduct of a Seeker: Emphasizing balanced diet, control over sleep, equanimity, and contemplating hardships.
• The Yoga of Contemplation: Detailing various contemplations like impermanence, refuge, worldly existence, solitude, otherness, impurity, influx, stoppage, suppression, and worldly existence.
• Asceticism and Renunciation: Describing the arduous nature of ascetic life and the significance of vows.
• Observance of Conduct: The importance of respecting the Guru and adhering to ethical codes.
• Trials and Equanimity: Enduring hardships and sorrows with equanimity.
• Contemplation of Death: Understanding the different types of death and achieving equanimity at the time of death.
• Monastic Education: Covering principles like non-violence, non-possession, celibacy, renunciation of night meals, the path to liberation, equanimity, and the characteristics of a righteous monk.
• Philosophy: Discussing right faith, the nature of reality, the soul, karma, spiritual states (leshya), and the path to liberation.
• Revolutionary Utterances: Addressing societal ills like casteism, rituals involving animal sacrifice, and the ultimate aim of life.

The book concludes with a list of referenced texts and acknowledgments to scholars and institutions that contributed to its publication. The preface and introductory remarks by esteemed personalities underscore the scholarly effort and spiritual depth of this compilation. "Mahavir Vani" serves as a guide for spiritual seekers, offering practical wisdom and ethical guidance for living a meaningful life according to Jain principles.