Mahavira

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text about Bhagawan Mahavira, based on the content from the linked pages:

The book, "Mahavira: Magnificent Master-Teacher of the World" by Prof. Pratapkumar J. Tolia, offers an abridged life and message of Bhagawan Mahavira, the 24th Jain Tirthankara. It aims to present his life and teachings in a way that resonates with modern understanding, drawing inspiration from his own philosophy as simplified by Srimad Rajchandraji.

The Foundation: Namaskar Mahamantra and Previous Lives

The text begins by emphasizing the significance of the Namaskar Mahamantra, a timeless incantation that venerates divine qualities rather than individuals. It highlights that Mahavira's soul, through 27 lifetimes of dedicated spiritual practice, purified itself to reach the state of an Arhanta and Siddha. His final birth was the culmination of this arduous journey, leading to his self-realization and the dissemination of his universal welfare-oriented teachings.

The Birth and Childhood: A Divine Descent

The narrative then delves into Mahavira's earthly origins. Born in 598 B.C. in Kshatriyakundagram, Vaishali, he was the son of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala Devi. The text recounts the auspicious 14 divine dreams Queen Trishala experienced, signifying the impending arrival of a great soul. This soul, previously named Marichi and a descendant of the first Tirthankara Rishabhadeva, underwent purification through 27 births before entering Mahavira's womb. From birth, Mahavira (then named Vardhamana) possessed innate knowledge and divine potential, later developing into 34 extraordinary attributes. His birth was celebrated by both celestial beings and humans, marked by prosperity and joy for his family and kingdom.

Youth and Householder Life: Detachment Amidst the World

Vardhamana displayed exceptional intellect and prowess from childhood. Despite his innate detachment from worldly pleasures, he fulfilled his familial duties, including marriage to Princess Yashoda. The text uses the metaphor of a lotus to illustrate his detachment, living amidst worldly affairs without being entangled by them. His life as a householder was characterized by family harmony and spiritual discussions. The passing of his parents, Siddhartha and Trishala Devi, after their voluntary fast unto death (Sammlekhana), further solidified his understanding of life's impermanence.

The Renunciation (Diksha Kalyanaka): The Great Call

Deep introspection led Vardhamana to hear an inner call: "He who knows the Soul, knows all." This ignited his quest for self-realization. Understanding that the royal palace was not conducive to this pursuit, he made the decision for total renunciation. After obtaining permission from his elder brother Nandivardhana and fulfilling remaining familial and societal obligations, including a year of extensive charity, Vardhamana embarked on his spiritual journey. This moment, the Diksha Kalyanaka, saw him shedding his royal garments and hair, taking the Pancha Mahavratas (five great vows), and attaining Manahparyava Jnana (the knowledge of others' thoughts).

The Ascetic Life and Rigorous Sadhana: Trials and Tribulations

As a Nirgrantha monk, Mahavira endured immense hardships and trials for twelve and a half years. The text lists numerous challenging encounters with supernatural beings and humans, all of which he faced with unwavering equanimity and deep meditation. His vows included observing silence, eating only from his hands, and remaining absorbed in meditation. The account of Chandanbala, a princess who became a slave and offered him his first alms after his five-month fast, highlights his commitment to his vows.

The Attainment of Kevala Jnana: Omniscience Revealed

Under a Sala tree by the Rijuvaluka river, Mahavira achieved the highest state of Shukla Dhyana (pure meditation). This led to the destruction of all his remaining karmas and the attainment of Kevala Jnana (omniscience) and Kevala Darshana (infinite vision). He became an Arhanta, a liberated soul, a perfected being. This event, the Kevala Kalyanaka, was celebrated by deities and humans, leading to the establishment of the "Samosarana," a divine assembly.

The First Sermon and the Establishment of the Sangha

Mahavira's first sermon to the celestial beings was unsuccessful, as they could not follow his path. However, his second sermon in the Samosarana at Pavapuri, delivered in the common language of Ardhamagadhi, was highly impactful. He expounded on fundamental Jain principles such as the nature of soul and non-soul, karma, liberation, and the importance of Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession). His teachings emphasized self-reliance and the inherent potential within every human being. He famously stated, "No one is higher than a human being. If a human upholds humanity, even the gods stay at his feet."

The text then details the conversion of Indrabhuti Gautama and his 500 disciples, who initially came to challenge Mahavira but were instead enlightened by his wisdom. This marked the foundation of the Chaturvidha Sangha (four-fold religious order) comprising monks (Sadhus), nuns (Sadhvis), laymen followers (Shravakas), and laywomen followers (Shravikas).

Mahavira's Teachings and Reforms

For 30 years, Mahavira traveled extensively, re-establishing the true religion, eradicating social evils like casteism, animal sacrifice, and the subjugation of women. He demonstrated the supremacy of human life, effort (Purushartha), and soul-power over material possessions.

The Final Sermon and Paranirvana: The Ultimate Liberation

In his 72nd year, Mahavira spent his last Chaturmasa in Pavapuri. He delivered his final, extensive sermon, a continuous discourse for 48 hours, culminating in his Paranirvana (final liberation). As the night of Deepavali deepened, Mahavira entered a state of profound stillness, transcending all physical and mental activities. He shed the remaining karmas and attained the Siddha state, becoming one with the liberated souls in Siddhashila. His mortal remains were honored by deities and humans, marking the auspicious Nirvana Kalyanaka.

The Secrets and Significance of Mahavira's Preachings

The book highlights the profound significance of Mahavira's teachings:

• Apramada (Awareness): Emphasizing continuous, choiceless awareness of the Self.
• Anekantavada/Syadvada (Multi-faceted Truth): Advocating for understanding truth from all perspectives to avoid prejudice and conflict, lamenting its neglect by some followers.
• Nischaya (Internal Aspect): Stressing the importance of the philosophical and individual's internal journey.
• Vyavahara (External Aspect): Underscoring the practical and social implications of religious principles, leading to social reform.
• Pancha Mahavratas (Five Great Vows): Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha, as the path to self-purification, realization, and universal well-being.

Mahavira as the Master Child

The concluding pages reiterate Mahavira's extraordinary nature from childhood, highlighting his parent worship, deep compassion, immense courage and fearlessness, and his all-knowing intellect. The text includes quotes from Jain, Vedic, and Buddhist scriptures, as well as Mahavira's own words, to underscore his universal significance as an omniscient world-teacher who achieved godhood through rigorous Sadhana. The presentation is a chronological abridgement of his life and philosophy, designed for modern comprehension.