Mahavira Jayanti Smarika 1981 - Book Summary

The "Mahavira Jayanti Smarika 1981," published by the Rajasthan Jain Sabha, Jaipur, and edited by Gyanchand Biltiwala and Buddh Prakash Bhaskar, is a commemorative volume celebrating the 2579th birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. The publication serves as a tribute to Lord Mahavira's teachings and legacy, featuring messages from prominent Jain leaders, scholars, and public figures, along with various articles on Jain philosophy, history, and culture.

Key Themes and Contents:

Messages of Reverence: The Smarika includes messages from spiritual leaders like Acharya Muni Vidyanand and Acharya Tulsi, as well as from political figures such as Raghukul Tilak (Governor of Rajasthan) and Prakash Chand Sethi (Union Minister). These messages emphasize the relevance of Lord Mahavira's teachings of non-violence (ahimsa), equanimity towards all beings (sarva jiva samabhav), equality, and self-purification in contemporary society. They highlight the importance of ethical conduct and moral upliftment for national progress, echoing Mahavira's core principles.
Lord Mahavira's Life and Philosophy: Several articles delve into the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira, exploring his philosophy of ahimsa, anekanta (non-absolutism), aparigraha (non-possession), and his emphasis on self-discipline and spiritual growth. The articles stress that Mahavira's ideals are not merely theoretical but are practical guidelines for a peaceful and ethical life.
Mahamastakabhisheka Festival: A significant portion of the Smarika is dedicated to the Mahamastakabhisheka festival, particularly the one that occurred in 1981 in honor of Lord Bahubali. The articles detail the historical, archaeological, and artistic aspects of this grand event, including the colossal statue of Lord Bahubali at Shravanabelagola, its historical context, the rituals involved, and the cultural significance of such festivals. The contributions from scholars like Dr. Nizamuddin and Praveen Chand Chhabra shed light on the rich Jain heritage connected with this event.
Jain Culture and Literature: The Smarika features articles on various facets of Jain culture, including the role of women in Jainism (as highlighted by Dr. Shanta Bhanawat), the importance of Jain art and archaeology (with contributions on Mathura's Jain antiquities by Ganesh Prasad Jain), and the enduring relevance of Jain principles like ahimsa in modern times. It also touches upon Jain literature, with specific mentions of the works of Acharya Kundakunda and his influence on later spiritual traditions. The discussion on "Leshyas" by Virendra Veer Baj explores the connection between thought forms, colours, and spiritual states.
Practical Application of Teachings: Several articles focus on the practical application of Jain principles. R.C. Sethi's piece on "Accounting of Our Actions in Jainology" discusses the concept of karma and its implications, while Dr. Surendra Prasad Verma's "The Concept of Dharma in Jainism" differentiates between morality and religion, emphasizing Jainism's unique approach to spiritual liberation. Dr. Rajendra Kumar Bansal's article on "Achauryavrata (Non-Stealing) in Modern Context" addresses the issue of theft and dishonesty prevalent in society and calls for ethical adherence to Jain principles.
Social Activities of Rajasthan Jain Sabha: The Smarika provides an overview of the activities of the Rajasthan Jain Sabha, Jaipur, including their efforts in organizing events like Paryushan Parva, Samvatsari (collective forgiveness), Mahavira Jayanti celebrations, and various competitions and lectures. It also highlights their publications, such as the Mahavira Jayanti Smarika itself, which is recognized as a valuable reference work in scholarly circles.
Poetry and Artistic Expressions: The publication includes poems and artistic contributions, such as poems dedicated to Lord Mahavira and Lord Bahubali, further enriching the commemorative aspect of the Smarika.

In essence, the "Mahavira Jayanti Smarika 1981" is a comprehensive compilation that not only celebrates the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira but also serves as a platform for disseminating Jain philosophy, promoting cultural understanding, and highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Rajasthan Jain Sabha in preserving and propagating Jain heritage. The collection of articles and messages underscores the enduring wisdom of Lord Mahavira's teachings for spiritual and moral well-being in the world.