Mahavira Life And Philosophy

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mahavira Life and Philosophy" by Sumeruchand Diwakar Shastri, based on the initial pages:

Overall Purpose and Scope: This book, published by Jain Mitra Mandal, aims to present the life and philosophy of Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, in a rational and comprehensive manner to satisfy the "modern inquisitive mind." It seeks to illuminate the relevance of Mahavira's teachings in addressing contemporary global issues like materialism, lack of spiritual peace, and conflict.

Author and Context: The author, S. C. Diwaker Shastri, is presented as a renowned scholar of Jainology and comparative religion, dedicated to Jainism and known for his scholarly works and spiritual pursuits. The book is published in 1975, coinciding with the 2500th Parinirvana ceremony of Lord Mahavira, indicating a contemporary relevance and celebratory context.

Key Themes and Structure: The book is divided into three main parts:

1. Life Divine: This section details the life of Lord Mahavira, from his divine descent and auspicious birth to his attainment of omniscience and eventual Nirvana.
2. Glimpses of Jainism: This section explores foundational Jain doctrines, including Jainism's historical context prior to Mahavira, the doctrine of Ahimsa (non-violence), the philosophy of Karma, the doctrine of Syadvada (the theory of manifold aspects of truth), and the connection between Jainism and peace.
3. Gems of Jinavani: This part is a collection of devotional and philosophical verses, offering spiritual guidance, insights into soul culture, mental purification, and prayers.

Lord Mahavira's Life:

• Divine Birth and Early Life: Born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala Devi (Priyakarini) in Kundalpur, Bihar, Mahavira (initially named Vardhamana) was destined to be a spiritual savior. His mother's auspicious dreams at conception foretold his greatness. He displayed exceptional wisdom and detachment from worldly pleasures from a young age, earning him the names "Sanmati" (bestower of right knowledge) and "Mahavira" (supreme hero) due to his extraordinary courage and prowess.
• Renunciation and Asceticism: At the age of 30, Mahavira renounced his royal life, embracing the life of a nude Jain monk. This renunciation was driven by his deep compassion for suffering beings, the injustices he witnessed, and his determination to find spiritual liberation. His asceticism involved rigorous penances, austerities, and deep meditation.
• Attainment of Omniscience: After twelve years of intense spiritual practice, Mahavira achieved omniscience (Kevala Jnana) at the age of 43, near the Rijukula River. This marked the dawn of his divine teaching.
• Sermons and Universal Good: Mahavira then embarked on a 30-year tour across the world, delivering sermons on Vipula Mount and other places, guided by his omniscience. His teachings focused on universal love, compassion, and the path to liberation through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. His doctrine of Syadvada provided a framework for intellectual harmony and understanding.
• Nirvana: Lord Mahavira attained Nirvana (final liberation) at Pavapuri, Bihar, at the age of 72. The Diwali festival is commemorated in his memory.

Core Jain Philosophical Concepts:

• Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is presented as the central and most significant Jain tenet. The book emphasizes Mahavira's scientific and rational exposition of Ahimsa, extending it to thought, word, and deed, and its application for global peace. It highlights its influence on figures like Mahatma Gandhi and its universal applicability.
• Karma: The book explains the Jain philosophy of Karma as a rational and scientific doctrine, detailing how actions (karmas) bind the soul and influence its future births. It classifies karmas into eight types, explaining their impact on knowledge, perception, experience, delusion, lifespan, physical form, social standing, and obstacles.
• Syadvada (Anekantavada): This doctrine emphasizes that truth is multi-faceted and can be perceived from different standpoints. It promotes a rational, harmonious, and reconciling approach to reality, encouraging tolerance and understanding of diverse perspectives.
• The Self (Soul): Jainism posits a distinct, eternal, and conscious soul. The book stresses the importance of self-realization, detachment from the material body and external objects, and the pursuit of the soul's inherent divine attributes.

Relevance to Contemporary Society: The book strongly argues for the relevance of Mahavira's teachings in addressing modern societal problems. It contrasts the material progress of Western nations with their lack of spiritual peace, citing issues like suicide, mental illness, and social unrest. It advocates for Mahavira's philosophy of controlling greed, lust, and attachment to achieve inner peace and harmony, presenting Ahimsa and detachment as antidotes to violence, hatred, and materialism.

Structure of the Book: The book includes a preface, detailed chapters on Mahavira's life and Jain teachings, and sections with "Gems of Jinavani," which appear to be devotional verses and spiritual guidance. It also features acknowledgments and sections about the author and the publishing organization.

In essence, "Mahavira Life and Philosophy" aims to be an accessible and enlightening resource on Lord Mahavira and the core principles of Jainism, emphasizing their profound relevance to achieving individual and global peace and well-being.