Mahavira Vani

This is a summary of the Jain text "Mahavir Vani" (મહાવીર વાણી) compiled and edited by Bechardas Doshi, published by the Jain Institute of North America. The catalog link provided is: https://jainqq.org/explore/004697/1.

The text is a collection of teachings and aphorisms attributed to Lord Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The editor, Bechardas Doshi, compiled these verses from various Jain Agam (sacred) texts, including Sutrakritanga Sutra, Dashavaikalika Sutra, Uttaradhyayana Sutra, and Avasyaka Sutra. The aim was to present Lord Mahavir's profound teachings in a more accessible way to the general public, especially in the modern era where the original Prakrit language and the concise sutra style can be challenging to understand.

Key Features and Content of "Mahavir Vani":

• Compilation from Agams: The verses are carefully selected from foundational Jain scriptures, making it a distillation of core Jain philosophy.

• Structure and Presentation: The book is organized thematically, with each chapter focusing on a specific aspect of Jain philosophy or ethical conduct. The text includes the original verses, a Gujarati translation, and explanatory commentaries (tippani).

• Comparative Study: A significant feature of the commentaries is the comparative analysis of Jain principles with those found in other major world religions, including Hinduism (Vedic traditions), Buddhism, Christianity (teachings of Jesus Christ), and Islam (teachings of Prophet Muhammad). This highlights the universality of certain ethical and spiritual values.

• Key Themes Covered: The book is divided into numerous "sutras" or chapters, each addressing a vital spiritual and ethical concept. Some of the prominent themes include:

  • Mangal Sutra (મંગલ-સૂત્ર): Verses on auspicious beginnings and veneration of the Tirthankaras, Siddhas, Acharyas, Upadhyayas, and Sadhus, as well as the Dharma taught by the Kevalis (omniscient beings).
  • Dharma Sutra (ધર્મ-સૂત્ર): Explores the essence of Dharma, emphasizing Ahimsa (non-violence), Sanyama (restraint), and Tapas (austerity) as its core components. It highlights Dharma as the ultimate refuge and guiding principle for life.
  • Ahimsa Sutra (અહિંસા-સૂત્ર): Delves into the principle of Ahimsa, defining it not just as absence of physical violence but as restraint (Sanyama) in thought, word, and deed towards all living beings. It stresses the importance of intention and the interconnectedness of all life.
  • Satya Sutra (સત્ય-સૂત્ર): Focuses on the virtue of truthfulness, emphasizing speaking what is beneficial, truthful, and non-harmful, and the difficulty of consistently adhering to it.
  • Asteya Sutra (અસ્તનક-સૂત્ર): Deals with the principle of non-stealing (Asteya), stressing the importance of not taking anything that is not freely given, even the smallest of items like a tooth-stick, without permission.
  • Brahmacharya Sutra (બ્રહ્મચર્ય-સૂત્ર): Elaborates on celibacy and control over desires, particularly sexual desires and sensory indulgence, which are seen as significant obstacles to spiritual progress.
  • Aparigraha Sutra (અપરિગ્રહ-સૂત્ર): Discusses non-possession (Aparigraha), emphasizing that it is not just the absence of material things but the absence of attachment and possessiveness (murchha) towards them that truly constitutes non-possession.
  • Aratribhojan Sutra (અરાત્રીભોજન-સૂત્ર): Addresses the practice of avoiding food after sunset (Ratri Bhojan), highlighting the potential for harm to micro-organisms during nighttime activities and meals.
  • Vinaya Sutra (વિનય-સૂત્ર): Focuses on the importance of humility, respect, and disciplined conduct, especially towards elders, teachers, and fellow practitioners, as essential for spiritual growth.
  • Chaturangiya Sutra (ચાતુરંગીય-સૂત્ર): Discusses four essential elements for spiritual progress: human birth, hearing righteous teachings, having faith in them, and exerting effort in practice.
  • Apramada Sutra (અપ્રમાદ-સૂત્ર): Emphasizes constant vigilance and diligence (Apramada) in spiritual practice, warning against carelessness (Pramada) and highlighting the impermanence of life and the urgency of spiritual pursuit.
  • Kashaya Sutra (કષાય-સૂત્ર): Explains the four cardinal passions – anger (Krodha), pride (Maan), deceit (Maya), and greed (Lobha) – as roots of suffering and obstacles to liberation, and offers methods to overcome them.
  • Asarana Sutra (અશરણ-સૂત્ર): Focuses on the transient nature of life, possessions, and relationships, emphasizing that in the face of death and suffering, only Dharma and self-effort provide true refuge.
  • Pandita Sutra (પંડિત-સૂત્ર): Differentiates between the wise (Pandita) who are detached and follow the path of righteousness and the ignorant (Bala) who are engrossed in worldly pleasures and passions.
  • Atma Sutra (આત્મ-સૂત્ર): Explores the nature of the self (Atma), emphasizing self-reliance, self-control, and the idea that one's own actions determine one's destiny.
  • Lokatattva Sutra (લોકતત્ત્વ-સૂત્ર): Discusses the Jain understanding of the universe (Loka), its constituent elements (dravyas), karma, and the path to liberation.
  • Pujya Sutra (પૂજ્ય-સૂત્ર): Describes the qualities of a venerable or worthy person (Pujya), highlighting virtues like humility, contentment, non-violence, and control over senses.
  • Brahmana Sutra (બ્રાહ્મણ-સૂત્ર): Redefines the concept of a Brahmin not by birth but by conduct, emphasizing virtues like righteousness, purity, self-control, and non-violence.
  • Bhikshu Sutra (ભિક્ષુ-સૂત્ર): Outlines the ideal conduct and discipline for a mendicant (Bhikshu), emphasizing detachment, restraint, and unwavering adherence to the principles of Dharma.
  • Moksha Marga Sutra (મોક્ષમાર્ગ-સૂત્ર): Details the path to liberation (Moksha), emphasizing the importance of knowledge, faith, conduct, and austerity.
  • Jatimadnivaran Sutra (જાતિમદનિવારણ સૂત્ર): Addresses the elimination of pride based on birth, caste, or lineage, emphasizing that true worth lies in one's actions and spiritual qualities.
  • Samana Sutra (સામા-સૂત્ર): Focuses on the importance of forgiveness and reconciliation, encouraging adherents to seek and grant forgiveness for offenses.

• Forewords and Pre-faces: The book includes valuable introductory texts, such as a foreword by the esteemed Vinoba Bhave and a preface by Swami Anand, which provide context and highlight the significance of Lord Mahavir's teachings and this compilation. These prefaces often reflect on the syncretic nature of Indian thought and the enduring relevance of Mahavir's message of compassion and non-violence.

In essence, "Mahavir Vani" serves as a comprehensive guide to the ethical, philosophical, and spiritual teachings of Lord Mahavir, presented in a way that is both profound and accessible, enriched by comparative insights and scholarly commentary. It aims to inspire readers to understand and practice the timeless principles of Jainism for personal and societal well-being.