MahavirniVani

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Mahavir Vani," by Nanak Kamdar, based on the content from the given pages:

The article "Mahavir Vani" by Dr. Nanak Kamdar, published as part of the Shri Jayantsen Suri Abhinandan Granth, presents Lord Mahavir's teachings as a cornerstone of spiritual and ethical living. The author begins by referencing Jacobi's view that Jainism, along with Buddhism, emerged from Brahmanism through a long-standing religious movement rather than a sudden reformation. The core purpose of the article is to integrate Lord Mahavir's message into our lives, seeking noble thoughts from all directions.

The article outlines Lord Mahavir's life in three distinct phases:

1. Rajkumar (Prince): From birth until the age of twenty-eight, he lived as a prince.
2. Asceticism and Attainment: After the passing of his parents, he spent two years as a renunciate (Bhavyati) and then underwent intense ascetic practices for twelve and a half years. It was during this period that he became known as Mahavir, Tirthankar, and Jinprabhu.
3. Spiritual Ministry: For the final thirty years of his life, he traveled extensively, delivering discourses for sixteen prahars (a period of time) in Hastipal's assembly, and finally attained Nirvana in Pavapuri on the day of Ashwin Krishna Amavasya.

Lord Mahavir is presented as a propagator of Jivdaya (compassion for all living beings) and a giver of the invaluable principle of Anekantavada (multi-faceted reality) in the realm of spiritual knowledge. His teachings, found in ancient texts like Acharanga and Bhagavati, reveal a deep-seated inclination towards non-violence from a very young age. He strived to live a life where even the slightest harm would not befall any subtle organism. This pursuit led him to embrace Aparigraha (non-possession), renouncing even clothing and shelter.

Core Teachings Highlighted:

• Suffering and Compassion: Mahavir states, "The world is full of suffering. Do not increase the suffering of others for your own comfort. Do not become a partner in others' happiness, but constantly strive to alleviate or remove others' suffering."
• Unity of Mind, Speech, and Action: He emphasized aligning thoughts, words, and deeds. "Unite mind, speech, and body. Create harmony between the three. Speak only what you think and act accordingly. And think in such a way that there is no pettiness or baseness in your thoughts."
• Internal Enemies: He urged identifying internal enemies (desires, anger, ego) as the true adversaries and demonstrating valor in conquering them. Failure to do so, even for a moment, would lead to the loss of a precious life virtue, which could never be regained.
• Non-Violence as the Root of All Virtues: The article posits that non-violence (Ahimsa) encompasses all faults like untruthfulness, theft, etc. These vices, including greed and deceit, arise from the impulse of Parigraha (possessiveness), which creates societal imbalance and conflict.
• Apparigraha Pariman (Limitation of Possessions): Mahavir's emphasis on limiting possessions was intended to establish peace and happiness in society. In an era where communism and capitalism are leading towards nuclear conflict, the article suggests that limiting possessions and fostering universal friendship are the primary paths to liberation, as first taught by Mahavir.
• "Atmaupama Drishti" (Vision of Self-Equality): Echoing the Bhagavad Gita's call for seeing oneself in all beings, Mahavir argued that all living beings, despite their diverse forms and senses, share the same consciousness. This "vision of self-equality" is a fundamental principle.
• Purity of Life: The pursuit of purity of consciousness is central to Mahavir's philosophy. He believed that the soul is inherently pure, and the state of being an individual soul (Jivabhava) is a result of the influence of desires and karma, not its true nature.
• Path to Purification: If life is fundamentally pure, the question arises: what practice is needed to cultivate that nature? The article quotes Uttaraadhyayana Sutra, stating that one becomes a monk through Samata (equanimity). In practical terms, all spiritual practices aim at living a simple, honest, and unpretentious life. Practical life itself is a tool for developing the "vision of self-equality" and achieving purity of the soul.
• Living in the Divine: Where one sits are the Lord's feet. If one understands this, every action becomes an act of service to the divine. If such actions are driven by selfless love, pure renunciation, and the well-being of the world, as advocated by Krishnamurti, then perhaps we could follow a guide like Mahavir without external direction. However, lacking inner balance, action in Krishnamurti's sense is not possible.
• Action and Truth: The article stresses that it is not just contemplation of truth but its manifestation in life through righteous action (Dharma) that is crucial. Truth is the soul, and Dharma is the body that allows the soul to manifest. Dharma without truth is like a lifeless body. Therefore, the simple message is to adopt a dynamic approach in all circumstances.
• Anekantavada and Samyavada: The Jain doctrine of Anekantavada (non-one-sidedness) is also recognized as a form of Samyavada (synthesis or universal outlook) from a spiritual perspective. This leads to the benevolent fruit of Samabhava (equanimity) and the widespread emotion of universal friendship, transforming human existence into a land of well-being.
• Human Agency and Self-Effort: The article addresses the human tendency to seek divine intervention. Lord Mahavir's response, based on his self-experience, is that self-effort is essential. Until a seeker makes their own effort and stands firm against the pressures of desires, without being shaken by their impacts, nothing can be achieved.
• Valor and Victory: Mahavir is not just a name but a title signifying great valor. The effort to overcome attachment and aversion leads to this victory.
• Moksha and Spiritual Progress: The article refers to spiritual practices like Sanyam (restraint), Charitra (conduct), and a simple lifestyle as necessary for valor. It concludes by referencing Shri Yashovijayji's words, emphasizing that true Mahavir is not just Siddhartha's son but anyone who exhibits such great spiritual valor.
• Beyond Material and Intellectual Limitations: The article suggests that the teachings of Mahavir help one to break free from the walls of physical, moral, intellectual, and spiritual limitations, making the impossible possible through austerity and meditation.
• The Meaning of Mangala (Auspiciousness): The article connects the concept of Mangala to self-effort and inner strength, referencing Buddhist and Jain texts that highlight it as the ultimate auspiciousness.
• The Balance of Life: The article uses the metaphor of a balance, suggesting that if life's scales tilt in the wrong direction, even listening, following, and experiencing will be distorted. Tilting in the right direction leads to favorable experiences and progressively increasing divine light.

In essence, "Mahavir Vani" aims to distill the profound wisdom of Lord Mahavir, emphasizing self-reliance, ethical conduct, universal compassion, and the pursuit of spiritual purity as the keys to a meaningful and liberated life.