Relevance Of Teachings Of Mahavira

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Relevance of Teachings of Mahavira" by Hemant Shah:

This text explores the enduring significance of Lord Mahavira's teachings in contemporary times, highlighting Jainism's unique philosophical and ethical contributions.

Introduction to Jainism and Lord Mahavira: The introduction emphasizes that Jainism, while perhaps less popular among Western scholars, has profoundly influenced various aspects of Indian culture, including art, literature, and science. It clarifies that Jainism is not a revolt against the Vedas but an independent tradition that emerged and existed in its own right. The text corrects the misconception that Mahavira was the founder of Jainism, stating that he was the 24th Tirthankara (spiritual teacher) in a lineage of 24, with the founder being Rishabha. Bihar is identified as the spiritual cradle of Jainism. Jainism is presented as a religion offering spiritual appeal to those disillusioned with conventional cults, focusing on the Soul and Truth. Lord Mahavira, who lived in the 6th century BCE, is recognized as a great propounder whose teachings remain relevant for mankind's spiritual advancement, promoting pragmatic optimism, self-reliance, and self-purification.

Mahavira's Life: Mahavira, born Prince Vardhamana in 599 BCE, was not divine at birth but achieved divinity through rigorous spiritual practice. At the age of thirty, he renounced his princely life and practiced severe austerities for twelve and a half years, ultimately attaining omniscience (Kevala Jnana). He then preached for thirty years, advocating Truth and Non-violence in Prakrit and Ardha Magadhi languages. His teachings aimed at spiritual upliftment for eternal bliss and freedom. Mahavira is depicted as a reformer who addressed abuses within society and the Jain tradition, adding the vow of chastity (Brahmacharya) and systematizing practices.

Teachings of Mahavira: The text delves into Mahavira's core teachings, emphasizing their philosophical justification for human bondage and liberation.

• Metaphysical: Jain metaphysics, unlike many other religions, does not center on a singular God as ultimate reality. Instead, it posits that reality is what exists eternally, characterized by genesis (Utpada), permanence (Dhruvya), and destruction (Vyaya). The ultimate goal is the liberation of the Soul.

• Ethical: Mahavira's primary focus was the purification of human life. He established five cardinal principles or vows:

  • Ahimsa (Non-violence): This is the cornerstone of Jainism and Mahavira's most emphasized vow. It encompasses non-violence in thought, word, and deed, extending beyond physical harm to include eliminating jealousy, hatred, and pride. Ahimsa is credited with fostering tolerance in Hindu culture.
  • Satya (Truthfulness): Truth is not just abstaining from falsehood but also seeing the world in its real form. Truth that harms others is not permitted. Speech should be noble and peaceful, avoiding exaggeration or harshness.
  • Asteya (Non-stealing/Honesty): Beyond refraining from taking what isn't given, Mahavira included all forms of dishonesty and conceit in this vow. It promotes social equality, as stealing is considered a severe form of violence.
  • Aparigraha (Non-possession): This ethical principle addresses craving, greed, and attachment. Mahavira advocated for simplicity and detachment from worldly possessions and even one's own body as a solution for harmony and peaceful coexistence, viewing attachment as the root of suffering.
  • Brahmacharya (Celibacy): Separated from Aparigraha by Mahavira, celibacy was emphasized to free individuals from worldly and sensual pleasures and unethical activities. It is crucial for Right Character, which leads to liberation.

Mahavira also introduced compulsory confession for monks and followers, stressing the purity of mind, body, and soul.

• Philosophical: Mahavira's philosophical teachings include Nayavāda (doctrine of modalities), Syādavāda (theory of manifoldness), Anekānta (non-absolutism), and the doctrine of Karma. He simplified these subtle concepts by linking them to morality, purity, equality, and mutual coexistence, encapsulating this in the phrase "Live and Let Live." The path to liberation, according to Mahavira, is the combination of Right Faith, Right Knowledge, and Right Conduct.

Relevance of Mahavira's Teachings: The text strongly argues for the present-day relevance of Mahavira's teachings. It contrasts the current age, characterized by social inequalities, economic disparities, moral crises, political insecurities, materialistic pursuits, and a decline in values, with Mahavira's ethical framework. In a world filled with hatred, violence, pollution, and conflict, Mahavira's principles offer a path to:

• Spiritual Advancement: Leading from ignorance to knowledge and darkness to light.
• Social Welfare: Promoting economic equality through non-possession, eradicating corruption and lust through celibacy, and ending violence through truth and non-violence.
• Individual Transformation: Fostering self-mastery, peace, unity, brotherhood, and social justice.
• Conflict Resolution: The philosophy of Anekānta is presented as a tool for managing disagreements and fostering broadmindedness.

The conclusion reiterates that Mahavira's teachings, delivered in accessible language, remain profoundly relevant for individual lives and society. Ahimsa combats cruelty, Aparigraha addresses materialism, Brahmacharya counteracts sensual indulgence, the philosophy of Soul is vital for ecological concerns, the emphasis on deeds over birth challenges casteism, the equality of souls promotes gender equality, and Anekānta facilitates understanding in times of conflict. Mahavira is presented as an ideal reformer, organizer, and upholder of human dignity who continues to offer solutions for peace, happiness, and prosperity.