Shraman Mahavira

This comprehensive summary is based on the provided text, "Shraman Mahavira" by Dulahrajmuni, published by Jain Vishva Bharati. The book chronicles the life and teachings of Lord Mahavir, drawing from ancient Jain scriptures like the Agamas, Niyukti, Bhashya, Churni, and Tikas.

Key Themes and Aspects of Lord Mahavir's Life and Teachings:

The book presents Lord Mahavir's life as a significant human portrayal, moving beyond traditional hagiography. It aims to illuminate the "inner core" of Mahavir, making his profound philosophy accessible. The summary covers the following key areas:

1. Life and Early Years:

• Family and Birth: Details the lineage, parents (Siddhartha and Trishala), and the auspicious dreams of Queen Trishala, interpreted as foretelling the birth of a universal ruler. Mahavir's birth is described with celestial events signifying peace and prosperity.
• Naming: Lord Mahavir was named Vardhamana (meaning "increasing") due to the prosperity that accompanied his arrival.
• Childhood and Education: His early life, including his prowess in games like "Amlaki," and his exceptional intellect during his schooling are highlighted. His innate, extraordinary knowledge (pratibha jnana) is emphasized.
• Spiritual Awakening: The text delves into the internal conflicts that led Mahavir towards renunciation, spurred by his deep contemplation of life's suffering and the cycle of birth and death. His prior births' experiences are alluded to as contributing factors.
• Renunciation and Parents' Demise: The narrative describes his decision to renounce worldly life after his parents' peaceful passing (Samadhi-mrityu), adhering to his promise not to become an ascetic during their lifetime. His uncle Suparshva and brother Nandivardhana's concern is noted.

2. The Quest for Freedom and Spiritual Campaign:

• The Campaign for Freedom: This section focuses on Mahavir's inner struggle and his determination to break free from worldly bonds.
• The Resolve for Freedom: His unwavering commitment to achieving spiritual freedom is central.
• The Lamp of Endeavor: Mahavir's relentless pursuit of his spiritual goal is portrayed as a guiding light.
• The Window of Non-Possession (Asangraha): His detachment from material possessions and the breath of fearlessness (Abhay) emanating from this detachment are explored.
• Overcoming Fear: The text describes his journey into the wilderness, facing fears, and bringing forth the light of fearlessness.
• Among the Tribals: Mahavir's compassionate outreach to tribal communities and his interactions with them are detailed.
• "Am I Not a Chakravarti?": This title hints at his internal realization of a spiritual sovereignty that transcends worldly power.

3. Spiritual Practices and Asceticism:

• The Formation of Meditative Strategy: Mahavir's rigorous spiritual practices are outlined, including the conquest of sleep, hunger, and taste.
• Meditation, Posture, and Silence: The importance of these elements in his spiritual discipline is discussed.
• Enduring Hardships (Upsarga): The text describes his stoicism in facing various adversies and external challenges during his spiritual journey.
• Reflections and Echoes: This likely refers to his contemplation and the resonance of his spiritual insights.
• Signs of Progress: The gradual unfolding of his spiritual realization is presented.
• The Unending Source of Compassion: His profound compassion for all beings is a recurring theme.
• Navigating Life's Flow: His journey is depicted through metaphors like a boat trip on the Ganges, symbolizing his mastery over worldly challenges.
• Liberation from Bondage: The text explains how he achieved freedom from all forms of bondage and the principles of liberation. This includes the contemplation of discerning the self from the non-self (Bhed-vigyan) and the focus on the soul as the ultimate reality (Purushakar-atma).

4. Teachings and Philosophy:

• The Dharma and the Tirthankar: Mahavir's role as a spiritual guide and the founder of a spiritual order (Tirtha) is explained.
• The Flow of Wisdom: His profound knowledge and teachings are depicted as a flowing river of wisdom.
• The Sangha System: The organizational structure of his spiritual community is detailed, covering daily routines, attire, food and wandering, utensils, greetings, community living, and service.
• Asceticism Beyond the Sangha: His personal spiritual practices and how they transcended the organized community structure are discussed.
• Review of the Past: Mahavir's reflection on his past spiritual journeys and experiences is presented.
• Religion and Leaders of the Time: The socio-religious landscape of his era is analyzed.
• New Establishments and Traditions: The innovative doctrines and practices he introduced are highlighted.
• The Roar of Revolution: This chapter likely covers his radical teachings against prevailing social and religious norms:
  • Casteism: His stance against the caste system.
  • Asceticism (Vesh and Parivesh): The external and internal aspects of asceticism.
  • Religion and Sects: His views on different religious traditions.
  • Religion and Left-Handed Paths (Vamamarga): His perspective on unconventional spiritual practices.
  • Harmony of Spiritual Paths: His effort to integrate different spiritual approaches.
  • People's Language for the People: His use of common language for his teachings.
  • Compassion and Vegetarianism: His emphasis on compassion and a vegetarian diet.
  • Sacrifice (Yajna): Whether he supported or transformed the ritual of sacrifice.
  • War and Non-Violence: His views on conflict and non-aggression.
  • The Movement of Non-Possession (Asangraha): His teachings on detachment.
• The Window of Contradiction: This suggests an exploration of apparent paradoxes in his life or teachings.
• Co-existence and Relativity (Syadvada): The core of his philosophy, emphasizing multifaceted perspectives and the relativity of truth.
• Continuous Awakening: His emphasis on constant self-awareness and spiritual vigilance.
• Charitable Act of Donation (Chakshudan): Possibly referring to a symbolic act of giving sight, representing spiritual enlightenment.
• Three Dimensions of Equanimity: Exploring equanimity through dimensions of friendliness, fearlessness, and tolerance.
• Free Mind, Open Door: His philosophy of liberating the mind and its implications.
• Opening the Direction of Synthesis: His efforts to harmonize different viewpoints and traditions.
• For the Welfare and Happiness of All: His universal vision for humanity.
• Religious Conversion: His views on changing one's religious path.
• Realistic Personality and Exaggerated Attire: Analyzing his portrayal in literature, distinguishing between the historical person and mythical embellishments.
• The Supernatural and the Worldly: Examining the interplay between the miraculous and the mundane in his life.
• Omniscience: Two Sides, Two Angles: Exploring the concept of omniscience from different perspectives.
• Mahavir in Buddhist Literature: A comparative study of how Mahavir is depicted in Buddhist texts.
• External Actions and Internal Standards: The relationship between outward behavior and inner principles.
• Transparent Vision: Seeing the Unmanifest in the Manifest: His ability to perceive deeper realities beyond the superficial.
• Journey Together: Fellow Travelers: The companions on his spiritual path.
• Schism in the Sangha: The causes and consequences of divisions within his community.
• Violence on the Himalayas of Non-Violence: A metaphorical description of challenges to his core principle of Ahimsa.
• Nirvana: The attainment of liberation.
• Tradition: The continuation of his teachings and legacy.
• A Review of Life: A concluding overview of his life's work.
  • Sources of Accomplishment: The foundational principles of his actions.
  • Shraman - Accepting Life Knowingly: Embracing the life of an ascetic with full awareness.
  • Penance and Meditation: The role of austerity and deep meditation.
  • Silence: The significance of vow of silence.
  • Sleep: His approach to managing sleep.
  • Food: His dietary practices.
  • Renunciation of Attachment to the Body: Detachment from the physical form.
  • Tolerance: His capacity for enduring hardships.
  • Equanimity or Love: The balance between equanimity and love.
  • Spirituality: His focus on the inner spiritual journey.
  • Fundamental Commands of Dharma: The core principles of his teachings.
  • Mahavir's Nirvana: The ultimate liberation.
• Vandana (Homage): Devotional prayers and praises.

5. Appendices:

• Tradition Differences: Comparing the views of Digambara and Shvetambara traditions.
• Chaturmas: The periods of spiritual retreat during the monsoon.
• Wandering and Dwelling Places: Places Mahavir visited and resided.
• References to Authentic Sources: Citations for biographical information.
• Chronological Events: A timeline of significant events.
• Index of Names: An alphabetical list of individuals mentioned.

Overall Approach:

The book emphasizes Mahavir's "human portrayal," highlighting his intellectual and spiritual journey. It seeks to present a balanced view, considering the vast corpus of Jain literature and, where relevant, acknowledging cross-references with other traditions like Buddhism. The author's attempt to reconcile differing traditional accounts and to focus on the ethical and philosophical underpinnings of Mahavir's life and teachings is evident. The summary showcases Mahavir as a revolutionary thinker who challenged social norms, advocated for universal compassion, and laid down a path for spiritual liberation through self-discipline and ethical living.