Shraman Mahavira

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Shraman Mahavir" by Dineshchandra Sharma, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Shraman Mahavir Author: Dineshchandra Sharma Publisher: Mitra Parishad, Calcutta Translation by: Sri Dineshchandra Sharma Foreword by: Dr. T. M. P. Mahadevan

Overall Theme:

"Shraman Mahavir" is an English translation of Muni Nathmal's Hindi treatise, aiming to present an authentic and detailed account of the life and teachings of Lord Vardhamana Mahavira. The book endeavors to reconcile the traditions of the Digambara and Svetambara sects and offers an unbiased evaluation of Mahavira's life and philosophy. The publisher's note highlights the need for Mahavira's ideology in the contemporary world and Muni Nathmal's dedication to this work.

Key Aspects of Mahavira's Life and Teachings as Presented:

The book meticulously chronicles Mahavira's life, covering various stages and events, often drawing from Jain scriptures like the 'Ayaro,' 'Ayarchula,' 'Kalpasutra,' and 'Bhagawatisutra,' as well as Buddhist literature for a broader perspective.

Early Life and Background:

• Birth: Born on March 30, 599 BC, in Kshatriyakund, to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, in the kingdom of Videh.
• Name: Named Vardhamana, signifying growth and prosperity, which was evident from his conception.
• Childhood: Showcased exceptional wisdom and potential from a young age, even exhibiting extraordinary feats like climbing a tree before others and handling a serpent fearlessly.
• Family and Environment: Raised in a republican environment within the Vazzi federation, which likely influenced his imbibing of tolerance, liberal outlook, and the principles of non-violence and Syadvada (relativity).
• Inner Conflict for Liberation: Experienced a profound inner conflict, recalling past lives and recognizing the cycle of reincarnation. This fueled his desire for emancipation and non-violence.
• Parental Death: His parents embraced a yogic death, which deeply affected Vardhamana, reinforcing his understanding of life's transience and the pursuit of liberation.
• Marriage: Despite parental pressure and a proposal for marriage to Princess Yashoda, Vardhamana was inclined towards a celibate life and renounced worldly responsibilities.

Spiritual Pursuit and Austerities:

• Renunciation: After his parents' death and amidst inner conflict, Vardhamana resolved to seek liberation and embarked on a path of renunciation.
• Campaign for Emancipation: This involved facing numerous challenges, trials, and tribulations. He undertook severe austerities, observed strict vows, and practiced deep meditation.
• Conquests: Mahavira's "conquests" were not over others but over his own sleep, hunger, ego, possessive instincts, and mental agitation.
• Non-Acquisition: Advocated for a life of non-possession, emphasizing that true wealth lies in consciousness and detachment, not material accumulation.
• Fearlessness: Demonstrated immense courage and fearlessness, facing wild animals, abusive people, and even the elements without flinching. The book narrates instances of him being bitten by a snake, attacked by an elephant, and enduring harsh weather, all while remaining undisturbed.
• Meditation and Yogic Postures: Emphasized the importance of meditation, practiced various yogic postures, and maintained silence for extended periods to achieve self-realization and control over the senses.
• Conquest of Palate and Hunger: Through disciplined fasting and controlled eating, he achieved equanimity towards food, transcending the influence of taste and hunger.
• "Am I not a Mighty Emperor?": Mahavira defined true emperorship not by external rule but by spiritual dominion, self-control, and adherence to the "wheel of Dharma."
• "The Protective Shield of Meditation": His meditation served as an impenetrable shield against external disturbances and internal temptations, allowing him to achieve profound spiritual progress.
• "The Gift of Sight": Mahavira's foresight and understanding extended to understanding individuals' past lives and potential future, guiding them towards enlightenment.
• "The Three Dimensions of Equanimity": This section delves into Mahavira's philosophy of equanimity, which encompasses fellow-feeling, fearlessness, and tolerance, fostering harmony and understanding between all living beings.
• "A Mind Emancipated": Explores Mahavira's emphasis on direct experience of truth (dharma) over mere adherence to rituals or external forms, advocating for a universal approach to spirituality.
• "Co-existence and Relativity": Mahavira's doctrine of Anekantavada (relativism) is highlighted, explaining that truth is multifaceted and can be perceived from various angles, thus promoting intellectual non-violence and reconciliation of diverse viewpoints.

Key Teachings and Principles:

• Non-violence (Ahimsa): The cornerstone of his philosophy, extending to all living beings, including plants and microorganisms.
• Relativity (Syadvada/Anekantavada): The principle that truth is conditional and can be viewed from multiple perspectives, fostering tolerance and understanding.
• Non-acquisition (Aparigraha): Advocated for limiting possessions to bare necessities, viewing acquisition beyond that as an obstacle to spiritual progress.
• Continence (Brahmacharya): Emphasized the importance of controlling desires, considering it integral to achieving liberation.
• Equanimity (Samata): The state of mental balance and indifference to dualities like pleasure and pain, honor and disgrace.
• Castelessness: Challenged the caste system based on birth, advocating for a social order based on deeds and spiritual realization.
• Emancipation of Females: Championed the cause of women, granting them equal rights in religious pursuits and establishing a parallel monastic order for them.
• Language of the People: Communicated his teachings in Prakrit, the language of the masses, making spiritual knowledge accessible to all, regardless of caste or literacy.
• Reconciliation: Promoted an inclusive approach, reconciling diverse philosophical views and advocating for mutual understanding and peace.
• War and Non-invasion: While not advocating for absolute passivity, he emphasized non-invasion and compassionate responses, even in violent situations, aiming to resolve conflicts through understanding and peace.
• Sacrificial Rites: Modified the concept of sacrifices, replacing violent rituals with non-violent practices focused on self-abnegation and inner purification.
• Monastic Norms: Established a structured monastic order with clear guidelines for conduct, emphasizing self-restraint, discipline, and service.

The Schism and Later Life:

The book also touches upon the schism within the order, initiated by his disciple Jamali, and Mahavira's calm and logical response to these challenges. It also discusses the reconciliation efforts and the enduring impact of his philosophy.

Nirwana (Deliverance):

The book culminates with Mahavira's attainment of Nirwana, his liberation from the cycle of birth and death, achieved through his relentless pursuit of knowledge, virtue, and self-realization. The dates of his life events are provided, marking a significant historical timeline.

The Tradition and Legacy:

The book highlights Mahavira as a "Tirthankar," the founder of a tradition, and emphasizes the importance of his teachings in fostering universal welfare, peace, and spiritual enlightenment. The "Hymn" section at the end summarizes his greatness through various comparisons and tributes.

Overall, "Shraman Mahavir" aims to be a comprehensive and accessible guide to understanding the profound life, philosophy, and teachings of Lord Mahavira, making his timeless wisdom available to a wider audience.