Tirthankar Mahavir

I've reviewed the provided text, which appears to be the early pages of the book "Tirthankar Mahavir" by Kumarpal Desai. Here's a comprehensive summary based on the content available:

Book Title: Tirthankar Mahavir Author: Kumarpal Desai Publisher: Jaybhikkhu Sahitya Trust

Overall Summary:

The provided text offers an in-depth exploration of the life, teachings, and philosophical significance of Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. It highlights his birth in a period of social and religious turmoil, his revolutionary impact on society, and the timeless relevance of his teachings for contemporary issues. The book details Mahavira's past lives, his birth, his spiritual journey, his arduous austerities, his attainment of omniscience (Kevaljnana), his sermons, and his ultimate liberation (Nirvana). It also includes details about his family, disciples, and various places of pilgrimage associated with his life. The text emphasizes Mahavira's core principles of non-violence (Ahimsa), truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Asteya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha), and how these principles offer solutions to modern-day problems like violence, terrorism, and pollution.

Key Sections and Themes:

• The Context of Mahavira's Birth: The book sets the stage by describing the societal conditions around 2600 years ago: widespread violence, religious disintegration, animal sacrifices in temples, the subjugation of women, rigid caste systems, and the monopolization of knowledge by the elite. Mahavira's birth is presented as a divine intervention to reform and uplift humanity during this era.

• Mahavira's Revolutionary Impact:

  • Language and Knowledge Accessibility: He broke the dominance of Sanskrit, preaching in Ardhamagadhi (the language of the common people) to make religious knowledge accessible to all.
  • Social Reforms: He challenged the caste system, emphasizing character over birth, and advocated for the spiritual and social upliftment of women, who were previously denied many rights.
  • Core Teachings: The book emphasizes Mahavira's foundational principles:
    • Ahimsa (Non-violence): Presented as the universal religion and the heart of Jainism, encompassing all living beings, and achievable through thought, word, and deed. The text contrasts this with the pervasive violence in the modern world.
    • Anekantavada (Doctrine of Manifold Aspects): Advocating tolerance, synthesis, and the understanding of truth from multiple perspectives, countering dogmatism.
    • Syadvada (Doctrine of Qualified Assertion): Related to Anekantavada, emphasizing that truth is relative and should be expressed with qualification.
    • Celibacy (Brahmacharya): Highlighted as an act of supreme self-control.
    • Non-possession (Aparigraha): Presented as a means to overcome acquisitiveness and exploitation.
    • Truth (Satya): Emphasized as the foundation, with an emphasis on avoiding falsehood in thought, word, and deed.
  • Emphasis on Character and Conduct: Mahavira stressed that character, not birth, determines one's status.

• Mahavira's Past Lives: The text delves into Mahavira's 27 previous births, tracing the spiritual evolution of his soul. It highlights key lives that shaped his spiritual journey, including his roles as Nayasara, Marichi (where ego led to a lower birth), various Brahmanas, Triprushta Vasudeva, and Prince Nandana, where he bound the "Tirthankara-nama-karma." These past lives illustrate the law of karma and the consequences of actions.

• Key Events in Mahavira's Life:

  • Conception and Birth: The auspicious dreams of Queen Trishala, the transfer of the embryo from Devananda's womb to Trishala's womb (to ensure birth in the warrior caste), and the joyous celebrations by gods and humans are described.
  • Childhood and Youth: Stories of his fearlessness (confronting a cobra) and courage (defeating a goblin) are recounted, leading to his name "Vardhamana" and "Mahavira." His education, marriage to Yashoda, and his family life are detailed, emphasizing his detachment even amidst worldly comforts.
  • Renunciation (Diksha): The book describes his decision to renounce the world after his parents' passing, with the consent of his elder brother Nandivardhana, and the elaborate procession marking his renunciation.
  • Asceticism and Austerities: A significant portion details his 12.5 years of severe austerities, including fasting for extended periods, enduring extreme weather, facing numerous ordeals (upasargas) from people, animals, and deities (like Shulpani, Acchandaka, Chandakaushika, Sangama, Kataputana), and his unwavering equanimity and compassion throughout these trials.
  • Attainment of Omniscience (Kevaljnana): The text describes the moment of his enlightenment under a teak tree by the Rujuvalika river, marked by auspicious signs and celestial celebrations.
  • Sermons and Samavasaran: It details the construction of the Samavasaran (the holy assembly hall) for his first sermon, emphasizing the spiritual significance and the divine attendance. His teachings in simple Prakrit are highlighted as a revolutionary step.
  • Debates and Disciples: The conversion of Indrabhuti Gautama and his disciples, and the subsequent conversion of other prominent scholars, forming the Ganadharas, are recounted. The book also mentions the development of the fourfold Jain order (Sadhu, Sadhvi, Shravak, Shravika).
  • Liberation (Nirvana): The final moments of Mahavira's life in Pavapuri, his last sermon, and his attainment of liberation are described, followed by the enlightenment of Gautama.

• Philosophical Concepts: The book touches upon key Jain philosophical concepts through dialogues with Gautama, including the causes of short/long and auspicious/inauspicious life spans, the nature of heaven and hell, the reasons for birth in different realms, the concept of the soul, the impact of karmas, the fruits of self-control, and the importance of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct. It also addresses the debate on predestination versus human effort and the nature of the universe, soul, and liberation.

• Quotations and Testimonials: The book includes quotes from great Indian figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Lala Lajpatrai, Lokmanya Tilak, and Ravindranath Tagore, as well as foreign dignitaries, praising Mahavira's philosophy and its impact. It also features devotional salutations (stotras) to Mahavira from various Jain scriptures.

• Genealogy and Historical Details: The text provides information on Mahavira's family, his past lives, the places of his key life events (Kalyanakas), and lists of his chief disciples and royal devotees. It also touches upon the lineage of Jain Acharyas and differences between Svetambara and Digambara traditions.

In essence, "Tirthankar Mahavir" by Kumarpal Desai aims to present a comprehensive and inspiring account of Bhagwan Mahavir's life and teachings, emphasizing their enduring relevance for spiritual seekers and for addressing societal challenges across time.