|
|
Bhagavan Mahavira and
Jain Dharma
|
The
last (twenty-fourth) Tirthankara, Mahavira, was a historical
personality. He was born in 599 BC at Kshatriya Kund in the
democratic republic of Vaishali
(Bihar), the son of King Siddharth and Queen Trishla Devi. His
original name was Vardhman. From his childhood, he was soft,
kind-hearted. He was very upset by the ritual sacrifice of animals,
and vowed to fight for the rights of animals. He also wished to
fight for the advancement of women and untouchables. He left his
kingdom at the age of thirty to begin an ascetic life. He entered
the forest to commune with all living beings, including animals,
trees, and other plants. He practiced meditation, austerity, and
samadhi for twelve and a half years, getting enlightenment. By
self-purification and severe spiritual practices, finally, at the
age of forty-two, Mahavira attained Kaivalya (perfection).
For
the next thirty years, Mahavira spread the message of Ahimsa
non-violence , truth, non-stealing, right conduct, and non
possession. He campaigned against the barriers of caste,
creed, and faith. He also advocated protecting all living
creatures. Lord Mahavira gave us several analytical theories
of Karma, multiplicity of truth etc. All these theories helped
people to reach higher levels of consciousness and to create
happiness and peace in society. His doctrines of Right
Knowing, Right Vision, and Right Conduct are considered the
three Jewels of Jain philosophy, by which to achieve the
ultimate goal in life.
|
 |
|
Bhagavan
Mahavira and Jain Dharm
Bhagavan Mahavira made religion simple and natural, free from elaborate rituals. His teachings reflect the internal beauty and harmony of the soul.
Bhagavan Mahavira taught the idea of supremacy of human life and stressed the importance of a positive attitude towards life.
Bhagavan Mahavir's message of nonviolence (Ahimsä), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Achaurya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha) is full of universal compassion.
Bhagavan Mahavira said that, "A living body is not merely an integration of limbs and
flesh but it is the abode of the soul which potentially has infinite perception
(Anantdarshana), infinite knowledge (Anantjnäna), infinite power
(Anantvirya), and infinite bliss (Anantsukha). Mahavir's message reflects
freedom and spiritual joy of the living being.
Bhagavan Mahavira emphasized that all-living beings, irrespective of their size,
shape, form, and how spiritually developed or undeveloped, are equal and we
should love and respect them. In this way, he preached the universal love.
Bhagavan Mahavira taught that the true nature of reality is timeless, with no
beginning or end and rejected the concept of God as a creator, a protector, and
a destroyer of the universe. He also taught that worshiping heavenly gods and
goddesses, as a means of material gain and personal benefits is contrary to the
path of liberation.
One time Bhagavan Mahavira was asked what is the religion from a realistic point of
view. Bhagavan Mahavira said, “ the realistic religion consists of four parts:
1)
equality of all living ones, 2) every living soul has right to put self-effort
to improve itself and should not to be stripped of that right, 3) no one should
rule over other living beings, and 4) all situations should be viewed with
equanimity - without like or dislike." If one adopts only one of these four,
other three will automatically be adopted.
|
| |
|
|
