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Lord Vardhamana Mahavira Teachings UPSC CSE

Mahavira

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Summary of Lord Mahavira

Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. He was born in present-day Bihar in a royal family. At the age of 30, he renounced his princely life and he got enlightenment at the age of 42. He spread Jaina philosophy in the 6th century BCE. The Jaina philosophy preached by him was based on Ahimsa (Non-Violence), Satya (Truthfulness), Asteya (Non-Stealing), Aparigraha (Non-Attachment), Brahmacharya (Chastity),Anekantavada (Non-Absolutism) and his Karma theory. He established a monastic order consisting of monks which served as a centres of learning and spiritual practice, attracting followers and disciples who sought guidance on the Jain path. He then travelled throughout ancient India delivering sermons (sutras) and discourses on Jain philosophy, ethics, and spiritual practice. His teachings were compiled into the Jain scriptures known as the Agamas ensuring the continuity and dissemination of Jain teachings for future generations. He got nirvana at the age of 72 in Pavapuri. His teachings serve as a guiding principle for promoting peace, compassion, and environmental sustainability in the world today.

Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana Mahavira, was a spiritual leader and the 24th Tirthankara (spiritual leader) in Jainism.

Mahavira's teachings revolve around the principles of ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truthfulness), aparigraha (non-attachment), and karma theory.

Mahavira is often depicted in Jain art and iconography with symbols such as the lion throne, lotus pedestal, and emblem of the swastika.

Mahavira established a monastic order and traveled extensively to preach his teachings, attracting followers and disciples across ancient India.

Background of Lord Mahavira

Mahvira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism was born in Kundagrama, near Vaishali in present-day Bihar, India, in the 6th century BCE. His birth name was Vardhamana. He was born into a royal Kshatriya caste family. His father Siddhartha was the king of Kundagrama, and his mother Trishala was a queen known for her spiritual inclinations. Mahavira renounced his princely life at the age of 30 and spent his next 12 years in intense meditation, fasting, and self-mortification in search of enlightenment. Mahavira got enlightenment at the age of 42 known as kevala jnana in Jainism.

Introduction of Lord Mahavira

Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana Mahavira, was a spiritual teacher and the 24th Tirthankara (spiritual leader) in Jainism. At the age of 42, he got enlightenment and started preaching his message. Mahavira's teachings in the 6th century BCE, laid the groundwork for Jainism, a religion that emphasizes self-discipline, non-violence, and respect for all forms of life.

Important facts about Mahavira

Jainism

Three jewels of Janism

  1. Samyak Darshana (Right faith) : Right Faith inspires followers to pursue the path of righteousness and enlightenment with sincerity and dedication.
  2. Samyak Jnana (Right knowledge): It refers to the correct understanding of reality, the self, and the principles of Jain philosophy.
  3. Samyak Charitra (Right conduct) : It encompasses ethical behavior, virtuous living, and the cultivation of moral virtues.

Doctrine of Jainism

Spread of Jainism by Mahavira

Significance of Mahavira teachings in present-day

Conclusion of Lord Mahavira

Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, left behind a profound legacy that continues to inspire millions of followers worldwide. His teachings of nonviolence, truthfulness, simple living, non-absolutism and spiritual liberation resonate with people of all backgrounds and cultures. In the present time, Mahavira’s philosophy serves as a guiding principle for promoting peace, compassion, and environmental sustainability.

Prelims PYQS of Lord Vardhamana Mahavira Teachings

Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Sikhism
(d) Vaishnavis

Correct Answer :(b) Jainism
Souls are not only the property of animal and plant life, but also of rocks, running water and many other natural objects not looked on as living by other religious sects.". The above statement reflects one of the core beliefs of which one of the following religious sects of ancient India? (UPSC CSE 2023)
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Shaivism
(d) Vaishnavism

Correct Answer :(b) Jainism
The Jain philosophy holds that the world is created and maintained by: ( UPSC CSE 2011 )
(a) Universal Law
(b) Universal Truth
(c) Universal Faith
(d) Universal Soul

Correct Answer :(a) Universal Law
With reference to the history of ancient India, which of the following was/were common to both Buddhism and Jainism? (UPSC CSE 2012)
1. Avoidance of extremities of penance and enjoyment.
2. Indifference to the authority of the Vedas.
3. Denial of efficacy of rituals.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(b) 2 and 3 only
Which of the following statements is/are applicable to Jain doctrine? (UPSC CSE 2013)
1. The surest way of annihilating Karma is to practice penance.
2. Every object, even the smallest particle has a soul.
3. Karma is the bane of the soul and must be ended.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer :(d) 1, 2 and 3
Under the Indian Constitution, concentration of wealth violates
(a) Buddhism
(b) Jainism
(c) Vaishnavism
(d) Shaivism

Correct Answer :(b) Jainism

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