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.

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.

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.

• Mahavira's teachings were compiled into the Jain scriptures known as the Agamas, which include the canonical texts called the Angas and the Upangas.
• He traveled extensively throughout ancient India, preaching his message of non-violence, spiritual liberation, and ethical living.
• He established a monastic order (sangha) comprising monks (sadhus) and nuns (sadhvis) who followed his teachings and practices.
• Prominent disciples of Mahavira include Gautama Swami, Sudharma Swami, and Indrabhuti Gautama.
• He is often depicted in a meditative posture, wearing a simple robe and adorned with minimal ornamentation in Jaina arts.
• He is often depicted in Jain art and iconography with symbols such as the lion throne, lotus pedestal, and emblem of the swastika.
• There are numerous Jain temples and pilgrimage sites dedicated to Mahavira, including Shikharji, Pawapuri, and Kundalpur.
• He was the contemporary of Gautama Buddha, who founded Buddhism.
• He attained nirvana at the age of 72 in the town of Pavapuri (modern-day Bihar, India).
• Jains celebrate the birth anniversary of Mahvira as a festival known as Mahavir Jayanti.
• Jainism, founded on his principles, has had a profound influence on Indian culture, philosophy, and spirituality.

• Jainism is an ancient religion that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is renowned for its profound philosophy, ethical principles, and spiritual practices.
• There are 24 Tirthankaras in Jainism. Tirthankaras are those who are believed to have attained enlightenment.
• The Rishabhanatha (Adinatha) was the first Tirthankara in Jainism. Other Tirthankaras were Ajitnatha (2nd), Sambhavanatha(3rd), Abhinandananatha(4th), Sumatinatha(5th), Padmaprabha(6th), Suparshvanatha(7th), Chandraprabha(8th), Suvidhinatha(9th), Shitalanatha(10th), Shreyanasanatha(11th), Vasupujya(12th), Vimalanatha(13th), Anantnatha(14th), Dharmanatha(15th), Shantinatha(16th), Kunthunatha(17th), Aranatha(18th), Mallinatha(19th), Munisuvrata(20th), Naminatha(21st), Neminatha(22nd), Parshvanatha(23rd).
• The last and most recent 24th Tirthankara was Mahavira who lived in 6th century BCE.
• Jaina philosophy emphasizes the relativity of truth (anekantavada), the multiplicity of viewpoints, and the interconnectedness of all living beings.
• It encourages tolerance, open-mindedness, and respect for diverse perspectives.
• Jains engage in various spiritual practices, including meditation, prayer, fasting, and pilgrimage, to purify the mind and attain enlightenment.

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.

• The five doctrines of Jainism (five vows) are known as Panchamahavratas.
• Four were advocated by the 23rd Tirthankara Parsavnath. These are :-
  • Ahimsa (Non-Violence): It is one of the most important principles of Jainism. It advocates for avoiding causing harm to any living being, practicing compassion and reverence for all forms of life.
  • Satya (Truthfulness): It involves speaking the truth, avoiding falsehood, and practicing sincerity in thought, word, and deed.
  • Asteya (Non-Stealing): It prohibits stealing or taking what does not belong to oneself.
  • Aparigraha (Non-Attachment) :It emphasizes non-attachment to material possessions and worldly desires. According to this principle, one should live a simple and minimalist lifestyle, free from attachment to material wealth.
• The 5th doctrine of Panchamahavartas was added by the 24th Tirthankara Mahavira.
  • Brahmacharya (Chastity) : It promotes celibacy and chastity as a means of conserving vital energy and maintaining purity of mind and body.
• Other teachings of Mahavira :-
  • Anekantavada (Non-Absolutism) is also an important tenet of Jainism which acknowledges the relativity of truth and the multiplicity of perspectives. It encourages tolerance, open-mindedness, and respect for diverse view.
  • Karma theory : Mahavira taught that the accumulation of karma, binds souls to the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Liberation (moksha) from this cycle is achieved by overcoming karma through spiritual purification, ethical living, and the practice of non-violence.

• Establishment of monastic order : The monastic order founded by Mahavira consisting of monks served as centers of learning and spiritual practice, attracting followers and disciples who sought guidance on the Jain path.
• Preaching : Mahavira traveled extensively throughout ancient India, delivering sermons (sutras) and discourses on Jain philosophy, ethics, and spiritual practice. He addressed people from all walks of life, including kings, merchants, scholars, and commoners, spreading the philosophy of Jainism.
• Conversion of followers: Through the preaching, Mahavira attracted a significant number of followers who embraced Jainism or adopted Jain principles in their daily lives.
• Compilation of scriptures : Mahavira's teachings were compiled into the Jain scriptures known as the Agamas. These scriptures preserved his sermons, discourses, and ethical guidelines, ensuring the continuity and dissemination of Jain teachings for future generations.

• Compassion : Mahavira's emphasis on ahimsa as the cornerstone of Jain philosophy is highly relevant today. In the world of conflicts, it reminds humanity of the importance of compassion, empathy, and respect for all living beings.
• Ethical living : Jaina principles offer a framework for leading a life of integrity, simplicity, and virtue in this materialistic world.
• Environmental Consciousness : Mahavira's teachings on reverence for all forms of life and the interconnectedness of beings have significant implications for environmental stewardship and sustainability in an era of climate change and environment degradation.
• Interfaith harmony : Mahavira’s message of Anekantavada and respect for diverse beliefs promote mutual respect, harmony, and cooperation among people of different faiths and backgrounds.
• Personal Transformation : Mahavira's emphasis on self-reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual awakening inspires individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

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.