On road to bliss with Mahavira

Bhagwan Mahavira gave a scientific explanation of the nature and meaning of life and guided mankind to draw this nature and meaning into their own lives. He preached that right faith (samyak darshana), right knowledge (samyak jnana), and right conduct (samyak charitra) together are the real path to free the soul from the bondage of Karma. These are the “three jewels” of Jainism.

Mahavira was the 24th Tirthankara “The Divine Soul” of the Jain religion. At the age of 42, he annihilated subtle attachment and attained a completely detached state of his being and became a naked monk. In his journey from a prince to an evolved seeker, Vardhman became Mahavira. The titles Ativir, Sanmati and Mahavira were conferred upon him on different occasions during his journey to enlightenment.

Vardhman, who was born on the thirteenth day of the rising moon of Chaitra month (that usually falls in April) of the lunar calendar in 599 B.C. in Bihar, India, was a great reformer of Jain religion. His teachings have great relevance even in today’s world of science and technology. He initiated a simple five-fold path for the householders — ahimsa (non-injury — physical or mental — to others), asatya (non-stealing), brahmacharya (temperance in sexual pleasures), aparigraha (non-acquisition of property) and arjava (simplicity).

Mahavira did not neglect adherence to social values by being overwhelmed by spiritual realisation. Consequently, this social mind exhorted that non-violence consists of recognising the dignity of man irrespective of caste, colour and creed. The dignity of man is sacred and it is our duty to honour this dignity. Every individual should enjoy religious freedom without any distinction. He bestowed social prestige upon downtrodden individuals — this led to the development of self-respect in them, easing of tensions and cessation of conflicts among states.

The teaching of non-possessiveness (aparigrah) tells us that one should keep with oneself that which is necessary for one’s living; the rest should be returned to society for its well being.

He made religion simple, free from elaborate ritual complexities. His teachings reflected the popular impulse towards internal beauty and harmony of the soul.

Even to this day, nearly 2,600 years after the passing away of the great master, the pure and upright tradition of the monks has been maintained.

In short, Mahavira’s philosophy is applied intelligence. It is training in modesty rather than twisting the facts for a supposed explanation. His philosophies influence life with deepest insight, widest far sight in a man’s journey towards state of infinite perception, knowledge, bliss and strength.

Today being Lord Mahavira's birthday, I thought our readers should know him.