Mahavira
Mahavira – The 24th Tirthankara and Founder of Jainism
Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was a great spiritual teacher and ascetic who founded the religion of Jainism. He was the 24th Tirthankara, a term that refers to a person who has achieved enlightenment and then serves as a teacher for those seeking spiritual guidance. Mahavira's teachings and principles continue to influence millions of people around the world.
Early Life and Childhood
Mahavira was born in 599 BCE in a small village called Kundagrama, near modern-day Patna, Bihar in India. He was born to the royal family of Kshatriya caste and his father’s name was Siddhartha and his mother's name was Trisala. He was the second son of his parents, and they named him Vardhamana, which means “to grow” or “to excel”.
Mahavira grew up in a wealthy and privileged environment. His family had several palaces and owned a huge amount of wealth. However, Mahavira was not interested in material possessions and was drawn to spiritual pursuits. He was deeply influenced by the teachings of his predecessors, such as Parswanath and Neminath, who were also Tirthankaras.
Mahavira’s spiritual journey started when he was 30 years old. He decided to renounce his worldly belongings and left his home to become an ascetic in search of spiritual enlightenment.
Ascetic Life and Enlightenment
Mahavira’s life as an ascetic was incredibly tough. He practiced extreme austerity, which included fasting, meditation, and living a life of poverty. He endured numerous hardships, including thirst, hunger, and extreme weather conditions, in his quest for enlightenment. Mahavira believed that only by shedding all worldly attachments and desires could one attain the path to spiritual liberation.
Mahavira's spiritual quest finally culminated in enlightenment. He found inner peace and knowledge, which he came to understand was the ultimate goal of human life. This is what he referred to as the 'Keval Gyan' – a state of supreme consciousness.
Teachings of Mahavira
Mahavira taught that the ultimate goal of human life is to achieve spiritual liberation by freeing oneself from the cycle of birth and death. He stressed that the path to liberation requires one to adhere to strict standards of ethical conduct, nonviolence, and compassion towards all living creatures. His motto was "ahimsa paramo dharma." (Non-violence is the highest religion).
Mahavira identified five basic virtues that his followers, called Jains, should follow. These were:
Ahimsa – Non-violence
Satya – Truthfulness
Asteya – Non-stealing
Brahmacharya – Chastity
Aparigraha – Non-attachment
Mahavira also introduced the concept of Karma, which states that every action has a reaction. The quality of one's actions can determine a person's future, both in this life and after death. Jainism advocates that we should strive to perform good actions and minimize our negative Karma.
Mahavira also emphasized compassion towards all living creatures, from small insects to humans. To Jains, every living being is valuable, and all are equally valuable to human life. They believe that causing harm or violence to any living being interferes with the harmony of the universe and hinders one's spiritual growth.
Jainism practices a strict form of austerity, especially for monks and nuns who have taken vows of renunciation. They follow the principle of ‘Ahara’ which involves a very restricted diet and strict hygiene practices. Jainism also advocates for a simple life with no materialistic lifestyle.
Mahavira's Teachings Today
Mahavira's teachings still hold relevance in contemporary times. The principles of nonviolence, compassion, and respect for all living things find significance in our current turbulent, polarized, and divided society.
Mahavira's teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world. Jains live admirable lives of discipline, self-restraint, spirituality, practicality, and social responsibility. They are known for their vegetarianism, their philanthropic nature towards social causes like health, education, etc.
Conclusion
Mahavira's teachings have not just created a religious order, but a fundamental way of life. His philosophy is not only applicable to Jainism but beyond. His teachings not just promote the ethical foundation but also scientific reasoning, environmental consciousness, and application of the concept of Karma in our day-to-day life choices.
The life of Mahavira teaches us the importance of controlling our desires and practicing self-restraint. We see the impact of his teachings everywhere, whether it is the ongoing ecological destruction or unrest and conflicts occurring due to differences in belief. Mahavira's teachings will continue to inspire generations and encourage all to lead a life of simplicity, nonviolence, and righteousness, both individually and collectively.