WHY JAINSIM BELIVE IN LORD MAHAVEER

 

Why Lord Mahaveer is Revered in Jainism: Understanding the Foundation of Jain Faith

The Legacy of Lord Mahaveer: The 24th Tirthankara in Jainism

In the ancient spiritual tradition of Jainism, Lord Mahaveer is revered as the 24th and final Tirthankara of the present cosmic cycle. The teachings of Mahaveer are considered to be of paramount importance by adherents of the Jain faith, and his philosophy continues to be followed with great devotion and respect. In this comprehensive exploration, the significance of Lord Mahaveer to Jainism will be examined, and the reasons behind the profound reverence with which he is regarded by millions of Jains worldwide will be elaborated upon.

Mahaveer Jayanti: The Sacred Celebration of Lord Mahaveer's Birth

The birth of Lord Mahaveer is celebrated with tremendous enthusiasm and devotion by the Jain community through the festival known as Mahaveer Jayanti. This auspicious day is marked by various religious activities, including temple visits, prayers, and the sharing of the message of non-violence and compassion that was propagated by Lord Mahaveer. The celebration of Mahaveer Jayanti is not merely a ritual but is seen as an opportunity by Jains to reconnect with the fundamental principles of their faith that were illuminated by Lord Mahaveer approximately 2,600 years ago.

During Mahaveer Jayanti, the idol of Lord Mahaveer is ceremonially bathed with sacred substances, a ritual known as 'abhisheka.' This ritual is followed by devotional songs and prayers that are offered in honor of the great spiritual leader. In many Jain temples, discourses on the teachings of Lord Mahaveer are delivered by learned monks and scholars, through which the wisdom of the 24th Tirthankara is disseminated to the community.

The Historical Context of Lord Mahaveer's Life

Lord Mahaveer was born as Prince Vardhamana in 599 BCE in the ancient kingdom of Vaishali, which is located in present-day Bihar, India. He was born into the royal family of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. From an early age, Prince Vardhamana was inclined toward spiritual pursuits and showed little interest in the luxuries and pleasures of royal life. The extraordinary circumstances surrounding his birth were interpreted by royal astrologers as signs of his future greatness.

At the age of thirty, after fulfilling his duties as a son, husband, and father, Prince Vardhamana renounced his royal status and embarked on a spiritual journey. For twelve and a half years, extreme asceticism was practiced by him, during which time he meditated, fasted, and engaged in deep introspection. His unwavering determination and commitment to spiritual awakening were tested through various trials and tribulations, all of which were overcome by him with remarkable equanimity.

In the thirteenth year of his ascetic life, enlightenment was attained by Vardhamana, and he became known as Mahaveer, which means 'the great hero.' For the next thirty years, the dharma (righteous path) was preached by him, and a community of monks, nuns, and lay followers was established. His teachings were systematically organized and preserved by his disciples, forming the foundation of Jain philosophy and practice.

The Five Great Vows of Mahaveer: The Ethical Framework of Jainism

The ethical framework of Jainism is predominantly based on the five great vows (Mahavratas) that were emphasized by Lord Mahaveer. These vows are considered to be the guiding principles for leading a morally upright and spiritually fulfilling life. The five vows are:

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): The principle of non-violence is held in the highest regard in Jainism. It extends beyond physical harm to include thoughts and speech that may cause pain or suffering to any living being. By Lord Mahaveer, the practice of non-violence was advocated not only toward humans but toward all forms of life, including the smallest of organisms.
2. Satya (Truthfulness): The importance of speaking the truth was underscored by Lord Mahaveer. However, truth should not be spoken if it causes harm or pain to others. The concept of truthfulness in Jainism is closely linked with the principle of non-violence.
3. Asteya (Non-stealing): The vow of non-stealing prohibits taking anything that is not freely given. This principle extends beyond material possessions to include the unauthorized use of ideas, time, and resources that belong to others.
4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy): For monks and nuns, complete celibacy is prescribed. For lay followers, faithfulness to one's spouse is encouraged. The principle of brahmacharya is intended to prevent the exploitation of others for sensual pleasures and to conserve energy for spiritual pursuits.
5. Aparigraha (Non-possession): The detachment from material possessions is emphasized by this vow. It encourages individuals to limit their needs and to share their resources with those who are less fortunate. The principle of non-possession helps to cultivate a sense of contentment and reduces greed and jealousy.

These five vows were not invented by Lord Mahaveer but were reaffirmed and given renewed emphasis by him. They are considered to be the foundation upon which the ethical and spiritual practices of Jainism are built.

The Philosophy of Mahaveer: The Core Beliefs of Jainism

The philosophy of Lord Mahaveer is characterized by several core beliefs that have become the distinguishing features of Jainism. These beliefs were not merely theoretical concepts but were demonstrated by Lord Mahaveer through his own life and practices.

The Concept of Soul (Jiva) and Non-Soul (Ajiva)

In Jain philosophy, a clear distinction is made between the soul (jiva) and non-soul (ajiva). Every living being is believed to possess a soul, which is eternal, conscious, and capable of experiencing pleasure and pain. Non-soul encompasses everything else, including matter, space, time, and the principles of motion and rest. The interplay between soul and non-soul is seen as the cause of the cycle of birth and death (samsara).

The Theory of Karma

The concept of karma is central to Jain philosophy. According to Lord Mahaveer, every action, thought, and word generates karma, which attaches to the soul and affects its journey through the cycle of birth and death. The accumulation of negative karma is believed to result in suffering and rebirth in lower forms of existence, while positive karma leads to favorable conditions and the possibility of spiritual advancement.

The Path to Liberation (Moksha)

The ultimate goal of Jain spiritual practice, as elucidated by Lord Mahaveer, is liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death. This state is achieved through the complete purification of the soul, which involves the elimination of all karma. The path to liberation involves the practice of right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct, collectively known as the Three Jewels (Triratna).

The Principle of Anekantavada (Many-Sidedness)

The principle of anekantavada, or many-sidedness, is a unique contribution of Jain philosophy. It recognizes that reality is multifaceted and that different perspectives can offer partial truths. This principle fosters intellectual humility and openness to diverse viewpoints, counteracting dogmatism and extremism.

The Doctrine of Syadvada (Conditional Predication)

Closely related to anekantavada is the doctrine of syadvada, which emphasizes that all statements are conditional and qualified. The word 'syat' means 'maybe' or 'perhaps,' indicating that knowledge is context-dependent and subject to limitations. This doctrine promotes intellectual rigor and critical thinking.

Mahavir's Influence on Jain Practices: Rituals and Traditions

The influence of Lord Mahaveer on Jain practices is profound and far-reaching. Many of the rituals and traditions that are observed by Jains today can be traced back to the teachings and example of the 24th Tirthankara.

The Practice of Meditation

Meditation was practiced by Lord Mahaveer as a means of purifying the soul and attaining spiritual enlightenment. In contemporary Jainism, various forms of meditation are employed by practitioners to calm the mind, reduce attachment, and cultivate virtues such as compassion and equanimity.

The Observance of Fasting

Fasting is regarded as a powerful practice for spiritual purification in Jainism. Lord Mahaveer himself undertook rigorous fasts during his ascetic life. Today, fasting is observed by Jains on special occasions such as Paryushana and Mahaveer Jayanti, as well as on a regular basis according to personal conviction.

The Ritual of Pratikramana

Pratikramana is a ritual of introspection and repentance for any transgressions against the five vows. It involves a detailed examination of one's thoughts, words, and actions, followed by sincere repentance. This practice helps to purify the mind and prevent the accumulation of negative karma.

The Tradition of Samayika

Samayika is a period of meditation and equanimity, during which one strives to maintain a state of mental balance and detachment. The practice of samayika is encouraged for all Jains, though the duration and frequency may vary based on individual capacity and circumstances.

The Relevance of Mahaveer's Teachings in the Modern World

The teachings of Lord Mahaveer, despite being articulated over two and a half millennia ago, continue to resonate with contemporary concerns and challenges. Several aspects of his philosophy are particularly relevant in the modern context.

Environmental Ethics

The principle of non-violence toward all living beings, as propounded by Lord Mahaveer, has significant implications for environmental ethics. In an age of ecological crisis, the Jain emphasis on minimizing harm to all forms of life offers a profound basis for sustainable living and environmental conservation.

Peace and Conflict Resolution

The Jain principle of ahimsa, or non-violence, extends to thoughts, words, and deeds. In a world plagued by conflicts and violence, the message of Lord Mahaveer provides a framework for peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution based on mutual respect and understanding.

Ethical Business Practices

The principles of truthfulness, non-stealing, and non-possession, as emphasized by Lord Mahaveer, offer guidelines for ethical business practices. In an era of corporate scandals and economic exploitation, these principles serve as a reminder of the importance of integrity, fairness, and social responsibility in business dealings.

Mental Well-being

The Jain practices of meditation, simplicity, and mental discipline, rooted in the teachings of Lord Mahaveer, contribute to mental well-being and resilience. In a time of increasing stress and mental health challenges, these practices offer valuable tools for achieving inner peace and balance.

The Legacy of Lord Mahaveer: The Continuous Flow of Jain Tradition

The legacy of Lord Mahaveer has been preserved and transmitted through a continuous lineage of Jain monks, nuns, and scholars. The Jain community, though relatively small in numbers, has maintained a strong identity and has made significant contributions to various fields, including philosophy, literature, art, and science.

The Preservation of Jain Texts

The teachings of Lord Mahaveer were initially transmitted orally by his disciples. Over time, these teachings were systematically organized and preserved in written form, giving rise to a rich corpus of Jain literature. The Agamas, which are considered to be the canonical texts of Jainism, contain the sermons of Lord Mahaveer as recorded by his immediate disciples.

The Tradition of Scholarship

A strong tradition of scholarship has been fostered by the Jain community, with numerous commentaries, treatises, and philosophical works being produced over the centuries. Jain scholars have made important contributions to fields such as logic, epistemology, and metaphysics, building upon the foundational insights of Lord Mahaveer.

The Role of Jain Monasticism

The monastic tradition established by Lord Mahaveer continues to be a vital force in Jainism. Jain monks and nuns, through their strict adherence to the five vows and their commitment to spiritual practice, serve as living exemplars of the path shown by the 24th Tirthankara.

Conclusion: The Enduring Significance of Lord Mahaveer in Jainism

The profound impact of Lord Mahaveer on Jainism cannot be overstated. His life, teachings, and spiritual achievements continue to inspire and guide millions of Jains worldwide. The principles of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, and non-possession, which were emphasized by him, remain the cornerstone of Jain ethics and spirituality.

The celebration of Mahaveer Jayanti each year serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of this great spiritual leader. His message of compassion, non-violence, and spiritual liberation continues to be relevant in the contemporary world, offering insights and guidance for addressing the complex challenges of our time.

In the Jain tradition, Lord Mahaveer is not merely a historical figure but a beacon of spiritual enlightenment whose teachings transcend the boundaries of time and space. The path that was illuminated by him continues to be followed by those who seek inner peace, ethical living, and ultimate liberation.

The reverence with which Lord Mahaveer is regarded in Jainism is not based on blind faith but on a deep appreciation of his spiritual wisdom and moral excellence. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of human potential and the possibility of transcending the limitations of ordinary existence through spiritual discipline and ethical living.