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| The Life of Vardhamana Mahavira: The 24th Tirthankara (539- 467 B.C.) |
Introduction
Jainism, one of the oldest religions of India, emerged as a distinct faith during the 6th century BCE. Founded by Mahavira, a spiritual teacher and philosopher, Jainism offers a unique perspective on the nature of reality, the soul, and the path to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
Rooted in the ancient Indian philosophical tradition, Jainism presents a distinctive worldview that emphasizes non-violence, asceticism, and the pursuit of spiritual purity. This introduction will explore the key tenets of Jainism, including its core beliefs, practices, and its enduring influence on Indian culture and society.
The Life of Vardhamana Mahavira: The 24th Tirthankara (539- 467 B.C.)
Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th and last Tirthankara of the Jain tradition, was born in Kundagrama, near Vaisali, to Kshatriya parents Siddhartha and Trisala. He married Yasoda and had a daughter.
At the age of thirty, Mahavira renounced his worldly life and became an ascetic, embarking on a twelve-year period of rigorous self-discipline and meditation. During the thirteenth year of his penance, he attained the highest spiritual knowledge, known as Kevala Jnana or omniscience. This enlightenment marked his transformation into Mahavira, a title signifying "great hero," and Jina, meaning "conqueror."
Mahavira spent the remaining thirty years of his life preaching his doctrines throughout India. His followers became known as Jains, and their faith as Jainism. Mahavira emphasized the principles of non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), non-stealing (asatyagraha), chastity (brahmacharya), and non-possessiveness (aparigraha). He also advocated for asceticism, vegetarianism, and the avoidance of harming any living being.
Mahavira passed away at the age of seventy-two, in Pava, near Rajagriha. His teachings, preserved in the Jain scriptures, continue to inspire and guide followers of Jainism today.
The Teachings of Mahavira: The Three Gems and the Five Great Vows
The core principles of Jainism, known as the "Triratnas" or "Three Gems," are:
*Right Faith: This involves believing in the teachings and wisdom of Mahavira and the Jain Tirthankaras.
*Right Knowledge: This entails accepting the Jain philosophy of Anekantavada, which asserts that reality is multifaceted and has multiple perspectives. Jains also believe in the absence of a creator god and the existence of souls in all objects, animate and inanimate.
*Right Conduct: This refers to adhering to the five great vows:
- ~ Ahimsa: Non-violence, the most fundamental principle of Jainism. Jains believe in the equality of all living beings and strive to avoid harming any creature, including plants and insects.
- ~ Satya: Truthfulness, speaking the truth and avoiding falsehood.
- ~ Asatyagraha: Non-stealing, refraining from taking anything that does not belong to one.
- ~ Brahmacharya: Chastity, leading a pure and moral life, free from sexual misconduct.
- ~ Aparigraha: Non-possessiveness, renouncing attachment to material possessions and worldly desires.
Both the clergy and laity in Jainism are expected to strictly follow these principles. Mahavira believed that all objects, animate and inanimate, possess souls and varying degrees of consciousness. This led to the extreme practice of non-violence, even extending to the avoidance of harming plants and insects.
Jainism also emphasizes asceticism and renunciation. The doctrine of aparigraha led to the extreme practice of self-torture, including starvation, nudity, and other forms of self-discipline. This emphasis on asceticism was seen as a way to purify the soul and attain liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
In conclusion, the teachings of Mahavira provide a framework for a moral and ethical life, emphasizing non-violence, truthfulness, and the renunciation of worldly desires. These principles continue to guide followers of Jainism today.
The Spread of Jainism
Mahavira organized the Sangha, a community of monks and lay followers, to spread his teachings. This dedicated group played a crucial role in the rapid dissemination of Jainism, particularly in Western India and Karnataka.
Several influential rulers and dynasties patronized Jainism, including Chandragupta Maurya, Kharavela of Kalinga, and the royal dynasties of southern India such as the Gangas, Kadambas, Chalukyas, and Rashtrakutas. Their patronage contributed to the growth and popularity of the faith.
A significant event in Jain history occurred in the late 4th century BCE when a severe famine struck the Ganges valley. Many Jain monks, led by Bhadrabahu and Chandragupta Maurya, migrated to Sravana Belgola in Karnataka. Those who remained in northern India, led by Sthulabahu, introduced changes to the code of conduct for monks. This led to a division of Jainism into two sects: the Svetambaras (white-clad) and the Digambaras (sky-clad or naked).
The first Jain Council was convened at Pataliputra by Sthulabahu, the leader of the Digambaras, in the early 3rd century BCE. The second Jain Council was held at Valabhi in the 5th century CE. These councils played a vital role in preserving and codifying Jain scriptures and doctrines.
The final compilation of Jain literature, known as the Twelve Angas, was completed during the second Jain Council. These texts provide valuable insights into Jain philosophy, theology, and history.
In conclusion, the spread of Jainism was facilitated by the efforts of the Sangha, the patronage of rulers, and the successful adaptation of the faith to changing circumstances. The division of Jainism into two sects and the compilation of sacred texts further solidified its position as a significant religious tradition in India.
Conclusion
Jainism, founded by Mahavira, has endured as a significant religious tradition in India for over two millennia. Its core principles of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, chastity, and non-possessiveness continue to inspire and guide its followers today.
The teachings of Mahavira, as preserved in the Jain scriptures, offer a unique perspective on the nature of reality, the soul, and the path to spiritual liberation. Jainism's emphasis on asceticism, vegetarianism, and the equality of all living beings has had a profound impact on Indian culture and society.
The spread of Jainism was facilitated by the efforts of the Sangha, the patronage of rulers, and the successful adaptation of the faith to changing circumstances. The division of Jainism into two sects and the compilation of sacred texts further solidified its position as a significant religious tradition in India.
In conclusion, Jainism's enduring legacy is a testament to the timeless wisdom of Mahavira's teachings and the resilience of its followers. As a religion that emphasizes spiritual enlightenment, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of peace, Jainism continues to make a valuable contribution to the rich tapestry of Indian culture.
