________________
MAHAVIRA’S THOUGHT
AND ITS RELEVANCE IN
MODERN TIMES
P. S. Jain
The significance of the fundamental teachings of Bhagavān Malāvira is great and everlasting and, therefore, it undoubtedly retains its relevance in the changing modern world. It was never confined to any particular social or political group or language. It was virtuaily based on the reality. Its ultimate goal was to accept the reality though it had its origin in one particular time.
When one dives deep into the depth of Bhagavān Mahāvīra's thoughts he arrives at the conclusion that there has never been a real change in them but there has been advancement. It is to be borne in mind that it was Bhagavān ķişabhadeva who, for the first time, gave expression to the fundamental teachings of the Sramaņadharma which were needed at that time and subsequently Bhagavān Mahavira propagated them by making them wider and exhaustive. He not only paid his attention to the values of life but also to the values of selves and consequently it was promulgated that non-violence does not merely confine to physical actions only, but also confines to thought. Personal procurement though related to one's property, was generalised by him by his teachings on Aparigraha. Pandits regarded it as a renunciation of Mahāvīra from the world. But the fact is that Mahāvira came out of the house, walls and city and embraced the whole world. He abandoned narrowmindedness. Now his findings were dedicated to the welfare
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