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Appendix X
Teachings of Lord Mahāvīra*
Jainism is one of the oldest religious traditions of the world. Many Tirthankaras, Ācāryas, saints and scholars belonged to this tradition. Lord Mahāvīra was the 24"" Tīrthankara of the present era. He was not the founder of Jainism but its propounder. He attained omniscience by practising rigorous austerities and penances. A glimpse into his life shows that he was an embodiment of non-violence and compassion. Although Mahāvīra (599-527 B.C.) preached 2500 years ago, his teaching continues to be relevant even today and has special significance for the spiritual advancement of mankind.
The contribution of Jaina faith to Indian thought and life has been very significant. The central themes of the teachings of Lord Mahāvīra are non-violence, non-absolutism and non-possession.
Jainism takes an integral view of life. Either faith or only knowledge by itself cannot take one on the path of salvation. There should be a combination of right knowledge and right conduct to tread the path of salvation. These constitute the three jewels of Jainism. Without right faith, there is no right knowledge and without right knowledge there is no virtuous conduct.
The significant achievement of Mahāvīra's revolution in the spiritual field was the upholding of the concept of karma in place of a creator God. He said that man is the architect of his own destiny and he can rise only by his on efforts and not by the grace of an external agency. God is devoid of attachment; hence there is
* The Hindu, 9 April 1998
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