History of Jainism

SR No.: 006741
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: U K Sharma
Publisher: D K Print World
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 304
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 10 MB

Page 95

Pārsvanātha and Vardhamana Mahāvīra
the origin of Dipavali, the Hindu festival, from this event.218 It is important to note that the Digambaras deny the authenticity of the details of Mahāvīra's life as embodied in the Acārānga, the Kalpasūtra and the Bhagavati and, therefore, their account of his life is slightly different.219
Teachings of Vardhamāna Mahāvīra
Mahāvīra's career was one of supreme detachment; therefore, he was rightly called Nirgrantha, i.e., a person without chains, internal or external. He preached what he lived. All living beings want to live, and he believed that they have the right to live.220 Thus, the sanctity of life in all forms constituted the basis of his moral values.221 Like Pārsvanātha, Mahāvīra believed in the eternity of matter.222 He agreed with Pārsvanātha in holding that self-control is essential for the cessation of karma, and also that penance leads to its destruction.223 Mahāvīra agreed with the four vows enjoined on his disciples by Pārsvanātha, and added the vow of chastity to them. Like Pārsva, Mahāvīra attached great importance to the doctrine of ahimsä.224 Mahāvīra also believed that by following the three-fold path of right belief, right knowledge and right conduct liberation from the cycle of birth and death can be achieved 225
Contribution of Mahāvīra
The religion advocated by Mahāvīra was not his creation.226 He was a
218. ACHI, p. 101; CHAI, III, p. 281, TSPC, VI, p. 351. 219. CHAI, III, p. 275. 220. ACHI, p. 101. 221. Ibid. 222. AOIU, p. 411. 223. Ibid. 224. LDJC, p. 23; JSS, p. 21. 225. Ibid., pp. 23-4; Ibid., pp. 10-11; AAHI, p. 86. 226. HJM, p. 72; ERE, VII, p. 466.