Mahavira and his Philosophy of Life

SR No.: 006934
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Kamalchand Sogani
Publisher: Jain Vidya Samsthan
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 80
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 9 MB

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individuals. This led to the development of self-respect.in them. Thus he showed that no man or woman should be deprived of availing himself of the opportunities of advancement. It is not idle to point out that in the present state of affairs the significance of Ahimsă can not be dispensed with. The easing of tensions and cessation of conflicts among states, the maintenance of universal peace and the promotion of human welfare can only be effected by suffusing world's atmosphere with the spirit of Ahimsā. Mahāvira's use of Ahimsā saw its culmination when he used Prakrta, the language of the masses as the medium of expression for his religious preachings. This indicates his democratic spirit. He was well aware of the fact that language is as dear to man as own life. Therefore he preached in Prákrta, the language used by the common man. This Ahimsite spirit of Mahāvira extended itself even to the lowest scale of life and he promulgated that life as such is basically identical. Hence no living being should be hurt, enslaved and excited. Mahavira was well aware of the fact that economic inequality and the hoarding of essential commodities very much disturb social life and living. These acts lead to the exploitation and enslavement of man. Owing to this, the life of society is endangered. Consequently, Mahavira pronounced that the remedy for the ill of economic inequality is Aparigraha. All the means of illegitimate Parigraha bring about social hatred, bitterness, and exploitation. The method of Aparigraha tells us that one should keep with oneself that which is necessary for one's living, and the rest should be returned to society for its well-being. Limit of wealth, limit of essential commodities - all these are indispensable for the
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Mahāvira and his Philosophy of Life