Jain Journal 2002 01

SR No.: 520145
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 84
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 5 MB

Page 57

JAIN JOURNAL: Vol-XXXVI, No. 3 January, 2002
A layman should acquire the habit of being able to discriminate between right and wrong acts and should keep away from ignoble and sinful acts. Lord Mahavira emphasised on an integral view of life divorced from violence and based on dana, sila, tapas and bhavana.
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Bhagwan Mahāvīra denounced the caste system and kept the doors open to all deserving persons and thus became a pioneer in the field of spiritual democracy. This spiritual democracy was applicable to all irrespective of caste or class. The Lord had followers from different walks of life. Besides, persons belonging to the Kshatriyas, Brahmans or Vaishyas, even high dignitaries like kings, queens and princes, became the disciples of Mahavira. Kings like Seniya, Pajjoya, Udayana, queens like Pabhavai, Migavai and others became his devotees. Thus it goes to the credit of Mahāvīra that he channelled the political personalities of his times into the more ennobling field of spiritualism.
In conveying the principles of his system to the people, Lord Mahavira followed a unique method. He always preferred to preach to the masses in their own language. To his disciples he never prevented them from asking their problems or doubts. The whole of the Bhagavati Sutra is a remarkable embodiment of the remarkable relation between an inquisitive disciple and a guru who was ever willing to satisfy intelligently his pupils. Clear-cut in his thoughts, Lord Mahavira was also clear-cut in his expressions. Thus he was an ideal guru. With this rare quality of a spiritual leader, he could, as given in the Kalpasutra, organise around him an astounding number of followers.
We are living in a scientifically and technically advanced world divided into "developed", "developing" and the "underdeveloped" regions. A keen competition is going on everywhere. Only a few are living a life of opulence whilst a majority of people lead a life of scarcity, want and impoverishment. Lord Mahavira explained that all material comforts and pleasures can never satiate anybody and give him true happiness. He preached the doctrine of non-possession to limit the desires for worldly pursuits. Mahavira laid great stress on the equality of all human beings. The theory of Anekantavada is a comprehensive view, postulating that truth is manifold. This theory admits that there is an element of truth in all religions which are but different approaches to a single issue.
The Jaina way of life has much to offer. Jainism takes an integral view of life. Faith or only knowledge by itself cannot take us to the path of salvation. We should have a combination of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct to tread the path of salvation as shown by the Lord. Today when violence is so much evident in the world, Bhagwan Mahāvīra's preaching of Ahimsa is the need of the hour.