Ahimsa the Ultimate Winner

Author(s): N P Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 59

religion is to be practiced through sincere devotion and self-restraint. Mere observance of rituals is never enough.
In a truly universal sense, Mahavir became a “SARVODAYA TIRTH”. He evolved himself into a perfectly groomed and spiritually transformed personality radiating fulsome development of soul-power, which could serve as a beacon light to others for grasping the meaning of true happiness and the way of attaining it with sincere effort. His message was:
"He who looks upon the creatures of the Earth - big and small - as his own self comprehends this immense world. Among the careless, he who restrains his self is enlightened."
His first Sermon (Samavasaran) on the banks of river Rijukula (in Bihar) became a unique occasion, which brought together in an open nature assembly, men, women, children, birds, animals and other life forms. His language exuded spiritual vibrations to the surrounding air, space, vegetation and water.
For the next 30 years, he toured all over India extensively on foot and delivered his sermons in the spoken languages (Prakrit and Apabhramsh) of the masses. His popularity soured because he was serene, direct, convincing and preached after self-practice of restraint, denial and penance. His message to humanity was that if he could attain this level of bliss, so could any one do it through soul-disciplining regimen, rational action, thought and expression.
For moving towards emancipation, he recognized no barriers of caste, creed, sex, colour or ethnicity. He stood for social equality and fought against slavery practice. The example of accepting food (Ahara) from enslaved Chandana, securing her freedom and elevating her to exalted status in his Sangh by recognizing her talent, perseverance and devotion is an ideal example of Mahavir's conviction.
Mahavir revolutionized the preaching about Ahimsa, Aparigraha and Anekant and brought it closer to the day-to-day
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