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OMNISCIENCE
The omniscience of Mahavir does not connote that he had gained knowledge of all things and processes or he could manufacture a car, television and so on. Or, that he could repair a defective machine. His omniscience means that he knew THAT, after knowing which, nothing remains to be known. With this knowledge, he could standardize and codify mutual behaviour of entities, which opens the door for the development of personality. With this knowledge, he could visualize the Truth of Anekant, Syadvad, Ahinsa and Aparigrah and could underline the need for catholicity, endurance (Sahishnuta) and respect for others in human behaviour. After gaining knowledge of matter, nothing more remained to be acquired for Mahavir. It was like watering the roots, after which it is not necessary to water the flowers, fruits and branches.
ENRICHED VISION
Now Mahavir had an enriched and wide vision. Such a person did glance and gaze everywhere. Mahavir's vision widened. He knew himself. Knowing oneself means knowing all. Mahavir attained omniscience. Omniscience focuses on the soul. Acarya Kundakunda wrote that
jāṇadi passadi savvam vavahāraṇayeṇa kevali bhayavam kevalnānī jānadi passadi niyameņa appāṇam Niyamasara, gatha 159
Mahavir knew his soul, hence he knew everything.
In the modern age, we saw such enriched vision in Mahatma Gandhi. He was not a literary critic, but whenever some controversy was referred to him, he judged it purely on literary grounds, acceptable to all. He was neither a physician nor an economist but effectively intervened in the medical science and economics. He was not a philosopher yet; he had his own insights on the Gita. Though not a sociologist, he presented his novel schemes for the Harijans. He was not an educator, but his views on the mother tongue, our educa
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