Bhagavana Mahavira and his Relevance in Modern Times

Author(s): Narendra Bhanavat, Prem Suman Jain, V P Bhatt
Publisher: Akhil Bharat Varshiya Sadhumargi Jain Sangh

Page 107

94
Mahavira and His Relevance
craves life instead of inglorious death and seeks peace, it is hungry for love. To be or not to be is forced to pursue its eternal quest for survival and immortality."5 Mahavira's Ahimsa would direct us to this goal.
Along with Ahimsā, value of service to humanity is also emphasised. Sevādharma is essential for the effective functioning of society. Mahavira himself and his disciples were fine examples in this respect. Mahavira, though born in a royal family, left his palace in search of knowledge and when he attained omniscience, he started his service to humanity in the form of preaching important, social, moral spiritual vows for the welfare of society. As said earlier, his teachings do bear a stamp for this mission.
976
In the context of socialistic discipline, Mahavira's two principles viz. charity and non-possessiveness are worth considering. Charity or Dana of various types, is recommended and it is a virtuepar-excellence. This is coupled with the vow of Aparigraha. Wealth should be properly distributed and if this is the aim of our modern shciety, this principle is seen behind the vow of Aparigraha. Lust for gold is too dangerous for the spiritual path and this inordinate lust will breed inordinate hate. It is not congenial to the progress of society. The Uttaradhyayanasūtra says that people who follow wrong ways, obtain wealth by evil deeds will loose it, and fall into the snares of their passions. Mahāvira donated all his belongings to all the needy persons." To have selfcontrol and mortification of body, various facts were observed and the result was that a person would have little interest in acquiring a lot of property and be not proud of it. This does not mean that one should not acquire property but one should acquire wealth by righteous method and distribute it for the benefit of many. Dr. Winternits calls the Jain literature as ascetic literature because of the spirit of ascetism therein. The idea of sacrifice is behind such spirit and this is useful for the spirit of socialistic discipline. In fact, Aparigraha and Ahimsa, the guiding principles, will bring peace and security to the whole world in general and to India in particular. Jainism believes that since desires are limitless and sources are limited there will be disruption and disharmony in society, so Aparigraha is essential from the point of view of society. To overcome many evils, knowledge and universal love are recommended. The UNESCO has been trying to minimise man-made evils and Mahavira gave a direction in the form of