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

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Mahāvīra and His Relevance
should not be extinction of independent thinking and writing. Such thing should be left absolutely free.
When equality in thought and action will go together then Samatā will certainly have impact on the society. Then every one will dedicate himself for the welfare of others. The fruit of the unprejudiced or unbiased thinking would emerge from the thought of Samatā only. But when the evils like pride, obstinacy and desire for fame etc. are kept connected with it then eventually it would result in anarchy which will pave the way for conflicts. Such conflicts can be avoided if the Anekāntavāda of Mahāvira is adhered to. The Anekāntavāda puts forth the fact that truth has got many sides. There is always possiblitily of truth in every system of thought. Nothing is absolutely wrong or right. So one should develop such an understanding and should not jump on the conclusions in haste. This will certainly help in determining the truth. One should, therefore, try to benefit himself by the experiences of others. This kind of understanding undoubtedly will pave the way for harmony and goodwill.
There are five vows for the Ācāra Samatā. If a man goes on to follow them naturally there would be no conflict. When the thought of attachment towards hoarding is controlled or it is minimised and to get over attachment or hatred, then consequently violence will have no place in man's life. Thus stealing, untruthsullness will also have to die, the extremity of sensuality will also be no more strong. To sum up, the Samatā philosophy of Mahavira is quite capable of putting an end to the evil of selfishness provided one strives for it wholeheartedly.
What Mahāvīra founded the four fold Samgha with a view to make the Samatā philosophy practicable. Its very foundation-stone was laid on this Samatā. In this Saṁgha, Sādhus and Sadhvis, Srāvaka and Srāvikās have been given place. Though there exists a difference between one standard of meditation and the other, yet the Srāvakas and Sädhus have been put in one Sangha, for both of them have got one and the same goal in their life.
. On the other hand, no difference has been recognised on the basis of sex. Sadhvi and Srāvikā have been given place in the
Sādhu or Srāvaka Sangha. Mahāvira was against the idea of