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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Lord Mahāvīra and Emotional Integration
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and endeavours. The magnificient edifice of Jainism has been built on Ahiṁsā serving as the foundation stone. Other principles are the offshoots of Ahimsā. Mahāvira's contribution to the national and emotional integration of our country can be seen in many ways.
(1) Mahāvīra with his royal relationship with the then existing Republics, brought together the heads of Governments Most of the rulers were initiated into the Jaina doctrines. Political rivalries were pacified and the war-threats were replaced by the peace efforts, Nonviolence became a cementing force and the public at large followed the footprints of the rulers.
(2) Mahāvīra made no distinction and discrimination on account of caste, colour or creed. With a humanist spirit he admitted the masses into his faith and established the dignity of an individual based on the merits of personal conduct.
(3) Mahāvira dealt his opponents rationally and reasonably. He heard their views very patiently and gave a cool contemplation. He judged each case on individual merits. As the legends go he faced the fierce criticism of Gautam and Jamali without loosing his temper and equanimity. A spirit of accommodation and charitable outlook ultimately won the hearts and changed the minds of the diehard critics. He seldom took recourse to forcible conversion or coercion. This liberal attitude created a climate conductive to the propagation of Jainism. This credit goes to his philosophy of 'Syadvada' of which he was the sole architect
(4) He preferred to preach and sermonise in popular dialects of the provinces he visited. Communication of ideals and exchange of views can best be done in regional languages. This created a hypnotic effect on the minds of the masses, which hitherto were dumb-driven cattle. They realised that the message of Lord Mahāvīra was for them, by them, of them'. Popular sentiments were being ventilated in local dialects—and thus these languages became important factors to promote emotional integration.
(5) Religion without philosophy degenerates into blind faith and philosophy divorced of religion becomes dialectical gymnastics. Lord Mahāvira propounded a practical religion based on firm philosophical foundation. This is why, he stressed equally the importance of Right vision (of truth), Right knowledge and Right