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
always stood for education and enlightenment of each individual who has come to them. In consonance with the principle of equality of opportunity for all and that of universal education, the Jaina ācāryas have always used the language of the masses as the medium of instruction unlike our present universities which take pride in using a foreign language for the same purpose.
Self-punishment for self-purification :
Jaina theory of ecucation allows the use of punishments. But, the concept of punishment in Jaina theory of education is different from that of the other schools of thought. Instead of corporal punishment, the Jaina guru will allow the pupil to punish himself voluntarily through japa, tapa, or vrata as the occasion demands. Whatever be the punishment, it must be an answer to the inner call of the aspirant himself and not an imposition by the teacher in anger.
The pupil-teacher relationship :
The pupil-teacher relationship is the bed-rock of pedagogy. The Jaina guru believes in direct relation with his disciple based on mutual affection and respect. It is based on freedom and deep love on the part of the teacher a d high esteem on the part of the pupil. The pupil who has no faith in the teacher is unable to learn anything from him. Similarly, a teacher should not teach merely for the sake of livelihood, as is the case today, but his mission should be well-up in his heart out of sheer love, compassion and a feeling of selfsacrifice for the sake of the pupil. But, it is important to note that right faith is not synonymous with blind faith in the guru. Faith according to the Jaina teacher, should be judicious and the disciples should be encouraged to put their doubts and queries freely before the teacher. The teacher, according to the Jaina thought, should be an embodiment of high character as well as high learning. He should have an ideal and inspiring personality. He should be a real image of Samyag Darsana, Samyag jñāna and Samyag Chāritra. He should strictly and regularly practise in his own life what he preaches to his students. He should assume full responsibility of his student's actions. He should not rouse fear in the minds of his pupils as regards their shortcomings. The teacher, according to Jainism, should have a pleasant and peaceful attitude and the pupil should be
an embodiment of modesty and devotion.