Bhagvana Mahavira

Author(s): Tulsi Acharya
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 79

Relevance of the Jaina Religion
71
Bhagavān Mahāvīra : "By renouncing violence and possessiveness.”
Gautama : "Can man be spiritually disciplined ?" Bhagavān Mahāvīra : "Yes, he can.” Gautama : "Lord, how can be do so ?”
Bhagavān Mahāvīra : “By renouncing violence and possessiveness.”
Possessiveness and violence, according to Bhagavān Mahāvīra, are inseparable. Today, when violence is used against power and wealtn, we think violence is on the increase. In the language of Bhagavān Mahāvīra, this violence is against violence. Thinkers of today have begun to endorse Bhagavān Mahāvīra's view that we can put an end to violence only by putting an end to the monopoly of power and wealth. According to Bhagavān Mahāvīra, violence can be eradicated only through a change of heart. Modern political thinkers take a different view of things. They believe that violence can be stopped only through force. But experience so far has shown that force has failed to stop violence and people have now begun to think that it cannot succeed unless supported by a favourable public opinion.
The only graceful way to escape reactive violence is to willingly put a limit on possessiveness. The natural consequence of this discipline will be an equitable distribution of possessions. Non-violence and Liberty
Bhagavān Mahāvīra did not ever acquiesce in the usurpation of the freedom of man. Usurpation of freedom amounts to violence. Violence in its turn creates problems and misery. Mabāvīra propounded the principle of selfdiscipline in order to free mankind from this misery. He said, "One should discipline oneself. Self-discipline is undoubtedly most difficult. One who has disciplined his own