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TIRTHANKARS
Conduct (Samyag-Chäritra) together form the real path to get rid of Karmas which are attached to the soul.
At the heart of right conduct, lie the five great vows:
Non-violence (Ahimsa) Truthfulness (Satya) Non-stealing (Achaurya) Celibacy (Brahmacharya) Non-possession/Non-attachment (Aparigraha)
Not to cause harm to any living beings | To speak only the harmless truth Not to take anything that is not properly given Not to indulge in sensual pleasures Complete detachment from people, places, and material things
Jains hold these vows as the guiding principles of their lives. These vows can be fully implemented only with the acceptance of the philosophy of non-absolutism (Anekäntaväda). Monks and nuns follow these vows strictly and totally, while Shrävaks and Shrävikäs (lay followers) follow the vows as far as their ability and desire permits.
If the principles of Jainism are properly understood and faithfully adhered to they will bring contentment, inner happiness, and joy in the present life. This will elevate the soul in future reincarnations to a higher spiritual level, ultimately achieving perfect enlightenment.
At the age of seventy-two (527 B.C.), Bhagawan Mahävir attained Nirvana and his purified soul left his mortal body and achieved complete liberation. He became a Siddha, a pure consciousness, a liberated soul, living in a state of complete bliss forever. This event, known as Nirvana, occurred on the last day of the Hindu and Jain calendar. We celebrate it as Diwäli or Deepävali (festival of lights).
Significant points of the Teachings of Bhagawän Mahävir:
Mahävir-swämi made religion simple and natural, and free from elaborate ritual complexities. His teachings reflected the internal beauty and harmony of the soul.
Mahävir-swämi taught the significance of human life and stressed the importance of a positive attitude in
life.
Bhagawan Mahävir's message of non-violence (Ahimsa), truth (Satya), non-stealing (Achaurya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession/non-attachment (Aparigraha) is full of universal compassion.
Bhagawan Mahävir said, “A living body is not merely an integration of limbs and flesh, but it is the abode of the soul which has the potential for infinite knowledge (Anant-Jnän), infinite perception (AnantDarshan), infinite happiness (Anant-Sukha), and infinite power and energy (Anant-Virya).” Mahävir's message reflects the freedom and spiritual joy of living beings.
Mahävir-swämi emphasized that all living beings, irrespective of their size, shape, form, and level of spiritual development are equal, and that we should love and respect them all. In this way, he preached the gospel of universal love.
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