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122 / Lord Mahavira
The contribution of Jaina faith to Indian thought and life has been very significant. Most significant contribution of Jainism is its harmonious and peaceful approach to life. The central themes of the teaching of Lord Mahavira are non-violence, non-absolutism and non-possession.
Lord Mahavira says—“All living beings desire to live. They detest sorrow and death and desire a long and a happy life. Hence one should not inflict pain on any creature, nor have any feeling of enmity. One should be friendly towards all creatures."
Jainism takes an integral view of life. Either faith or only knowledge by itself cannot take us to the path of salvation. We should have a combination of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct to tread the path of salvation. These constitute the three jewels of Jainism. Lord Mahavira saysby knowledge one understands the nature of substance, By faith one believes in them, by conduct one puts an end to the flow of karmas and by austerity one attains purity.
Lord Mahavira was a great believer in soul, godliness, karma and rebirth. According to him, a man should lift his soul by his own efforts. The pre-requisite to the path of righteousness is to conquer the four passions. He says“Conquer anger by forgiveness, pride by humility, deceit by straight-forwardness and greed by contentment" He says "Victory over one's self is greater than conquering thousands and thousands of enemies on the battle field. A true conqueror is one who conquers his own Self."
Lord Mahavira says that all material comforts and pleasures can never satiate anybody and give him true happiness. He preached the doctrine of non-possession to the limit the desire for worldly pursuits. Mahavira laid great stress on equality of all human beings. Stressing action and
