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Lord Mahâvira: A Revolutionary
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these qualities can never reach even the fringes of Sadhana, be he aforest dweller or a recluse. One who perceives and realises God in 'self' can do sadhana at all times, at all places, without any inhibitions.
Sahdana is product of renunciation. It crops up when indulgence in sensual pleasures has been eradicated and the gustatory leanings rooted out completely. Thus one can say that Mahâvîra's thoughts on Sadhana were very comprehensive and universal in its application. He wanted that the whole personality should be integrated with one's Sadhana. He always stood against dual standards in practice. There was often a big hiatus between precept and practice. He condemned this and exhorted the people to bridge this yawning gulf. He said, "Realise Dharma. Let wisdom illumine your heart. Try to alleviate the load of grievances of your brethern. Let your day to day behaviour be strictly in accordance with your religious practices. Religion is not concealed in books or confirmed to particular places. It is not in doctrines and dogmas, it is realisation, being and becoming."
It was also said that the male alone was entitled to practise Sadhana and get rid of his shackles. The Lord stated, "This is fallacy. Sadhana is free from all such considerations as male or female. All are endowed with in finite strength and knowledge. Nay all living beings, big or small, are provided with this invaluable treasure. They can work up and break away all the shackles which keep them bound. One who has annihilated the distinctions of male and female. One who sees and perceives the soul in all creatures can triumph over this mundane existence. These distinctions obscure the path of self-realisation.
Fearlessness
Mahâvîra preached the doctrine of fearlessness and non-attachment. He said, "Frealessness is the first requisite of spirituality. One who is afraid is a coward. One who is himself frightened or frightens others, can never be a votary of non violence and can never be religious. The glow of strength gets extinguished when fear and attachment to life lead to bondage. One who is indifferent to pleasure and pain, gain and loss, reputation and slander, blessings and curses, is realty a great soul, fit for spiritual endeavour and self-realisation." Mahâvîra
