Mahavir Prince Of Peace

Author(s): Ranchor Prime
Publisher: Mandala Publishing

Page 17

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Acharya Shri Kailassagarsun Gyanmander
The same vows apply both to renunciates and householders, but in the case of householders they are made less demanding. For example, nonattachment in a monk may take the form of going entirely naked, as the air-clad Jains do, with no possessions other than a broom to sweep insects from the path ahead. Whereas for a householder nonattachment would mean to make do with less, and to progress gradually toward renunciation
Once the soul achieves pure knowledge, a process that may take many births, it is released from the cycle of birth and death, and manifests its natural quality of infinite knowledge. In this state it exists forever. Mahavira did not teach anything about a creator God, but he laid great emphasis on the cultivation of compassion and love as the necessary qualities for achieving full understanding. Such compassion is exemplified in the Jain tradition of benevolence toward others, which cultivates the four kinds of giving:
food, shelter, medicine and education
Another important feature of the Jain tradition is its acceptance of religious plurality. Mahavira himself taught that the truth is not monolithic, and that it varies according to the point of view of the observer. This is embodied in the Jain doctrine of anekantavada (many ways.), and has made Jains naturally tolerant of another's point of view, and willing to appreciate what others have to say.
The Jains of North India developed a fine aesthetic sense, particularly in art and architecture The Jain temples of Mount Abu in Rajasthan are among the great masterpieces of world architecture. With their infinite attention to detail, the purity of their white marble, their lofty setting and the care with which they have been maintained over hundreds of years, they exemplify the Jain qualities of care and purity, as well as their love of peace and renunciation of the world.