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twelve and a half years till he achieved Kevala-Jñāna (omniscience) which was his aim behind initiation in the ascetic order. He faced many adversities and calamities brought upon by natural and supernatural forces during this period. In the thirteenth year of his ascetic order, he attained infinite knowledge, infinite intuition and infinite bliss. Only after obtaining omniscience, he began to preach and give discourses. He stressed the importance of right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. He stated that a man can rise high only by humility, noble conduct and discipline. He established Caturvidha Sangha (the four-fold congregation) of monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen so as to provide proper guidance to the monks and nuns and to inspire and stimulate the laymen and laywomen in their religious practices. In the Sangha established by Lord Mahāvīra there was no difference between men and women. Both were regarded as equal. The women were also initiated as nuns, which was a great revolutionary step at that time.
Now we have to examine how the teachings of Lord Mahāvīra can improve the life of ordinary people and bring peace and prosperity to them. Some critics say that the principles of Jainism are so difficult that they cannot be practised by ordinary people. This is a fallacy. Teachings of Lord Mahāvira are grouped into two parts, 1. Teachings, to Sramaņas (mendicants) and teachings to householders (Śrāvakas). Śramaņas have no doubt to follow very rigorous and extensive restraints because they proceed on the path of "Sarva-virati" or total renunciation. Once they take "pravrajyā" (renunciation), they have to observe the Panch Mahāvratas or the five great vows of total abstinence from violence, untruth, stealing, sexual indulgence and possessions. They proceed on the path of liberation which is the state of infinite counciousness, absolute freedom and eternal bliss. They devote their whole life to scriptural study, service to the Guru and dedicate themselves to preaching. But so far as the householders are concerned, the teachings of Lord Mahāvīra are much simpler. Thirty five Rules of Conduct
Jain Ācāryas have described the duties and responsibilities of the laity elaborately. These are called 35 virtues of a Mārgānusars (one
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