Studies in Jainology Prakrit Literature and Languages

Author(s): B K Khadabadi
Publisher: Prakrit Bharti Academy

Page 16

Studies in Jainology, Prakrit
MAHAVIRA AND HIS MEDIUM AND MODE OF TEACHING
Among the manifold contributions of Lord Mahavira to human life and wisdom, the most outstanding ones may be said to be his gospel of Ahimsa, Kriyavāda and Syādvāda. He taught that Ahimsā or non- hurting is the basic principle of higher life and made it hold the pivotal position in the whole code of conduct laid down both for monks and laymen. He was also a great exponent of Kriyavāda, the doctrine of action, which makes man himself morally responsible for all his decds, physical, mental and verbal. The Syādvada, propounded by him, inculcates among the members of the society a sense of giving room for considering all possible views and ideals about a given thought or thing.
Besides these, there is another very important principle, the principle of effective instruction to the common massaes, which Mahāvīra solemnly practised for the full period of thirty years without theroizing or indoctrinating it. This principle of effective instruction to the common masses has two inseparable sides:
(1) The medium of instruction and (2) The mode of instruction or preaching or teaching.
There are no two opinions about the fact that it is mainly the literary evidence that has often proved the authenticity of Jaira traditions regarding Mahavira's life and teachings. And
accordingly a few canonical and other later works unhesitatingly