________________
98
Universal Message of Lord Mahāvīra
Jainism takes an integral view of life. Either faith or only knowledge by itself cannot take one to the path of salvation. We should have a combination of Right faith, Right knowledge and Right conduct to tread the path of salvation.
The significant achievement of Tīrthankara Mahāvīra's revolution was the upholding of the concept of karma in place of the creator God. He said that man is the architect of his own destiny and he can rise only by his own efforts and not by the grace of any external agency.
Lord Mahāvīra says that all material comforts and pleasures can never satiate anybody and give him true happiness. He preached the doctrine of non-possession to limit the desires for worldly pursuits. Mahāvīra laid great stress on the equality of all human beings.
The theory of Anekāntavāda is a comprehensive view, postulating that truth is manifold. This theory admits that there is an element of truth in all religions, which are but different approaches.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
