Universal Message of Lord Mahavira

Author(s): Dulichand Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 17

The Eternal Message of Jaina Wisdom
In religion, internal purity is more important than external observance. Lord Mahāvīra says in Uttaradhyayana-sutra, "The path of salvation really rests in insight, critical knowledge and pure conduct; cloths and other religious paraphernalia are just outside symbols." It has been repeatedly declared by both Śvetāmbaras and Digambara Agamas that "Even if an ascetic walks about unclad, grows lean and eats only once after months of rigorous fasting, if filled with deceit, he will be born endless number of times.
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Catholicity of Approach
There has been catholicity and absence of dogmatic approach in the Jaina belief. Lord Mahāvīra said that Dharma is of prime importance to everyone in life. In Daśavaikälika-sutra,15 he says, "Righteousness (Dharma) is supremely auspicious. Its constituents are non-violence, self-restraint and austerity. Even the celestials revere him who is rooted in Dharma." Any person, irrespective of caste, creed and colour can follow this path of purification.
Ethical code of Conduct
Jaina scriptures describe the conduct elaborately, expected from a monk as well as a householder. The monks and nuns observe the five great vows (Mahāvratas) and the laity five primary vows (Aṇuvratas). The five Mahavratas are total abstinence from violence, falsehood, stealing, sexual indulgence and possessions. This four-fold congregation of monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen, known as Dharma Tīrtha (centre of worship) is still observed and proves that Jainism is a living religion. There are numerous monks and nuns and nearly ten million householders continuing the tradition, following virtually