Universal Message of Lord Mahavira

Author(s): Dulichand Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

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Universal Message of Lord Mahāvīra
harm any men, animals, fish, birds or insects. Therefore, the business must not be that of a butcher, brewer, wine merchant, gun-maker or anything, which involves destruction of life. When money is earned honestly the mind remains peaceful and the wealth is enjoyed without any disturbance.
The layman should not marry a person from the same lineage. He should marry a person of different Gotra but with similar character, taste, culture, and language etc. This will result in harmonious relationship thereby rendering discord and misunderstanding less likely. He should respect parents and elders. He should serve the ascetics who come to him for Bhikṣā (food) as well as the guests with due respect. He should also help the needy and the destitute and satisfy their needs. He should maintain his dependents and make them work for the well being of the family. He should live in a house, which is not accessible to thieves and rogues and cannot be entered by undesirable people. He should dress according to his means but the dress should be decent and not gaudy. His expenses should be in proportion to his income.
He should eat and drink at the proper time in conformity with his constitution. Excessive eating should be avoided. Food should be taken only at home. He should fast when he is suffering from indigestion.
II. Discarding eight derogations:
These include giving up (i) calumny, (ii) betraying the trust, deceiving and cheating, (iii) gambling, (iv) the six internal foes, viz., anger, pride, deceit, greed, attachment and aversion, (v) places of danger like battle field, places having epidemic or