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EDUCATIONAL VALUES OF LORD
MAHĀVĪRA*
In the year 2001, we celebrated the 2600th birth anniversary of Lord Mahāvīra, who was the 24th Jaina Tīrthankara. Among all the great personalities of the world, he is remembered with great respect and reverence. He realised his true self and attained omniscience by practising rigorous austerities and penances. He was an embodiment of non-violence and compassion. His preachings are relevant even today and have special significance for the spiritual advancement of mankind.
Chapter - IV
The preachings of Lord Mahāvīra are preserved in Jaina Agamas. The Agamic literature of Jains mainly consists of thirtytwo texts and is available in Prakrit language, which was the language of common people prevalent at that time. The Agamas cover the knowledge of a vast array of subjects including Philosophy, Ethics, Religion, Logic, Metaphysics, Cosmology and Astrology. In this article, we will deal with some of the educational values taught by Lord Mahāvīra, which are highly relevant for the modern society.
Lord Mahāvīra said that right faith; right knowledge and right conduct together will lead a man to the path of perfection.
This talk was delivered at a seminar on 'Value Education' organised by Vidya Bharati All India Educational Organisation, Tamil Nadu Branch, in Chennai on 7 July 2002.
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