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Mahavira’s teachings

CHENNAI: Today is Bhagawan Mahavira’s 2608th birthday. Jainism is a religion which gives an opportunity to one and all to attain salvation without any distinction of caste, creed, sex, race, wealth and property. Any person who conquers attachment, enmity, anger, delusion, illusion, greed and pride can attain supreme bliss. One becomes Jain not by birth or embracement as in other religions but by Karma, i.e., his own acts and deeds in life by following the principles of Jainism.

Bhagawan Mahavira’s three cardinal principles are ‘Ahimsa’(non-violence), ‘Anekantvad or Syadvad’(truth is manifold or non-absolutism) and ‘Aparigraha’(non-possession). These, if practised in thought, speech and deed truthfully by all in this modern world, which is full of killings, wars, etc, will make the world a place of peace and prosperity. “Live and allow others to live, hurt no one, life is dear to all living beings” — were Bhagawan Mahavira’s teachings.

Bhagawan Mahavira said, “All are my friends. I have no enemies.” He also said, “Don’t accumulate if you do not need. The excess of wealth in your hands is for the society and you are the trustee for the same.”

Bhagawan Mahavira was the apostle of peace, truth and non-violence. He is the last (24th) Thirthankara of Jains. Bhagawan Mahavira descended to this world from celestial regions taking birth as the son of king Siddarth in Vaishali kingdom. At the age of 30, he renounced the world and became a monk. At the age of 72, he attained Nirvana.

Jainism was very much prevalent in the whole of India, including Tamil Nadu and the southern States. The principles of Jainism are more relevant now than it was centuries ago. The anarchy, bloodshed, wars, economic crisis, fall in moral values, social, cultural and traditional degradation at present are so high that the five principles of Jainism, Truth, Chastity, Non-violence, Non-possession and Non-stealing, if observed in their right perspective, will help in a great way to ease the national and international tensions, economic crisis and to build up character. Jainism is a scientific way of living.

Himmatmal Mardia, Chennai

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