- This article is about the Tirthankara of Jainism. In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect For the Jain mathematician Mahavira Acharya, see Mahavira (mathematician). Mahavira was a 9th century Indian Mathematician from Gulbarga who asserted that the Square root of a Negative number did
Mahavira (महावीर lit. Great Hero) (599 – 527 BCE, though possibly 549 – 477 BCE) is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana (Sanskrit: वर्धमान "increasing") who established what are today considered to be the central tenets of Jainism. Events and trends 599 BC — Vardhamana Mahavira, last Tirthankar of Jainism is born Events 529 BC — Cambyses II started to rule He is son of Cyrus II. Events and trends 546 BC — Croesus, Lydian king, is defeated by Cyrus of Persia near the River Halys Events By place Greece The Spartan co-ruler Leotychides and the Athenian leader Themistocles Sanskrit (sa संस्कृता वाक् saṃskṛtā vāk, for short sa संस्कृतम् saṃskṛtam) is a historical Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma / Shraman Dharma (जैन धर्म is an ancient religion of India. According to Jain tradition, he was the 24th and the last Tirthankara. In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect He is also known in texts as Vira or Viraprabhu, Sanmati, Ativira,and Gnatputra. In the Theravada Buddhist scriptures he is referred to as the Nirgrantha Nathaputta - 'the naked ascetic of the Jñātr clan. Nirgrantha is a term found in Pali Buddhist literature meaning "Freed from all ties '
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Overview of Mahavira's life
Birth of Prince Vardhaman
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In a place called Kundagram in the ancient kingdom of Vaishali (modern day Bihar, India), Mahavira was born to King Siddartha and Queen Trishala on the 13th day under the rising moon of Chaitra (April 12 according to the Gregorian calendar). Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma / Shraman Dharma (जैन धर्म is an ancient religion of India. Navakar Mantra (णमोकार मंत्र is the fundamental prayer in Jainism and can be recited at any time of the day Timeline of Jainism Prehistory Jainism is one of the oldest religions of India Ahiṃsā ( Sanskrit: अहिंसा Prakrit: अहिंसा means “non-violence” “non-injury” or absence of desire to harm any life forms Achaurya is a Sanskrit word meaning "avoidance of stealing" or "non-stealing" Brahmacharya (brʌmatʃərɪə Devanagari: ब्रह्मचर्य is the first ashram in Vedic culture in which a person is dedicated to the quest for self realization Satya is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates into English as " Truth " or "correct In sramanic philosophy Nirvana (निर्वाण| Nirvāṇa; निब्बान Nibbāna; Prakrit: णिव्वाण Anekāntavāda (Devanagari sa [[wiktअनेकान्तवाद अनेकान्तवाद]] is one of the most important and basic doctrines of Jainism. Kevala Jñāna ( Sanskrit: केवलज्ञान)or Kevala Ṇāṇa (Prakrit: केवल णाण in Jainism, (also known as "absolute knowledge" According to Jainism, this loka or universe is an uncreated entity existing since infinity having no beginning or an end Karma in Jainism ( Sanskrit: कर्म kär'mə kär'mən Prakrit: कम्म kä'mmə refers not only to the actions and deeds that are part of the Jain texts assign a wide range of meaning to the word Dharma (धर्म or Dhamma ( Prakrit: धम्म Mokṣa ( Sanskrit: मोक्ष liberation or Mokkha ( Prakrit: मोक्ख) means liberation salvation or emancipation of soul The Swadhyay Parivar is an association of people who study the Bhagavad Gita and carry out various activities of social good ( swadhyaya literally means self-study In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect In Jainism, Rishabh Dev (ऋषभदेव or Adinatha (other names used Riṣhabh, Riṣhabhanāth, Rushabh, Rushabhdev An acharya ( acariya in Pali) is an important religious teacher ( Guru) who teaches by his own example (from Sanskrit 'achara' behavior In Jainism, a Ganadhara is a primary disciple of a Tirthankara. Siddhasen Diwakar (Fifth century A D (आचार्य सिद्दसैन दिवाकर was a highly intelligent Jain Acharya of his time Haribhadra Suri (c700-c770 or 459-529 traditional was a Svetambara Mendicant Jain leader and author There are 5200000 Jain in the total population of India of 1028 billion Jainism is a religion that has traditionally been confined to the Indian sub-continent and parts of the middle east The Svetambara (श्वेतांबर श्वेतपट also spelled Svetambar, Shvetambara, Shvetabmbar or Swetambar) is one of Digambar (दिगंबर (sky-clad in Sanskrit) (alternate orthographies Digambara) has many different meaning and associations throughout Indian Terapanth (or Tera Panth the name given to two independent Jain sects Digambar Terapanth: A sect of the Digambara tradition that Sthanakvasi (स्थानकवासी is a sect of Jainism originally founded by a merchant named Lavaji about 1653 CE that believes that God is 'nirakar' (without Bisapantha is sub-sect of the Digambar sect of Jainism. The term refers to Digambaras who are not Terapanthis Murtipujaka is also known as Deravasi and is the term for a sect of Jainism which includes most members of the Shvetambar sect Kalpasutra (कल्पसूत्र is a Jain ancient text containing the biographies of the last two Jain Tirthankaras Parshvanath Tattvartha Sutra (also known as Tattvarth-adhigama-sutra or Moksh-Shastra) is a Jaina text written by Acharya Umaswati or Umasvami A Acaranga Sutra Adipurana Agama (text Antakrddaasah Anuttaraupapātikadaśāh Bihar ( Hindi:बिहार Urdu: بہار bɪhaːr) is a state in eastern India. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country King Siddartha was the father of the Tirthankar Mahavira and the ruler of the kingdom of Kundgraam in present day Bihar, India. Trishala also known as Queen Trishala, Mother Trishala, Trishala Devi, Priyakarini, or Trishala Mata was the Mother of Mahavira The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used Calendar in the world today While still in his mother's womb it is believed he brought wealth and prosperity to the entire kingdom, which is why he was also known as Vardhaman. Mahavira (महावीर lit Great Hero) (599 – 527 BCE is the name most commonly used to refer to the Indian sage Vardhamana ( Sanskrit: वर्धमान An increase of all good things, like the abundant bloom of beautiful flowers, was noticed in the kingdom after his conception. Queen Trishala had 14 (16 in Digambara Sect) auspicious dreams before giving birth to Vardhaman, signs foretelling the advent of a great soul. Digambar (दिगंबर (sky-clad in Sanskrit) (alternate orthographies Digambara) has many different meaning and associations throughout Indian
Jain tradition states that after his birth, Indra bathed him in celestial milk with rituals befitting a future Tirthankar and he was returned to his mother, Trishala. Indra ( Sanskrit: इन्द्र or इंद्र Indra, Malay: Indera, Thai: พระอินทร์ Phra-Intra In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect Trishala also known as Queen Trishala, Mother Trishala, Trishala Devi, Priyakarini, or Trishala Mata was the Mother of Mahavira Many Jains believe that Vardhaman was actually conceived by the Brahmin Devananda [1] but was transferred to the womb of Trishala by Indra because all Tirthankars had to be born into the Kshatriya caste. Brahmin ( Brāhmaṇa, sa ब्राह्मणः is the class of educators scholars and preachers in Brahminical Hinduism. Kshatriya (क्षत्रिय kṣatriya from क्षत्र kṣatra) is one of the four varnas (social orders in Hinduism
Vardhaman's birthday is celebrated as Mahavir Jayanti, the most important religious holiday of Jains around the world. In Jainism, Mahavir Jayanti is the most important religious Holiday. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated with prayers, decorations, processions and festivity.
Early years
As King Siddartha's son, he lived as a prince. However, even at that tender age he exhibited a virtuous nature. He started engaging in meditation and immersed himself in self-contemplation. He was interested in the core beliefs of Jainism and started to get further away from worldly matters.
Twelve years of spiritual pursuit
At the age of thirty Mahavira renounced his kingdom and family, gave up his worldly possessions, and spent twelve years as an ascetic. Ascetic redirects here You might also be looking for Acetic acid. During these twelve years he spent most of his time meditating. He gave utmost regard to other living beings, including humans, animals and plants, and avoided harming them. He had given up all worldly possessions including his clothes, and lived an extremely austere life. He exhibited exemplary control over his senses while enduring the penance during these years. His courage and braveness earned him the name Mahavira. These were the golden years of his spiritual journey, at the end of which he achieved Keval Gyan. Kevala Jñāna ( Sanskrit: केवलज्ञान)or Kevala Ṇāṇa (Prakrit: केवल णाण in Jainism, (also known as "absolute knowledge" He was now a person of infinite harmony, knowledge and self-control.
Later years
Mahavira devoted the rest of his life to preaching the eternal truth of spiritual freedom to people around India. He traveled barefoot and without clothes, in the hardest of climates, and people from all walks of life came to listen to his message. At one point Mahavira had over 400,000 followers. Mahavira's preaching and efforts to spread Jain philosophy is considered the real catalyst to the spread of this ancient religion throughout India and into the mainstream.
At the age of 72 years and 4. 5 months, he attained Nirvana (end of life cycle, and leaving the body, attaining and living in pure soul form. This is not considered as death, since death means having re-birth again in some physical bodily form. When Nirvana is attained, the soul reaches to the highest point of the universe and stays there forever. In Jainism, this is called as Moksh) in the area known as Pawapuri on the last day of the Indian and Jain calendars, Dipavali. Pawapuri in the state of Bihar is a holy site for Jains, located 38 kilometers from Rajgir in Nalanda district and 90 kilometers from India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country Diwali, or Deepavali, (also called Tihar and Swanti in Nepal (Markiscarali is a major Indian and Nepalese festival and a significant Jains celebrate this as the day he attained liberation or Moksha. In Indian religions, Moksha ( Sanskrit: sa मोक्ष mokṣa) or Mukti ( Sanskrit: sa मुक्ति literally "release" Jains believe Mahavira lived from 599-527 BCE, though some scholars prefer 549-477 BCE. [2]
Mahavira's philosophy
Mahavira's philosophy has eight principal cardinals - three metaphysical and five ethical. The objective is to elevate the quality of life. These independent principles reveal exceptional unity of purpose, and aim at achieving spiritual excellence by ethically sound behavior and metaphysical thought. Mahavira's metaphysics consist of three principles - Anekantavada, Syādvāda, and Karma; and his Panchavrats, five codes of conduct - Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha. Anekāntavāda (Devanagari sa [[wiktअनेकान्तवाद अनेकान्तवाद]] is one of the most important and basic doctrines of Jainism. Syādvāda ( Devanagari: स्यादवाद is the Doctrine of Postulation of Jainism. Karma ( Sanskrit: कर्म, kárman - "act action performance" Pali: kamma) is the concept of "action" Ahimsa ( Devanagari: sa अहिंसा IAST ahiṃsā is a Sanskrit term meaning Non-violence (literally the avoidance of violence - Satya is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates into English as " Truth " or "correct Achaurya is a Sanskrit word meaning "avoidance of stealing" or "non-stealing" Brahmacharya (brʌmatʃərɪə Devanagari: ब्रह्मचर्य is the first ashram in Vedic culture in which a person is dedicated to the quest for self realization He talks of Tri-ratnas - three gems, which are the means and the goal.
Mahavira preached that from eternity, every living being (soul) is in bondage of karmic atoms accumulated by good or bad deeds. Gujarat (ગુજરાત Gujǎrāt, pronounced) is a state in western India. India, officially the Republic of India (भारत गणराज्य inc-Latn Bhārat Gaṇarājya; see also other Indian languages) is a country The soul, according to many religious and philosophical beliefs is the self-awareness, or Consciousness, unique to a particular living Karma ( Sanskrit: कर्म, kárman - "act action performance" Pali: kamma) is the concept of "action" Under karma, the soul seeks temporary and illusory pleasure in materialistic possessions, which are the deep rooted causes of self-centered violent thoughts, deeds, anger, hatred, greed, and other vices. Karma ( Sanskrit: कर्म, kárman - "act action performance" Pali: kamma) is the concept of "action" These result in further accumulation of karmas.
To liberate one's self, Mahavira taught the necessity of right faith (samyak-darshana), right knowledge (samyak-gyana), and right conduct (samyak-charitra'). At the heart of right conduct for Jains lie the five great vows:
- Nonviolence (Ahimsa) - not to cause harm to any living beings;
- Truthfulness (Satya) - to speak the harmless truth only;
- Non-stealing (Asteya) - not to take anything not properly given;
- Chastity (Brahmacharya) - not to indulge in sensual pleasure;
- Non-possession/Non-attachment (Aparigraha) - complete detachment from people, places, and material things. Jainism, traditionally known as Jain Dharma / Shraman Dharma (जैन धर्म is an ancient religion of India. Nonviolence is a philosophy and strategy for social change that rejects the use of physical Violence. Ahimsa ( Devanagari: sa अहिंसा IAST ahiṃsā is a Sanskrit term meaning Non-violence (literally the avoidance of violence - Honesty is the human quality of communicating and acting Truthfully related to Truth as a value Satya is a Sanskrit word that loosely translates into English as " Truth " or "correct Achaurya is a Sanskrit word meaning "avoidance of stealing" or "non-stealing" Chastity is Sexual behavior of a man or woman acceptable to the ethical norms and guidelines of a culture civilization or Religion. Brahmacharya (brʌmatʃərɪə Devanagari: ब्रह्मचर्य is the first ashram in Vedic culture in which a person is dedicated to the quest for self realization
Jains believe these vows cannot be fully implemented without accepting the philosophy of non-absolutism (Anekantvada) and the theory of relativity (Syādvāda, also translated "qualified prediction"). Anekāntavāda (Devanagari sa [[wiktअनेकान्तवाद अनेकान्तवाद]] is one of the most important and basic doctrines of Jainism. Syādvāda ( Devanagari: स्यादवाद is the Doctrine of Postulation of Jainism. Monks and nuns follow these vows strictly, while common people follow them as far as possible.
Mahavira stated men and women are spiritually equal and that both may renounce the world in search of moksh or ultimate happiness.
Mahavira attracted people from all walks of life, rich and poor, men and women, touchable and untouchable. Dalit is a self designation for group of people of South Asian descent who were traditionally regarded as untouchables or low Caste. He organized his followers into a fourfold order; monk (Sadhu), nun (Sadhvi), layman (Shravak), and laywoman (Shravika). This order is known as Chaturvidh Jain Sangh.
Mahavira's sermons were orally compiled by his immediate disciples in the Agam Sutras. These Agam Sutras were orally passed on to future generations. In the course of time many Agam Sutras have been lost, destroyed, or modified. About one thousand years later the Agam Sutras were recorded on Tadpatris (leafy paper used in those days to preserve records for the future). WikipediaWikiProject Indian cities for details --> Tadpatri is a city and a Municipality in Anantapur district in the Indian state Swetambar Jains accept these sutras as authentic teachings while Digambar Jains use them as a reference. The Svetambara (श्वेतांबर श्वेतपट also spelled Svetambar, Shvetambara, Shvetabmbar or Swetambar) is one of Digambar (दिगंबर (sky-clad in Sanskrit) (alternate orthographies Digambara) has many different meaning and associations throughout Indian
Jainism existed before Mahavir, and his teachings were based on those of his predecessors. Thus Mahavira was a reformer and propagator of an existing religion, rather than the founder of a new faith. He followed the well established creed of his predecessor Tirthankar Parshvanath. In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect Parshvanath or Parshvanatha ( pārśvá-nātha, occasionally spelled Parshvanath or Parswanath) was the twenty-third Tirthankara However, Mahavira did reorganize the philosophical tenets of Jainism to correspond to his times.
A few centuries after Mahavira's death, the Jain religious order (Sangh) grew more and more complex. There were schisms on minor points, although they did not affect Mahavira's original doctrines. Later generations saw the introduction of rituals and complexities that some criticize as placing Mahavira and other Tirthankars on the throne similar to those of Hindu deities. In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect
Mahavira in the visual arts
Images of Mahavira came to be sculpted more than six hundred years after his 'nirvana'. In sramanic philosophy Nirvana (निर्वाण| Nirvāṇa; निब्बान Nibbāna; Prakrit: णिव्वाण His images, or rather all Tirthankara images, were a votive necessity of Jain devotees. Hence, instead of aiming at discovering their real likenesses the prime thrust of such images was their spiritual and aesthetic modeling under prescribed norms.
Their images were largely the images of mind transformed into stone, metal or colors. With locks of hair falling on his shoulders and serpent hood behind his head, the images of Rishabhadeva and Parshvanatha respectively have a distinct iconography, but such distinction, except some regional variations and a few minor and remote features, is not seen in other Tirthankara images. In Jainism, Rishabh Dev (ऋषभदेव or Adinatha (other names used Riṣhabh, Riṣhabhanāth, Rushabh, Rushabhdev Parshvanath or Parshvanatha ( pārśvá-nātha, occasionally spelled Parshvanath or Parswanath) was the twenty-third Tirthankara
Besides his lion emblem and a slightly different modeling of head, the images of Mahavira are largely identical to those of other Tirthankara. In Jainism, a Tirthankar (" Fordmaker " (also Tirthankara or Jina) is a Human being who achieves enlightenment (perfect In most images - at least the ancient ones which alone are in thousands - the pedestals, which contained emblems of different Tirthankaras, are not intact. Hence, the identity of a Tirthankara image is difficult to discern.
Mahavira's images are mostly either in 'kayotsarga-mudra' or in 'padmasana'. The lotus position ( Devanāgarī: पद्मासन IAST: padmāsana; Japanese:) is a cross- Legged Other postures have not been preferred - not even the 'godohana-mudra', which Mahavira had when he attained 'keval gyan'. Images rendered for devotees of Digambara sect are not only without clothes but also without every kind of ornamentation. Digambar (दिगंबर (sky-clad in Sanskrit) (alternate orthographies Digambara) has many different meaning and associations throughout Indian Images rendered for Svetambara devotees are represented as wearing garments, jewels and even a crown. The Svetambara (श्वेतांबर श्वेतपट also spelled Svetambar, Shvetambara, Shvetabmbar or Swetambar) is one of They are represented as seated in a throne much like a monarch.
Episodes from his life do not, or little figure in visual arts. Both sculptors and painters have shown some interest in rendering his birth, sometimes as mother Trishala lying on a bed with a number of maids attending upon her, and sometimes as dreaming with sixteen auspicious signs around. A symbolic representation of Mahavira's 'tri-ratnas' is also found in various sculptural panels. Similarly, the diagram of his 'samavasarana' has been the theme of a number of miniatures and wall paintings. Samavasarana (or Samosharana) is a Jain term which refers to the first speech given by a Tirthankar after attaining perfect knowledge or
Biographies of Mahavira
There are various Jain text describing life of Lord Mahavira. Most notable of them is Kalpasutra by Acharya Bhadrabahu I. Kalpasutra (कल्पसूत्र is a Jain ancient text containing the biographies of the last two Jain Tirthankaras Parshvanath Acharya Bhadrabahu (433 BC - 357 BC ? was a Jain monk He is more famously known as a spiritual teacher of Chandragupta Maurya and author of several texts related
See also:
"Lord Mahavira and his times" by Kailash Chand Jain (1991) Motilal Banarsidass Publishers PVT LTD Delhi (India)
"Lord Mahavira (A study in historical perspective)" by Bool Chand ( 1987 ) P. V. Research Institute I. T. I Road Varanasi 5 (India)
"Lord Mahavira in the eyes of foreigners" by Akshaya Kumar Jain ( 1975 ) Meena Bharati New Delhi 110003 (India)
Quotes
- "Once when he sat [in meditation]…they cut his flesh…tore his hair…picked him up and…dropped him…the Venerable One bore the pain. Pain, in the sense of physical pain, is a typical sensory experience that may be described as the unpleasant awareness of a noxious stimulus or bodily harm " (from the Akaranga Sutra)
Footnotes
- ^ Welcome to Dal Sabzi for Aatman : Mahavira
- ^ The Perennial Dictionary of World Religions. Keith Crim, editor. Harper & Row Publishers: New York, 1989. 451.
See also
- Mahavira was ranked #100 on Michael H. Hart's list of the most influential figures in history
External links
Michael H Hart (born April 28, 1932 in New York City) is an Astrophysicist who has also written three books on History and controversial The 100 A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History is a 1978 book by Michael HDapyx Software network: MP3 Explorer | Ebook Manager | Zenithic