With reference to the life and teachings of Mahavira, explain the following:
(a) Describe any two of his teachings.
Answers
Answer:
Life of Lord Mahavira
Mahavira, the last of the Jain Tirthankaras or Ford-makers was born at Kundagrarna in the suburbs of Vaisali in and about 540 B.C. His father was Siddhartha, the head of the Janatrika clan and his mother was Trisala, sister of the Lichchavi chief Chetaka. Originally Mahavira’s name was Vardhamana. When he attained Supreme Knowledge he came to be known as Mahavira.
Explanation:
Teaching of Mahavira
Most of the important principles of Jainism were received by Mahavira as legacies from his predecessors. The principles and ideas of Jainism were being preached even before Mahavira. It does not appear that Mahavira preached a new creed. He was more a reformer of existing Jaina religion than the founder of a new faith. He should, however, be credited for the rapid spread of Jainism among the masses.
Mahavira’s credit lies in regulation and codification of unsystematic rules into a regular code, with certain additions and alterations. He adopted Parsva’s ideas of eternity of matter and the doctrine of self-control or samyama and penance for liberation from Karma. He also accepted Parsva’s doctrine of the four vows and added to it a fifth vow, viz., and the vow to observe chastity.
While Parsva asked his followers to wear white garments, Mahavira asked his followers to discard garments in order to be free from all earthly bonds. This ultimately led to the growth of the Digamabara sect.
Lord Mahavira asked his followers to purify their soul and free it from worldly bondage. Mahavira also enunciated that by following Three-fold Path of Right belief, Right knowledge and Right conduct (Tri Ratna), a man could attain Siddha-Sila i.e., liberation from Karma and transmigration of soul.
Mahavira pointed out that penance; physical hardship helped one to realize the truth. Even death by starvation was recommended by him.
Mahavira rejected the authority of God, the efficacy of the Vedic rites and that of the mantras.
He advocated the doctrine of non-violence or Ahimsha in extreme form. He attributed life to plants, animals, metals and water and urged non-injury to them.