| |
| |
|
Religion Information |
|
|
|
Mahavira | 24th Tirthankara of Jainism His Teachings and Essence
Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism was the last of the series of 24th Tirthankars in Jainism Dharma. Jainism as we understand today is primarily focused on the teachings and essence of Bhagwan Mahavira. Why? Right from the Times of the first Tirthankara Rishabdeva (aka Adinatha) nothing and up till the 23rd Tirthankara... the tenets and the teachings of Jainism did not exist in the society as in the Times of Mahavira. It was only in the Times of Mahavira that Jainism took its roots. The precipitation of all the teachings right from the first Tirthankara Rishabdeva (aka Adinatha) and up till the 23rd Tirthankara Parshvanath occurred only when Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara arrived on the scene. If we are to mix hydrogen and oxygen gas to make drinking water then most of us would be least concerned with the process itself. It is only when the two gases meet and the water is formed... we recognize the process. It was not the process but the end result we are after! In life it is the goal and not the journey which matters most. Once we have a goal in sight... to be able to traverse the journey would not be difficult! What use is of the journey where there is no goal? Mahavira came about 1000 years after the advent of Lord Krishna who gave to the humanity the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. If Bhagavad Gita comprises of 18 fundamentals of life then... Jainism as propounded by Mahavira may contain only 15 fundamentals. In the Times of Mahavira even these 15 fundamentals were difficult to assimilate. The society had started degenerating from the Times of Lord Krishna. In the present times one can often find people quoting that it is difficult to reach the level of Swami Vivekananda... what to talk of becoming Sri Ramakrishna Paramhansa or reaching the stage of Bhagwan Mahavira himself. As the society loses its value... people tend to become more and more materialistic. Mahavira gave to the society the fundamentals of Ahimsa and the doctrine of Anekantavada. These two realities of life imbibed in the general masses a feeling of compassion and also Vairagya (Asceticism). It is Mahavira and Mahavira alone who taught us the real meaning of unity in diversity. It was Mahavira who taught us that even Lions and the buffaloes can live together in harmony. Whether we believe in the teachings of Mahavira or not... it is a confirmed fact of life that without the practice of Ahimsa in real life... the life itself loses its meaning! Mahavira also taught us that the total humanity including the various other forms of life can always live-in harmony. It was the fundamentals of Anekantavada which made it possible for mankind to live a harmonious life. Now, what is Anekantavada? If I were standing on the first floor of the house and someone in the house on the ground floor called for me then, what would one say "call him down from above". Now a person standing on the second floor of the house would call for me as "call him above". How is it possible that both the narrations are correct? As per Mahavira it is the fundamental of Anekantavada which confirms that both the statements are correct. The perspectives may be different but the doctrine of Anekantavada by Mahavira relies upon the principle of logistical conclusions. In the present society where Religions are numerous... as per the doctrine of Anekantavada preached by Mahavira... all can live-in harmony for it is only the viewpoint that may be different but the goals of all the Religions is always the same. All man Gods like Mahavira, Gautama Buddha, Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed preached the same. Mahavira was instrumental in precipitating what we know as Jainism. Mahavira was the one who bared it all in the end. Mahavira was able to prove to the society that every human being can reach the ultimate goal of life... become an enlightened soul (self realized atman). Mahavira contrary to Jesus Christ never stated that normal human beings can not reach the level of Jesus Christ himself. Mahavira always stated that it is within the means of every human being to become Mahavira in one's lifetime. According to Mahavira, the essence of Jainism is one who has won himself... one who transcends all the barriers of the physical mundane life and crosses over to the spiritual end of life! The word Jainism is derived from the root word "Jina"... meaning one who has realized his real self and merges his identity with the bigger whole, God the Almighty himself. Jainism is not a religion and the followers of Mahavira and Jainism beliefs are never referred to as following Mahavirism. Jainism has always been preached and considered as "a way of life". It is a Dharma following which one can become enlightened like Mahavira in one's lifetime. It is only Jainism which believes in the fact that the body of a human being is a garb for the soul (atman) within. The Tirthankars in Jainism wore no clothes as they had realized that before reaching the state of enlightenment it was necessary for won to discard the physical manifestations in life. Jainism as preached by Mahavira is a Dharma which believes and practices true renunciation... getting free of all the attachments and the karma in the physical mode of life. Mahavira made it absolutely clear that before one can hope to reach the highest pedestal of spiritual life... we need to free ourselves of all the attachments and bondages of physical life. In the present times... compared to Buddhism the teachings of Mahavira do not find many takers. While talking to a publisher friend of mine... the gory fact was put together... it was in the ratio of 1:10 that the Jainism literature was being published. The reason... it was very difficult to follow the doctrine of Mahavira in the present times. As it was easier to follow Buddhism... we have massive literature on Buddhism available today. No denying the fact that following the dictates of Mahavira in the present times is a really difficult task but not unachievable for the ultimate goal of life of every human being is becoming a Mahavira in the end. Becoming a Mahavira is the cosmic goal of every Jiva (living being)! Whether we follow the teachings of Mahavira and become a Mahavira in the present life or in the next manifestation is totally dependent upon our karma in the present life. Vijay Kumar... The Man who Realized God in 1993 summarises teachings of Mahavira in Jainism. Subscribe free Newsletter "Spiritual Secrets Unveiled" - Explore hidden cosmic truths - Mahavira
MORE RESOURCES:
Google News |
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Why do Humans Need a God? Many have asked why people need a God to cope with life? There must be a reason, because it appears that every culture in recorded history had some belief in some type of god. All the different cultures, tribes, societies and civilization had their Gods, trinkets, traditions, rituals and temples. Beauty Some people say beauty is only skin deep, others say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I like to wonder who proclaim beauty and who decided what is or what is not beauty. Churchless Christianity: A Move of God? There's another "move of God" that's sweeping the nations. Have you noticed? Very few of those I've spoken with actually have. Early Spring Cleaning Has anyone noticed how fast 2004 is going? Hey, we are in December already. I really like December not only because peopleare nicer to each other and all the pretty decorations are around,but people stop and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Theology, Hollywood Style After years of watching TV shows and movies, I think I have finally gotten a grasp on Hollywood's theology and it's not a pretty picture (pun intended). It should come as no surprise to anyone that Hollywood's theology is vastly different from that of the average American. Theres No Time Like the Present Today certainly is a present and we are to rejoice and be glad in it, because this is the day the Lord has made! Every day we rise to begin anew is definitely a gift from God.We've all heard the saying, "There is no time like the present". DNA RNA are you ready for what is next? As the human race maps out the genome and unlocks all the secrets of DNA, RNA, proteins and enzymes you will find unlimited possibilities and immortality. Transhumanism will mix the best organic and silicon futures. The Toilet Philosophy Dr. Robins' observations are beyond mere intuition, they include an attunement with what Bucky Fuller called Synergistics; there is so much for mankind and modern science to learn about what the shamans and/or Druids knew and created. Fundamental Church Failures Every great human movement toward freedom, whether commercial, political or religious or a combination thereof, begins with the determination of concerned men and women to make life better by resolving recurring human problems. The Renaissance and the Age of Reason occurred through the efforts of talented people to end the brutal political, financial and religious abuses common within Medieval Europe. The Purpose of Our Being Most people think that there is a higher meaning for our lives. They are correct, there is a purpose for our being. What Jesus Expects of You and Me Sometimes it is hard to know where to start even if you know what your talents are. Jesus has something to say about what we can do and what he expects us to do. The Gospel Of Convenience The subject of this document is so unpleasing to the 21st century American Christian, I believe that by writing it, I will step across a threshold of "Main stream evangelical Christian", to a "radical", a "dissenter", "out there" and even "lost" in the eyes of some folks who read these words. So be it. Do You Have a Name For Me? MAN: Good afternoon Professor Knowledge. Let me cut to the chase. Compassion and Plenty He Showed 'Compassion'He made lots where there was only little.He exceeded well beyond what man thoughtwas needed. The Power Source Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized ?in the name of Jesus Christ.? And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Worship and Praise in Charismatic Churches This article was in response to an email about someone being a little uneasy about the praise and worship in charismatic churches.I received your email with the questions you sent. Growing in the Knowledge of God This first verse completely sets the stage for you to be able to receive knowledge from the Lord. This first verse is literally telling us that God is wanting us to grow in the knowledge of Him and His Son Jesus. White Sun - Tao of Heaven Tao exists before Heaven and Earth. It will still exist after the destruction of everything. Building a Church and Church Building Designs Building a church is a large project that is more than constructing natural materials, because building a church is building an expression of a church congregation's heart. Building a church has a purpose that is much more than housing classrooms or meeting rooms. Obsessed with Armageddon More and more today people are showing an obsession about things of the end times, especially Armageddon, the so-called end of times battle between God and the forces of evil. Not only has the Left Behind series sold 70 million copies, but now we also have the television mini-series on Revelation.
|
| home | site map |
| © 2006 |
