|
Home / Religion and Spirituality
Mahavira | 24th Tirthankara of Jainism his teachings and ess
By:Vijay Kumar
Mahavira: 24th Tirthankara of Jainism vardhamana Mahavira
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.
About the Author
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 - Read Glossary of Words in Hinduism at http://www.godrealized.com
Digg
del.icio.us
Blink
Stumble
Spurl
Reddit
Netscape
Furl
Article Source: http://www.articles2k.com
|
|
| Top Religion and Spirituality Articles |
- 1). Feng Shui Bathroom Wealth By : Mike Z. Wang
Feng Shui has tried, true, and time tested wealth strategies that integrate theories based on Feng Shui Elements. Feng Shui colors and tools such as the Feng Shui Baguato provide followers the secret keys to lasting prosperity. If you did a Feng Shui Study, you would be fascinated by the relationship Feng Shui establishes between the bathroom and wealth.
|
|
|
|
|
- 4). Differences: The Old and New Testament By : Christine Bettridge
The Bible is a Book that has two main divisions in - the Old Testament and the New Testament. Even though there are these distinct parts of the Bible - it still has only one theme - redemption. This is necessary to understand because the whole Bible revolves around this theme, and some have said that there is a scarlet thread (of blood) that runs form cover to cover.
|
- 5). Bible Road Map - Or the Road Less Traveled By : Rev. Michael Bresciani
In the last few years we have witnessed a woman who drowned her children just to keep her rich boyfriend. An ice skating competitor who had the legs of her top rival broken so she could win. We have seen a mother hire a hit man to eliminate her daughter’s competition in baton twirling championships. Another man destroyed his pregnant wife to be able to play the field, and live the life of a playboy.
|
- 6). God Has Pleasure When Christians Prosper By : Dr. Jay Snell
God did not create us and then leave us to ourselves. He is very much interested in what happens to his children, the Abrahamic Seed Group.
His interest in us caused Him to promise us healing, prosperity, family well being and salvation in the covenant He made with Abraham. (Gentile Christians are grafted into these Abrahamic blessing promises right along with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Israel.
|
- 7). My Prayer For Tonight By : CD Mohatta
God. Thank you for the day today. God, I tried to do everything to the best of my abilities. I may have done few things right and others wrong. Please forgive me, my mistakes and please reward me for my successes if you so desire.
God, I want to forget today and get up fresh tomorrow. I also want to forget all of my past. God, I want to love tomorrow as if it is my birthday.
|
- 8). Islam - Basic Beliefs and Concepts By : Mohamed Elsaied
Islam is the most growing religion on earth, There is more than 2 Billion humans all over the world called Muslims.
Islam Based on the Submission of human will to One God who is called in Arabic "Allah" The only One, The Superior and The Only Creator Of This Universe with no partners and all the existence under his own Control.
Islam was the religion given to Adam The first Man on Earth who was created by God, not as fallen being.
|
- 9). Why Dreaming Is the Most Altruistic Thing By : Saleem Rana
When we dream, we set into motion a whole sequence of causation that not only ennobles our own life, but that of other people as well. In fact, not to dream, not to act to fulfill it, and not to be true to yourself, is probably an act of selfishness.
|
- 10). Are we just physical beings? By : Shen Gerald
Here's something that I have discovered:
In the presence of a qigong or taiji master, a layperson may feel unusual, often discomforting sensations within their body. Some may feel giddy or develop stomachaches. Yet others may feel heat brewing within them. I know several qi-gong masters, so I am familiar with these sensations. How can somebody without.
|
| New Religion and Spirituality Articles |
- 1). Magic Spells By : John Layton
Magical spells rituals, their history and modern views on the practice of magic. A quick definition and an explanation on the origins of magic.
|
- 2). The Power Of Praise And Worship When Facing Infertility By : Veronica Anusionwu
Copyright 2006 The Lord Word On Healing Publications
Today I will love to share with you the importance of Praise and Worship in receiving your blessing from God. Do doctors tell you that you are infertile? Have low or no sperm count?
Have you been told you are too old to have a baby? If you answered "Yes," I am here to tell you that health, happiness, and a new family have all already been guaranteed to you.
|
- 3). Guided Meditation To Make You Whole By : Carl Walker
Guided meditation is a form of stress relief that is conducive to relaxing the whole body, in part by finding a way of peaceful and calming relaxation from within the body. Guided meditation may utilize soothing photographs or scenarios to enhance the ability of the mind to relax and guide the body to a point of relaxation so that the person in meditation can find a true sense of inner peace.
|
- 4). What is transpersonal psychology? By : Lana Marie Willie
Transpersonal psychology is an integration of psychology and spirituality. It includes all realms of being human, including realms that go beyond words and perceptions. It includes the awareness that we are spiritual beings living in physical bodies. When salt and water are mixed the salt is not observable and no longer takes up space but can be tasted as part of the water.
|
- 5). Mighty Warrior Crushed Enemy By : Veronique Belmar
Copyright 2006 Words of Life and Health
Hell to Shun Heaven to Gain
The streets are crowded, the shops are thriving, clubs filled with delights and pleasure. Immorality became the thing of the past and worldly pleasures took control. The sun shone, the rain poured, the wind blew, the lightning struck, the thunder roared, the earth quaked and the people rolled.
|
- 6). Did you know That Worry And Anxiety Can Lead To Infertility? By : Veronica Anusionwu
Copyright 2006 The Lord Word On Healing Publications
Worry and anxiety can lead to infertility by shutting down the body's system and causing it not to function properly.
During my years of working with couples facing infertility I discovered that many couples who faced infertility were victims of worry, anxiety, and unforgiveness. I always deal with these issues first before anything else.
|
- 7). Prevailing prayer By : David Cooper
It was September 1957, four young men began to pray regularly in a little school near Kells, Ireland. They persevered and prevailed in prayer, so someone was converted in January the next year. Following that, there was about one conversion every week. Twelve months later they had a weekly gathering of around fifty people at their meeting, and around a hundred other small prayer groups had sprung up in the area! They held a service the next year, which attracted a huge crowd, so they poured out onto the street.
|
- 8). Are We Approaching A New Era Soon? By : Shen Gerald
Unless one is living on another planet, one would have most likely sensed that our world is changing rapidly.
If you have been following my articles, you will know that I, at times, receive messages of a spiritual nature. Much of my dreams and visions had foretold personal and some global level occurrences.
The following is part of a messaged dream that I had in September 2005:
"In the dream, a huge leopard appeared and moved towards me.
|
- 9). 4 Gifts You Can Give To Christian Fathers On Father's Day By : Nicola Kennedy
Father's Day for Christian fathers is a special time. Not only are they celebrating the fact that they are blessed to be fathers, but also are giving thanks for having their Father, the Lord. Getting a gift for Father’s Day for Christian fathers is as simple as going to your local religious store, located in many malls and churches. Some great gifts.
|
- 10). Are we just physical beings? By : Shen Gerald
Here's something that I have discovered:
In the presence of a qigong or taiji master, a layperson may feel unusual, often discomforting sensations within their body. Some may feel giddy or develop stomachaches. Yet others may feel heat brewing within them. I know several qi-gong masters, so I am familiar with these sensations. How can somebody without.
|
|
|
