Mahavira

Definition

Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, who played a crucial role in shaping Jain philosophy and ethics around the 6th century BCE. His teachings emphasized non-violence, truth, and asceticism, which resonate deeply within both Jainism and Hinduism, reflecting shared values such as ahimsa and spiritual liberation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mahavira was born into a royal family in present-day Bihar, India, around 599 BCE and renounced his princely life at the age of 30 to seek spiritual enlightenment.
2. He practiced extreme asceticism for twelve years before attaining kevala jnana, or absolute knowledge, which marked his enlightenment.
3. Mahavira is credited with systematizing Jain teachings and emphasizing the importance of non-violence (ahimsa) as central to ethical living.
4. He preached for approximately 30 years, traveling extensively across India to share his insights and establish a dedicated community of followers.
5. Mahavira's teachings led to the establishment of Jain monastic orders that continue to practice strict adherence to non-violence and asceticism today.

Review Questions

• How did Mahavira's life experiences influence his teachings and the principles he advocated in Jainism?
  • Mahavira's journey from a royal life to an ascetic deeply influenced his teachings on non-violence, truth, and self-discipline. After experiencing the harsh realities of life through renunciation, he emphasized the importance of ahimsa as a path to spiritual liberation. His rigorous ascetic practices also shaped the Jain emphasis on discipline and moral conduct, making his personal experiences integral to understanding Jain philosophy.
• Discuss the impact of Mahavira's teachings on contemporary practices in Jainism and how they relate to similar concepts in Hinduism.
  • Mahavira's teachings continue to shape contemporary Jain practices, particularly the strict adherence to ahimsa, which influences not just religious rituals but also daily lifestyle choices among Jains. This principle is similarly important in Hinduism, where it underpins ethical conduct and social responsibility. The shared emphasis on non-violence across both religions highlights their intertwined histories and mutual respect for all living beings.
• Evaluate how Mahavira's emphasis on asceticism contributes to the broader understanding of spiritual liberation in both Jainism and Hinduism.
  • Mahavira’s focus on asceticism plays a pivotal role in the pursuit of spiritual liberation within Jainism and Hinduism. By promoting rigorous self-discipline and detachment from worldly desires, he illustrates a path towards achieving moksha or liberation from the cycle of samsara. This approach not only underscores individual effort in spiritual growth but also parallels similar ascetic traditions found in Hindu practices, enriching the understanding of how both religions approach the quest for ultimate freedom.

Related terms

Tirthankara: A Tirthankara is a revered spiritual teacher in Jainism who has attained enlightenment and helps others achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Ahimsa: Ahimsa is the principle of non-violence toward all living beings, a core tenet in both Jainism and Hinduism, strongly advocated by Mahavira.

Karma:

In both Jainism and Hinduism, karma refers to the concept that one's actions have consequences that affect future rebirths, influencing the cycle of samsara.