Why in the news?
Recently, Prime Minister inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvan Mahotsav on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.
About Bhagwan Mahavira
- He is considered founder of Jainism (24th Tirthankara of Jainism) who lived in 6th century CE.
- He was Contemporary of Buddha.
- Birth: Named as Vardhamana, he was born in Kundagrama (near Vaishali in present-day Bihar) into the royal Kshatriya family of King Siddhartha of Ikshvaku dynasty and Queen Trishala.
- Renunciation: At the age of 30, he left his princely life, family, and worldly possessions to become an ascetic.
- Kaivalya (Enlightenment): After years of intense meditation, penance, and self-discipline, he achieved Kevala Jnana (omniscience) at the age of 42 to become jina.
Contemporary Relevance of Teachings of Mahavir Jain
- Conflict reduction: There is need of peaceful resolution of conflicts, reduction in violence and armed conflicts and war.
- Nonviolence or Ahimsa involves abstaining from all forms of violence and encouraging people to practise nonviolence verbally, psychologically, and physically.
- Asteya advocates for respecting others' property, ideas, and rights that transcend national boundaries and promote the welfare of humanity.
- Curb Consumerism: Simple, minimalistic living and avoidance of attachment to unnecessary luxury goods, reverence for nature and the environment is required in today’s world.
- Aparigraha or detachment will be able to resolve contemporary issues like anxiety, materialism, greed etc.
- Promote mindfulness: Emphasis on self-discipline, self-awareness, and inner peace will promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being and promote mindfulness, self-control, and inner balance.
- Bramhacharya emphasises on self-discipline, self-awareness, and inner peace that promote physical, mental, and thus reduce stress related disorders.
- Ethical Business Practices: Emphasis on honesty, integrity, and fairness in all dealings will encourage ethical business practices that prioritize social responsibility, transparency, etc.
- Satya encourages honesty, integrity, and transparency in communication and actions and crucial for building trust, fostering healthy relationships.
- Social tolerance: Today, differences in ideologies among various faiths are the root cause of many misdemeanors present in society like Blasphemy, mob lynching, and religious rioting etc.
- Anekantavada (various viewpoints or angles) suggests considering the existence of other beliefs and also advises the masses to respect them