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Birth Anniversary of Lord Mahavir

Posted on April 6, 2023 by admin1  248

In Context

  • The Prime Minister recalls the noble teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir on Mahavir Jayanti.
    • The occasion is considered to be the most important one for Jains and marks the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir.

About Mahavira 

  • Birth: In Ikshvaku dynasty of Kshatriyakund (Vaishali republic) in Bihar.
  • Kshatriya prince of Lichchhavis (Vajji Sangha).
  • At 42, he attained Kevaljnan by right knowledge, faith & conduct (3 Jewels of Jainism).
  • Became Jina (conqueror) and 24th Tirthankara.
  • Death: Mahaparinirvana at Pavapuri (Patna).

Teachings and Contributions

  • Questioned Vedas’ authority & emphasised on individual agency.
  • Added 1 more vow to already existing 4 vows (Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Aparigraha & Brahmacharya).
  • His 11 ganadhars (chief disciples) compiled Agamas (12 scriptures based on his teachings).
  • Used easy-to-understand Prakrit language.

Jainism

  • Term originates from Jina (conqueror).
  • Supported mainly by Vaishyas (traders) in opposition to Brahmin-Kshatriya.
  • Asceticism & penance required for freedom from cycle of birth & rebirth, shaped through karma, (Ghati & Aghati) responsible for distortions of soul.
  • 7 tattvas of Jain Philosophy: Jiva, Ajiva, Asrava, Bandha, Samvara, Nirjara & Moksha.
  • Spread: North India, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu & Karnataka.
  • Literature: Written in Prakrit, Sanskrit & Tamil & classified in Agam & Non-Agam.
  • Jain Sangh Composition: Sadhus, Sadhvis, Shravaks & Shravikas.
  • Philosophy
    • Anekantavada: metaphysical/reality theory & non-absolutism/many-sidedness.
    • Syadvada: epistemological/knowledge theory & conditional judgments
  • Jain Councils
    • 1st: Patliputra in 300 BC for compilation of Angas.
    • 2nd: Vallabhi in 512 AD for final compilation of 12 Angas & Upangas.
  • Sects
    • Digambar (sky clad): Led by Bhadrabahu, moved to South, more austere.
      • Major Sub-sects: Bisapantha, Terapantha & Taranapantha.
      • Minor Sub-sects: Gumanapantha & Totapantha.
    • Shwetamber (white clad): Led by Sthulabhadra & stayed in North.
      • Sub-sects: Murtipujaka, Sthanakvasi & Terapanthi.

Source: PIB

 
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