4.3. Beyond Worldly Pleasures The Message of Mahavira

The basic philosophy of the Jainas was already in existence in north India before the birth of Vardhamana, who came to be known as Mahavira, in the sixth century BCE. According to Jaina tradition, Mahavira was preceded by 23 other teachers or tirthankaras – literally, those who guide men and women across the river of existence.

This chunk introduces Mahavira, a key figure in Jainism, highlighting that his teachings were built upon a foundational philosophy that existed before him. It also mentions the significance of tirthankaras, who are revered teachers guiding souls through the cycles of life and death in Jain beliefs.

Think of tirthankaras as guides leading hikers through a treacherous river. Just like the hikers need experienced guides to safely navigate through, followers of Jainism look to tirthankaras for spiritual guidance across the challenging journey of life.

The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central to Jaina philosophy. In fact the principle of ahimsa, emphasised within Jainism, has left its mark on Indian thinking as a whole.

This section presents the core belief of Jainism that all forms of life are interconnected and deserving of respect. The principle of ahimsa (non-violence) is crucial, meaning that harming any living being is considered wrong. This philosophy encourages compassion and has influenced broader Indian culture and spirituality.

Imagine living in a house filled with different pets and plants. If you accidentally step on a bug, it may not seem significant, but in Jain philosophy, that bug has the same right to life as your pet cat. This perspective fosters a deep level of respect and care for all beings, much like how we maintain a harmonious household.

According to Jaina teachings, the cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma. This can be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore, monastic existence is a necessary condition of salvation.

This chunk explains how Jainism views life's journey as a cycle of reincarnation influenced by karma (the actions of individuals). To escape this cycle, one must adopt a strict life of asceticism, which requires renunciation of worldly pleasures and attachments. This lifestyle is seen as essential for reaching spiritual liberation.

Consider a student who must complete several courses to graduate. In Jainism, life is similar; one accumulates experiences (like credits) through actions. By choosing the difficult path of asceticism, much like choosing extra studies over leisure, an individual can ultimately 'graduate' from the cycle of rebirth.

Just as the Buddha’s teachings were compiled by his followers, the teachings of Mahavira were also recorded by his disciples. These were often in the form of stories, which could appeal to ordinary people. Here is one example, from a Prakrit text known as the Uttaradhyayana Sutta, describing how a queen named Kamalavati tried to persuade her husband to renounce the world...

This chunk illustrates how the teachings of Mahavira were communicated through relatable stories, making complex ideas accessible. The story of Queen Kamalavati encourages her husband to forgo worldly possessions and embrace a life of spiritual practice, emphasizing the importance of individual choice in seeking spiritual truth.

Think of a beloved movie character trying to convince their partner to pursue their dreams rather than stay in a mundane job. Similarly, Kamalavati's story serves to inspire and challenge the favored worldview, encouraging deeper thought about the meaning of fulfillment and happiness.

Gradually, Jainism spread to many parts of India. Like the Buddhists, Jaina scholars produced a wealth of literature in a variety of languages – Prakrit, Sanskrit, and Tamil. For centuries, manuscripts of these texts were carefully preserved in libraries attached to temples.

This section showcases how Jainism expanded throughout India, including the production of significant texts in various regional languages which facilitated its understanding and acceptance. The preservation of these manuscripts in temple libraries underscores the importance given to Jain teachings and their intellectual heritage.

Just as a local artist might gain popularity by combining different art styles and languages, the Jains enriched their culture through diversified literature, allowing wider audiences to appreciate and engage with their teachings across various regions, much like multicultural art exhibits today.

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