Historical Figure
Mahavira
b. 599 BC
Indian spiritual leader and the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism
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Biography
Mahavira, also known by his birth name Vardhamana, was an Indian religious reformer and spiritual leader, considered by Jains to be the 24th and final Tirthankara in the current time cycle of Jain cosmology. He is believed by historians to have lived in the 6th or 5th century BCE, reviving and reforming an earlier Jain or proto-Jain community which had likely been led by Pārśvanātha, whom Jains consider to be Mahavira's predecessor. Although the dates of Mahavira's life are uncertain and historically reliable information is scarce, and traditional accounts vary by sectarian traditions, the historicity of Mahavira is well-established and not in dispute among scholars.
In Their Own Words (5)
All breathing, existing, living, sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away.
Ācharanga Sutra, Book 1, lecture 4, lesson 1, as translated by H. Jacobi, quoted in The Boundless Circle : Caring for Creatures and Creation (1996) by Michael W. Fox, p. 262. , 1996
Non-violence and kindness to living beings is kindness to oneself. For thereby one's own self is saved from various kinds of sins and resultant sufferings and is able to secure his own welfare.
As quoted in Religion and culture of the Jains (1975) by Jyotiprasāda Jaina, p. 187. , 1975
Desistance from sin makes one entirely happy.
As quoted in Religion and culture of the Jains (1975) by Jyotiprasāda Jaina, p. 187. , 1975
Kill not, cause no pain. Nonviolence is the greatest religion.
As quoted in Let's Celebrate! (1987) by Caroline Parry, p. 127. , 1987
A living body is not merely an integration of limbs and flesh but it is the abode of the soul which potentially has perfect perception (Anant-darshana), perfect knowledge (Anant-jnana), perfect power (Anant-virya), and perfect bliss (Anant-sukha).
As quoted in Jainism and Indian Civilization (2004) by Raj Pruthi, p. 24. , 2004
Timeline
The story of Mahavira, told in moments.
Born Vardhamana in the kingdom of Vaishali, in present-day Bihar. His father was a warrior chieftain. Jain tradition says celestial beings celebrated his birth. He grew up surrounded by wealth and comfort.
Renounces worldly life at 30 after the death of his parents. Strips off his clothing and pulls out his hair by hand. Wanders naked for over twelve years, practicing extreme asceticism. He refuses to kill any living creature, including insects.
Achieves kevala jnana, omniscient knowledge, under a sala tree on the banks of the Rijupalika River. He's fasted for two and a half days. Jains consider this the moment of his spiritual liberation. He begins teaching.
Dies at Pawapuri, in present-day Bihar, at about 72. Jain tradition holds that his body dissolved into light. His followers split into two sects: Digambara (sky-clad, naked) and Svetambara (white-clad). Both revere him as the 24th and last Tirthankara.
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