Ravi Rohmetra
Mahavira also known as Vardhamana, was the twenty-fourth and last tirthankara of Jainism. He was born into a royal family in what is now Bihar. At the time of his birth, the whole town marked prosperity in term of agriculture, health, wealth and wisdom. It is for that reason that he was named as Vardhman by his parents. At the age of thirty he left his home in pursuit of spiritual awakening .
Teachings
For the next 30 years Mahavira travelled far and wide in India to teach his philosophy. His philosophy has eight cardinal (law of trust) principles & three metaphysical and five ethical. The objective is to elevate the quality of life. Ahimsa or non-violence is the first of five ethical principles. Mahavira taught that every living being has sanctity and dignity of its own and it should be respected just like we expect to respect our own sanctity and dignity. In simple words, we should show maximum possible kindness to every living being. The second principle is Satya or truthfulness which leads to good neighborliness in society. One should speak truth and respect right of property of each other’s in society. One should be true to his own thoughts, words and deeds to create mutual atmosphere of confidence in society. Third principle is Asteya or non-stealing which states that one should not take anything if not properly given. Fourth principle is Bramhacharya or chastity which stresses steady but determined restraint over yearning for sensual or sexual pleasures. Fifth and final principle is Aparigraha or non-possession, non-attachment which requires complete detachment from people, places and material property.
Mahavira taught that pursuit of pleasure is an endless game, so we should train our minds to curb individual cravings and passions. That way one does achieve equanimity of mind, mental poise and spiritual balance. One should voluntarily limit acquisition of property as a community virtue which results in social justice and fair distribution of utility commodities. The strong and the rich should not try to suppress the weak and the poor by acquiring limitless property which results in unfair distribution of wealth in society and hence poverty. Attempting to enforce these five qualities by an external and legal authority leads to hypocrisy or secret criminal tendencies. So the individual or society should exercise self-restrain to achieve social peace, security and an enlightened society.
At the age of 72 (468 B.C), Lord Mahavira died and his purified soul left the body and achieved complete liberation i.e., attained Nirvana or Moksha. He was cremated at Pawapuri where today stands a Jain temple named Jalmandir.
Mahavira is usually depicted in a sitting or standing meditative posture with a symbol of a lion under him.
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