Mahavira is known as the founder of the Jain religion. His life was strikingly similar to the life of his contemporary, Gautama Buddha. Like him, Mahavira renounced his throne to seek enlightenment. His most celebrated doctrine, non-violence, was made famous in the 20th century by Gandhi, a student of Jainism. His travels and teachings are finely retold here, accompanied by original, full-color paintings. The Gentle Hero is a worthy addition to any library of the world's great faiths.
Imagine a world where no one gets hurt, a world where no one is teased or bullied, a world where there is no fear or anger. Six centuries before the birth of Jesus, in the faraway land of India, there lived a great spiritual teacher name Mahavira (which means “very brave”), who imagined just such a world. He showed kindness to every living being and emphasized the practice of nonviolence, compassion, and forgiveness. The religion of Mahavira was called Jainism. Mahavira was born a prince, but because he had such deep love and respect for all living creatures, he renounced his wealth and power to become a wandering monk. The Jain teachings of Mahavira became very popular. He taught three important lessons: that one should have love and compassion for all living things; that one should not be too prideful of one’s own point of view because the truth has many sides; and that one should not be greedy and should avoid attachment to possessions. Today Jainism has more than 10 million adherents throughout the world. In following the example of Mahavira, Jains practice a vegetarian diet and are committed to sound ecological and environmental practices. Mahavira’s lessons on nonviolence and compassion still have a profound impact around the globe, and he is credited with influencing Mahatma Gandhi, who in turn inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. Beautifully brought to life by the delicate paintings of Demi and the powerful yet simple narrative of nationally recognized writer, Manoj Jain, the story of Mahavira’s life will provide a shining example of how one spiritual teacher’s noble ideals can echo throughout the ages.
A Combined Edition Of 2 Books On Jainism-Mahavira; His Life And Teachings By B.C. Law First Published In 1936 And-Schools And Sects; In Jaina Literature By A.C. Sen First Published In 1931. Useful For Jain Studies Since It Makes Available The 2 Books That Have Been Out Of Print.
The religious tradition of the Jainas, unique in many respects, presents a fascinating array of doctrinal and social structures that stem from the anti-vedic movements of ancient times. Drawing extensively on primary sources, Professor Jaini provides a comprehensive introduction to the Jaina experience. Beginning with the Life of Mahavira the author elucidates the essentials of Jaina cosmology and philosophy as well as of the path of purification through which the soul may escape from its Karmic defilements and attain eternal salvation. This path constitutes the integral element within the broader frame-work of Jaina literature, lay ritual and the socio-historical factors, which enabled Jainism to survive and prosper to the present day. In particular, the author has examined the cardinal doctrine of ahimsa (non-harming), both in its impact upon Jaina religious consciousness and as a standard in applying its sacred principles to the conduct of every day life.
Why do we suffer? What is the way out of suffering? What is the purpose of life? And what is the ultimate truth? Vardhamaan Mahavir, the last Jain Tirthankara, did not begin his life as a saint. A prince and a householder, he renounced the world as a youth, seeking to realize himself. Why would a man leave his kingdom and family to wander naked across impossible terrain for twelve long years, exposing himself to hard penance and the harshest circumstances? Was his journey worth the pain he suffered and perhaps inflicted on those closest to him? Such questions plague the mind of Priyadarshini, Mahavir’s young daughter, as she journeys with her mother, Queen Yashoda, to meet the man the world knows as the enlightened one, but in whom she sees only the father who abandoned her. Yet, as the girl grapples with her contempt for him, she is drawn into a deeper spiritual inquiry. In visions her mother shares with her, Priyadarshini traverses Mahavir’s past lives, and eventually arrives at a profound understanding of the true essence of the man who conquered the world by conquering himself. Drawing on rarely accessed Jain texts, Mahavir is an inspirational tale of the making of a spiritual master that raises age-old questions as relevant to the modern reader as they were in Mahavir’s time.
