Preachings of Mahavir

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Preachings of Mahavir

Mahavir explained that from eternity, every living being (soul) is

in bondage of karmic atoms, which are accumulated by good or bad

deeds. Under the influence of karma, the soul is habituated to seek

pleasures in materialistic belongings and possessions. This is the

deep-rooted cause of self-centered violent thoughts, deeds, anger,

hatred, greed, and such other vices. These result in further

accumulation of karmas.

 

Mahavir preached that right faith (samyak-darshana), right knowledge

(samyak-jnana), and right conduct (samyak-charitra) together is the

real path to attain the liberation of one's self.

 

In the matters of spiritual advancement, as envisioned by Mahavir,

both men and women are on an equal footing. The lure of renunciation

and liberation attracted women as well. Many women followed

Mahavir's path and renounced the world in search of ultimate

happiness.

 

Thus, the principles of Jainism, if properly understood in their

right perspective and faithfully adhered to, will bring contentment

and inner happiness and joy in the present life. This will elevate

the soul in future reincarnations to a higher spiritual level,

achieving Perfect Enlightenment, reaching its final destination of

Eternal Bliss, ending all cycles of birth & death.

 

Mahavir attracted people from all walks of life, rich and poor,

kings and commoners, men and women, princes and priests, touchable

and untouchable. He organized his followers, into a four fold order,

namely monk (Sadhu), nun (Sadhvi), layman (Shravak), and laywoman

(Shravika). This order is known as Jain Sangh.

 

Lord Mahavir's sermons were orally compiled in Agam Sutras by his

immediate disciples. These Agam Sutras were orally passed on to the

future generations. In course of time many of the Agam Sutras have

been lost, destroyed, and modified. About one thousand years later

the Agam Sutras were recorded on Tadpatris (leafy paper that was

used in those days to preserve records for future references).

Swetambar Jains have accepted these Sutras as authentic versions of

His teachings while Digambar Jains did not accepted as authentic.