Mahavir Jayanti and Jaina Philosophy

1. Mahavir Jayanti Significance: Celebrated on April 10, 2025, it marks the 2623rd birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, the 24th and last Tirthankara of Jainism, born in 540 BCE in Kundalagrama, Bihar.
2. Historical Context: Mahavir, born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala, renounced royal life at 30, attaining enlightenment (Kevala Jnana) after 12 years of penance, shaping Jainism’s core tenets.
3. Five Principles: He preached Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (chastity), and Aparigraha (non-attachment) as paths to liberation.
4. Anekantavada Doctrine: This philosophy highlights the multifaceted nature of reality, asserting that truth is complex and relative, fostering tolerance and diverse perspectives.
5. Syadavada Concept: Known as the "doctrine of maybe," it emphasizes conditional judgments, encouraging nuanced understanding over absolute assertions.
6. Soul and Karma: Jainism views all souls as equal, inherently divine with infinite knowledge and bliss, bound by karma, which can be shed through ethical living.
7. Sect Division: By 300 CE, Jainism split into Digambara (sky-clad, led by Bhadrabahu) and Shvetambara (white-clad, led by Sthulabhadra) sects due to differing practices post a famine.
8. Digambara Belief: This sect holds that women must be reborn as men for salvation, reflecting stricter ascetic traditions compared to Shvetambara.
9. Patronage: Jainism flourished under rulers like Chandragupta Maurya and Kalinga’s Kharavela (1st century BC), spreading across India, notably in the Deccan.
10. Literature: Key texts like Harivamsha Purana (8th century) and Parishishtaparvan (12th century) by Hemachandra provide historical and philosophical insights into Jainism.

Glossary

• Tirthankara: Enlightened teachers in Jainism guiding souls to liberation; Mahavir was the 24th.
• Kevala Jnana: State of omniscience achieved by Mahavir, signifying ultimate knowledge.
• Ahimsa: Principle of non-violence, central to Jain ethical practice.
• Anekantavada: Doctrine of multiple perspectives, promoting intellectual flexibility.
• Digambara: Jain sect advocating nudity for monks as a sign of complete detachment.

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