Jainism and Mahavira

Summary

1. Historical Context and Jain Philosophy The article traces Jainism’s origins to the Śramaṇa tradition, opposing the Brahmanical pravṛtti-mārga. Jainism follows the nivṛtti-mārga, emphasizing self-effort, asceticism, and renunciation to attain mokṣa. It is portrayed as one of the oldest religious traditions in India with cyclical cosmology and 24 Tīrthaṅkaras, from Ṛṣabha to Mahāvīra. Their timeline is divided into: i) Prehistoric: Ṛṣabha and Ajita ii) Protohistoric: Sambhava to Munisubrata iii) Historic: Nemi to Mahāvīra (1400–600 BCE) 2. Mahāvīra’s Life and Enlightenment Mahāvīra was born in 599 BCE in Kundagrāma near Vaiśālī to Siddhārtha and Triśalā. At 30, he renounced worldly life and attained kevalajñāna (omniscience) in 557 BCE after intense austerities. He preached for nearly 30 years and attained nirvāṇa in 527 BCE in Pāvā. 3. Contributions to Society and Philosophy A) Mahāvīra: i) Advocated equality across gender and class in religious orders. ii) Emphasized anekāntavāda (non-absolutism), five great vows (adding brahmacarya to Pārśva's four), and the doctrine of karma based on self responsibility. iii) Reaffirmed and structured seven truths (jīva, ajīva, āsrava, saṁvara, nirjarā, bandha, mokṣa). iv) Developed the triratna (right knowledge, faith, and conduct). v) Rejected Vedic creationism and established a unique Jain cosmology and ethic system. 4. Influence in Buddhist and Brahmanical Texts Buddhist sources (especially the Pāli canon) refer to Mahāvīra as Nigaṇṭha Nāṭaputta and recognize some Tīrthaṅkaras. References are found in Dīgha, Majjhima, Aṅguttara Nikāya, and Upāli Sutta, indicating cross-influence and debate. 5. Mahāvīra’s Disciples and Legacy Mahāvīra’s teachings were organized by 11 Gaṇadharas (disciples), including Indrabhūti Gautama. These disciples were instrumental in preserving his teachings, which were later codified into canonical scriptures. Due to famine and migration, only partial Purvas survived, and formal writing of scriptures began in the 1st century CE under Pushpadanta and Bhūtabali, following the Great Council at Mahima in Maharashtra.