Teachings of Mahavira Swami

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            Teachings of Mahavira Swami 

The 'Agamas' the scared writings ,are compilation of the teachings of Jain Tirthankaras. Besides 12 'Agamas',the older parts of the 'Acharanga', 'Sutrakitanga' and 'Bhagavati Sutra' also contain the original matter on religion. The main teachings of Jainism are described below in the light of the above mentioned Jain literature.

 No Faith in the Vedas and the Supremacy of Brahmin :

Mahavira Swami had no faith in the authority of the Vedas and rejected the Vedic rituals and the supremacy of the Brahmins. He recommended very high moral code and ascetic way of life.He was favor of the severe self-mortification for the attainment of Nirvana. The Bahmin supremacy was not accepted by Mahavira.

No Belief in the existence of God :

Mahavira had no faith in the existence of.He did not regard him as the creator of the Universe.
God, according to Mahavira Swami, is only the highest, the noblest and the most perfect manifestation of all the powers latent in man. It is man himself who makes his destiny.

Theory of Karma and Transmigration of Soul :

The soul is always surrounded by the Karmas. The soul takes birth as a result of its Karmas. It depends on the good or bad Karmas that man takes birth in good or bad circumstance.That's why, the followers of Jain religion endeavour to do good for all the living beings so that their next birth may be a step onward to salvation.

Ahimsa :

It is the most significant doctrine of Jainism is Ahimsha or non-violence. This is the cardinal principal of Jainism. The followers of Jainism are taught all objects, animate or inanimate,possess life and feel pain if an injury is inflicted on them.In Jainism Ahimsha is taken as an extremely wide conception. The followers of Jainsm also believe that ill-treatment with others in speech,deed or actions is Himsha.

Theory of Knowledge :

According to Jainism there are five types of knowledge which help a man in getting salvation. 

1-Mati Gyana-It is an ordinarily attained knowledge through senses.
2-Shruti Gyana-This knowledge is attained either by listening to or reciting the contents of scared books.
3-Avadhi Gyana-This knowledge makes one enlightened with the knowledge of the past,present and future.
4-Mana Gyana-It stands for probing into one's mind and heart.
5-Kaivalya Gyana-It is the highest knowledge to be attained by the followers of Jainism.

Tri-Ratna :

One can save oneself from the effects of bad Karma by following the doctrine of Tri-Ratna or three principles such as right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.

Five Vows (Panch Mahavrata) :

1-Ahimsha (non-violence)-It means that a man ought not to inflict violence on any living creature with words, thoughts and actions.

2-Satya (The truth)-One ought to speak the truth and telling the untruth or bitter truth is a sin.

3-Asteya (Not to steal)-One ought not to steal or to take anything directly or indirectly that is not freely given to him.

4-Aparigraha (Non-possession)-One should not run after the collection of worldly things.Too much attachment to the worldly objects is forbidden.

5-Brahmacharya (Self-control)-It does not mean that a man should always remain a bachelor.It emphasizes control of passions,emotions and desires. 

Location: India

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