dr. j k gargBhagwan Mahivara”s teachings are based on THREE GEMS i.e RIGHT FAITH , RIGHT KNOWLEDGE and RIGHT CONDUCT, The universal teachings of BhagwanMahavira are recorded in Agam literature. He reminds us that everyindividual soul has infinite capacity for right knowledge, faith and conductbut that is hidden under different types of inauspicious karmas. Our knowledge,faith, conduct and working capacity all lie hidden under Wrong deed and My Ness with the auspicious karnas., Ourknowledge, faith conduct and working capacityall lieshidden but Mahavira showed us how the dirt of karma can be washedoff by the . Inner powers of eternal soul beyond the Ego of hurting,controlling and manipulating others.Thejourney starts with the soul in every living being, and thepracticeof Five VOWS i.e Non Violence,Truth, NonStealing, avoidance 0f illicit relationship (Celibacy for Saints )and Non Possessiveness. Thepractice of non-violence is the highest human value.Themeaning of non-violence is to act with the goal of common welfare by viewingall beings as equal and respecting all.Truthand non-violence are close companions. Ifa man steals and lies he becomes a thief; he acts like that being motivated bygreed and other negative thoughts and all these factors weaken the soul. Thevow of non-stealing plays an important role in strengthening the soul. Truth,non-stealing avoidance of illicit relationship are closely relatedwith non-violence.Mahavirahad motivated wealthy people to go for limited possession (अपरिग्रह) ofprosperity. He had related this vow withdharma. अपरिग्रह was very necessary to establish an egalitarian society. The lust forunlimited possession creates a larger gap between poverty and property. Untilproper utilization of wealth for welfare is done, a strong society can notemerge.Thesefive vows are equally important for all monks.Bhagwan Mahavirataught us the vow of limited use that is also important to protect ourenvironment.Ourair, water, earth, fire and sky can be conducive for us only if we utilize themin a limited manner. BhagwanMahavira taught that everyone should be vigilant while living with feelings oflove and fraternity. Mahavira’s teaching of non-absolutism (anekantavada)of all others has very great relevance in our present time. Different types ofpeople with different types of lifestyle, language, culture and civilization areliving on earth. There is diversity and there is also unity. Most clashes takeplace because of misunderstanding about this reality.Mahaviraemphasized the need for inclusiveness. Truthshould be understood from different angles. it seems to be different pointsof views in If a thing is perceived from different angles, it seems to bedifferent. The same thing appears to be different from different angles. Wecannot negate different points of views in which truth is inherent. Mahavirahad viewed the true nature of things through his experience and gave us the wayof understanding multiple views of all others . . The teaching ofBhagwan Mahavira has no contradiction with modern science. The infinitepossibility lies in the prosperity of things provided we have properunderstanding of that. What he had taught during his lifetime is relevant eventoday Followers of Jain Dharmwill celebrate MAHAVIR I throughout world I on 4 th April 2023 Iam grateful to my friend Professor DR Paras Mal Agarwal for his valuable suggestions.Editedand compiled—-
-Dr. J. K. GargFormerJoint Director , College Education Jaipur
