About Mahavira
Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, attained Kevalajnana (omniscience) and spent 30 years teaching the path to moksha (liberation). His teachings on ahimsa (non-violence), satya (truth), aparigraha (non-possessiveness), and anekantavada (many-sidedness of truth) remain revolutionary in their depth.
Topics You Can Explore
- Non-violence in daily life
- Truthfulness
- Non-attachment
- Vegetarianism and ethics
- Liberation of the soul
- Many-sidedness of truth
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I practice ahimsa (non-violence) in modern life?
Mahavira's ahimsa is not just refraining from physical harm — it includes harm in thought, word, and indirect action. Begin with food (vegetarianism), then speech (no harsh words even when angry), then thought (no quiet wishes for another's failure). Each layer reveals the next, and the soul grows lighter.
What is anekantavada and why is it relevant today?
Anekantavada — the doctrine of many-sidedness — teaches that truth has multiple valid perspectives, like blind men describing an elephant. In an age of polarised opinions, it counsels intellectual humility: your view is partial, theirs is partial, and dialogue without ego may bring both closer to the whole.
What does Jainism teach about non-attachment?
Aparigraha — non-possessiveness — recognises that what we own often ends up owning us. Mahavira taught radical simplicity: keep only what you need, share what you have, and especially release psychological possessions like grudges, identities, and certainty. Each release is a step toward moksha.