Mahavira is known as the founder of the Jain religion. His life was strikingly similar to the life of his contemporary, Gautama Buddha. Like him, Mahavira renounced his throne to seek enlightenment. His most celebrated doctrine, non-violence, was made famous in the 20th century by Gandhi, a student of Jainism. His travels and teachings are finely retold here, accompanied by original, full-color paintings. The Gentle Hero is a worthy addition to any library of the world's great faiths.

Biography of Lord Mahavira The 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Introduction to Lord Mahavira Journey with us into the heart of ancient wisdom, where a radiant soul named "Lord Mahavira" graced the world as the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. In the vast tapestry of human history, Jainism stands as a timeless philosophy, offering guidance and insight into the path of enlightenment. The early life of Lord Mahavira, also known as Vardhamana, was marked by wealth and privilege. He was born around the 6th century BCE in “Kundagrama”, a small town in present-day Bihar, India. Here are some key points about his early life: Birth and Family: Lord Mahavira was born into the royal family of King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. His birth name was Vardhamana, which means "one who grows" or "prosperous." Wealth and Luxury: As a prince, Lord Mahavira lived a life of luxury and abundance within the palace. He was provided with all comforts and material possessions. Compassionate Nature: Even from an early age, Vardhamana displayed a compassionate and empathetic nature, showing concern for all living beings. Marriage: As he grew older, Vardhamana got married to Princess Yashoda and had a daughter named Anojja. Seeking Truth: Despite the opulent lifestyle, Vardhamana became increasingly discontented with the material world and sought answers to the deeper questions of life, including the nature of suffering and the path to liberation. Decision to Renounce: At the age of 30, Vardhamana renounced his princely status and all worldly possessions, including his clothing, to embark on a life of asceticism and spiritual seeking. This event is known as "diksha" or initiation. Pursuit of Enlightenment: For the next 12 and a half years, Lord Mahavira practiced rigorous self-mortification, fasting, and meditation to attain spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Attainment of Kevala Jnana: At the age of 42, Lord Mahavira achieved Kevala Jnana, or supreme enlightenment, becoming a Tirthankara and acquiring omniscience. After attaining enlightenment, Lord Mahavira spent the rest of his life as an enlightened teacher, propagating his teachings and principles of Jainism to the world. His teachings continue to be central to the Jain faith and serve as a source of inspiration for millions of followers. Understanding Jainism and its Tirthankaras Imagine a tree with branches reaching to the sky, each branch representing a Tirthankara a spiritual guide who illuminates the way to inner peace and knowledge. Jainism, a peaceful and ancient tradition, holds twenty-four such Tirthankaras in its embrace. These spiritual beacons, through their teachings and noble lives, help seekers find light in the midst of life's challenges. Among these illustrious Tirthankaras, Lord Mahavira shines as a gem of profound wisdom. Born in the sacred land of India, he graced humanity with his presence over two and a half millennia ago. Jainism, with its roots stretching back to antiquity, is a philosophy centered around non-violence, compassion, and the pursuit of truth. It beckons us to live in harmony with all living beings and discover the truth that lies within us. Birth and Early Life of Lord Mahavira In the realm of history, there exists a moment when a great soul takes its first breath, marking the beginning of an extraordinary journey. Lord Mahavira's life began in royal splendor, as he was born to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala. This auspicious event took place in the ancient city of Vaishali. From an early age, it was clear that Lord Mahavira's path would be exceptional. As a young prince, he was exposed to the riches of the world, yet his heart remained untouched by the allure of material possessions. Deep within, a yearning for spiritual truth began to stir. The echoes of his birth and upbringing reverberate through time, reminding us that even amidst privilege, the call of the soul can lead us toward a higher purpose. The young prince's journey would take him far beyond the palace walls, guiding him toward the profound enlightenment that awaited. As we step into the realm of Lord Mahavira's life, we are invited to explore not only the events that shaped his existence but also the universal truths he revealed. In the chapters that follow, we will trace his footsteps as he embarked on a transformative quest, a journey that would illuminate the path for countless seekers in the ages to come. So, as we delve deeper into the life and teachings of Lord Mahavira, let us open our hearts and minds to the wisdom that flows from this ancient wellspring. Through his story, we shall discover the timeless principles that have the power to illuminate our own lives, guiding us toward a greater understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Imagine a world where no one gets hurt, a world where no one is teased or bullied, a world where there is no fear or anger. Six centuries before the birth of Jesus, in the faraway land of India, there lived a great spiritual teacher name Mahavira (which means “very brave”), who imagined just such a world. He showed kindness to every living being and emphasized the practice of nonviolence, compassion, and forgiveness. The religion of Mahavira was called Jainism. Mahavira was born a prince, but because he had such deep love and respect for all living creatures, he renounced his wealth and power to become a wandering monk. The Jain teachings of Mahavira became very popular. He taught three important lessons: that one should have love and compassion for all living things; that one should not be too prideful of one’s own point of view because the truth has many sides; and that one should not be greedy and should avoid attachment to possessions. Today Jainism has more than 10 million adherents throughout the world. In following the example of Mahavira, Jains practice a vegetarian diet and are committed to sound ecological and environmental practices. Mahavira’s lessons on nonviolence and compassion still have a profound impact around the globe, and he is credited with influencing Mahatma Gandhi, who in turn inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. Beautifully brought to life by the delicate paintings of Demi and the powerful yet simple narrative of nationally recognized writer, Manoj Jain, the story of Mahavira’s life will provide a shining example of how one spiritual teacher’s noble ideals can echo throughout the ages.

This book is ideal for Jains and Non-Jains an easy to understand guide for blending Jain practices with a North American lifestyle. Jainism Simplified What is Jainism? Jain Prayers My Aspirations (Prayer) Treasures in Jainism Non-Violence (Ahimsa) Non-Absolutism (Anekantvad) Non-Possessiveness (Balance Needs and Desires) Unity and Diversity Among Jains 24 Reasons to Believe in and Live a Jain Life Vegetarian Way of Life Measuring My Progress in Living a Jain Way of Life My Mind & My Body - A Self Evaluation My Things - A Self Evaluation My Consumptions - A Self Evaluation My Life & My World - A Self Evaluation My Spirituality - A Self Evaluation Many Dimensions of Violence Food Compassionate Healthy Diet Responsible Food Purchasing Eating and Drinking Out and Enjoying: Best Practices Family How to Raise a Jain Child Marriage Commitment A Typical Day - Jain Way of Life (JWOL) Vacations, Retreats, and Camps Very Responsible Purchasing Guidelines to Donations and Gift Giving Self and Work Excelling in the Workplace Jain Relaxation and Meditation My 12 Reflections Guidance Cherish the Jain Experience in North America Guidelines for High School Students Animal Rights - Your Critical Role Partnerships with Non-Jain Groups Forgiveness and How to do it Steps to Spiritual Progress Celebrations Family Celebrations - Birthday, Graduation, Mothers/Fathers Day, Anniversary, Marriage The Art of Dying Jain Festivals Mahavira's Life and Teachings, Mahavir Jayanti (Birth) and Diwali (Liberation) Celebration of the Soul Paryushan Parv and Das Lakshan 8-10 Days of Living a Jain Way of Life (JWOL) The Practice of Equanimity and Pratikraman Celebrating Thanksgiving Jain Pujas, Symbols, Temples, History Jain Philosophy Jain Pujas Jain Symbols Jain History Jain Scriptures Jainism and Other Religions

The religious tradition of the Jainas, unique in many respects, presents a fascinating array of doctrinal and social structures that stem from the anti-vedic movements of ancient times. Drawing extensively on primary sources, Professor Jaini provides a comprehensive introduction to the Jaina experience. Beginning with the Life of Mahavira the author elucidates the essentials of Jaina cosmology and philosophy as well as of the path of purification through which the soul may escape from its Karmic defilements and attain eternal salvation. This path constitutes the integral element within the broader frame-work of Jaina literature, lay ritual and the socio-historical factors, which enabled Jainism to survive and prosper to the present day. In particular, the author has examined the cardinal doctrine of ahimsa (non-harming), both in its impact upon Jaina religious consciousness and as a standard in applying its sacred principles to the conduct of every day life.

About the Author Parveen Jain, PhD, is a prolific entrepreneur who has founded and led multiple technology companies in the Silicon Valley. He has ten technology patents, has contributed to over fifty technical publications, and has been recognized with multiple awards for his philanthropic and professional work. For over thirty years, Dr. Jain has been a leader in the vibrant Jain and Hindu communities of the San Francisco Bay Area. He is an ordained œrÀvaka (householder) disciple of °cÀrya Sushil Kumar (GurujÁ), the source of his religious and spiritual education and the motivation for Dr. Jain’s erudition in the Jain tradition. Dr. Jain is deeply involved in the growth of Siddhachalam, the first Jain Tirtha (a pilgrimage, and the abode of enlightened spirituality) outside of India, and considers that, along with leading the effort to build a Jain temple in the San Francisco Bay Area, to be his foremost accomplishment. Inspired by Guruji, he is passionate about applying Jain principles and scriptures to everyday practice for the growing global Jain community and beyond, for current and future generations. About the Book It is well-known that the Jain tradition has been extremely influential in the development of Indian thought and culture. The Jain tradition teaches that there is an interdependence of perception, knowledge, and conduct unified by an axiomatic principle of non-violence in thought, speech, and action. In this way, non-violence defines the core of the Jain tradition, which has had a profound effect on other dhārmic traditions originating in India. Jain Dharma is so significant that in some ways it may be incomplete to attempt to understand other Indian traditions (such as Buddhism or Hinduism) without knowing the basics of the Jain tradition, since these other traditions developed in an ongoing dialogue with the insights and wisdom of Jain respondents and visionaries. This book enables the reader to enjoy a comprehensive journey into the intricate world of Jain thought and culture in a way that is philosophical in its compelling rationality, deeply spiritual in its revelations, yet accessible in its language. The organization of this book allows the reader to engage in an overview of the central teachings of the Jain tradition, but also to ascertain the profundity of its depths. It can be read with equal efficacy in succession from beginning to end, or pursued by individual topics of interest to the reader. Either strategy will have the same effect: a systematic understanding of what the timeless teachings of Jain thinkers have to say about the universal issues of the human condition – and how we might understand our harmonious relationship with other living entities as a powerful and effective spiritual journey.