Mahavir Jayanti: The Most "Humane" Humble Celebration

This year marks the 2622 Birth Anniversary of Lord Mahavira Swami. Are you celebrating it on 21st April 2024. Should you or wait till August? ??

Most of you must have heard about Lord Mahavira. If not, he was born around the 6th century BCE in Vaishali, India on the 13th day of waxing moon in the Chaitra month of Hindu calendar. He was born into royal family ??to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala.

At the age of 30, he renounced his princely life to embark on a quest for spiritual truth. Through intense meditation and ascetic practices, at the age of 42, Mahavira attained Kevala Jnana viz enlightenment and profound wisdom under the Bodh Gaya tree.

The main intent of this faith is to observe peace, encourage harmony and non-violence (ahimsa) towards all living beings according to the teachings of the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. Jains believe that Jainism is an eternal religion or #sanatandharma ?? with the Tirthankaras guiding each cycle of the Jain cosmology.

Parasparopagraho Jīvānām which means the function of souls is to help one another is the motto of Jainism, while ?amōkāra mantra is the most common and basic prayer ?? in Jainism.

FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT MAHAVIRA JAYANTI

1. Mahavir Jayanti or or Mahavir Janma Kalyanak, as the name suggests, marks the birth anniversary of the founder of Jainism. Interestingly, his birth date, however, is debatable. Swetambar Jains believe he was born in 599 BC, while the Digambar Jains believe he took birth in 615 BC. (It might also interest you to read my piece on Birth date of Lord Rama from Articles section on my Profile).
2. Likewise, Shvetambara Jains choose to observe Mahavira's birth during the annual eight-day Paryushana festival in August or September. Whereas, Mahavira Jayanti in March or April remains the official birthday celebration in India. And, the mystery continues! ??
3. In India, Digambara Jains carry out a procession with Mahavir’s idol on a chariot and people recite religious songs on the way. Swetambaras, on the other hand, honor silver images depicting Mahavira's mother's fourteen dreams and read the Kalpa Sutra, recounting Mahavira's birth-story.

In America, it includes rituals like Snatra Puja, symbolizing spiritual purity. Children perform a captivating dance-drama depicting Mahavira's mother's dreams.

Ideals & Beliefs of Jainism - WE ALL should try to abide by

Jainism is founded on 5 key principles:

1. Ahimsa (Non-violence): Central to Jain philosophy, it advocates non-violence towards all living beings. Jains strive to minimize harm to any form of life by keeping compassion for all living creatures.

2. Anekantavada (Non-absolutism): It acknowledges the multiplicity of viewpoints and the complexity of truth. This principle encourages us to embrace tolerance, understanding, and the acceptance of varied perspectives.

3. Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): They believe in leading a simple and minimalist lifestyle, practicing non-attachment and non-possessiveness. This motivates them to lead a life focused on spiritual growth and detachment from worldly possessions.

4. Karma (Law of Cause and Effect): Similar to Hinduism, Jains too believe in the law of karma, where actions, thoughts, and intentions have consequences.

5. Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate goal in Jainism is to achieve moksha from the cycle of rebirths. This liberation is attained through self-realization and purification of the soul through righteous living according to Jain principles.

These core beliefs, along with practices such as meditation, asceticism, and adherence to ethical codes, form the foundation of Jainism.

The Namaskara Mantra or recitation of five salutations

1. Namo Arihantanam: Salutations to Arihantas (enlightened beings)

2. Namo Siddhanam: Salutations to Siddhas (liberated souls)

3. Namo Ayariyanam: Salutations to Acharyas (spiritual leaders)

4. Namo Uvajjhayanam: Salutations to Upadhyayas (teachers)

5. Namo Loye Savva Sahunam: Salutations to all Sadhus/Sadhvis (monks/nuns)

These Vandanas are recited by Jains in personal prayers, at temples, and during daily activities, events, and meetings. It is also remembered at the time of death & gloom.

It is not merely a praise or praise to someone instead it is a way to honor those who have embarked on the path of liberation through renunciation. And, it serves as a reminder of the qualities we should imbibe in our day-to-day lives.

Mahavir Jayanti Rituals

During the Jain festival year, two key holidays honor Tirthankara Mahavira: Mahavira Jayanti for his birth and Divali for his liberation.

On these days, some observe fasts while others consume Satvik food or freshly prepared vegetarian meals made without onion or garlic.

Offerings are given to the poor and needy & several Jains choose to donate towards saving animals from slaughter in keeping with the "no harm to any living soul" motto. - Isn't this a principle we ALL must live by?

Let us all PLEDGE to stay calmer, remain patient, talk to each other respectfully, take care of strays & most importantly, NOT POLLUTE the environment.

Tag your connections & ask them to join in.

#mahavirjayanti ?? #jainism #mythology

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