About Getting Back Home
Who was Mahavira and what role did he play in Jainism?
Mahavira, often hailed as the 24th Tīrthaṅkara of Jainism, reshaped an already ancient tradition into the non-violent, ascetic path recognized today. Born Vardhamāna in 599 BCE into a Kṣatriya family in modern-day Bihar, he walked away from royal comforts at age 30, determined to strip life down to its essence.
A few milestones in his journey:
• 12 years of rigorous penance brought him Kevala Jñāna (infinite knowledge) at 42, a bit like reaching the summit after a grueling climb.
• He then spent roughly 30 years teaching across northern India, setting up his samavasaraṇa (divine preaching halls) where people of all castes gathered.
• His core message revolved around the “Three Jewels”: right faith, right knowledge, right conduct—simple pillars that hold the whole edifice together.
Mahavira’s “big three” vows—ahiṃsā (non-violence), brahmacharya (celibacy or chastity), aparigraha (non-possession)—became the bedrock of Jain practice. Those five great vows (adding truthfulness and non-stealing) still guide millions today toward self-purification and ultimate liberation (mokṣa).
The ripple effects of his life are felt even now. Modern environmentalists borrow Jain-style restraint to combat consumerism. Animal-rights activists echo his radical compassion, and mindfulness practitioners find inspiration in the disciplined stillness he championed. A stone’s throw from ancient India’s arid plains to today’s debates on sustainability, his ideas remain startlingly relevant.
Not just a historical figure, Mahavira transformed personal discipline into a global ethos of non-harm and respect for all living beings. His legacy invites a pause, a chance to tune into the quiet power of kindness—one small step toward liberation, one mindful breath at a time.