Jain Faith: Mahavira Jayanti 21st-22nd April

WHAT IS MAHAVIRA JAYANTI ?

Mahavir Jayanti is the birth anniversary of Bhagwan Mahavira who revived Jainism 2,600 years ago. Jains celebrate this event by enacting his birth rituals such as depicting his mother’s dreams, his life and message of bliss, path of purification: Right Faith, Right Knowledge and Right Conduct to attain total happiness and bliss and manifest the true characteristics of one’s soul such as friendship, equality, total perception and knowledge by spiritual liberation.

RELIGIOUS BACKGROUND

Jains follow the teachings of Jina (Tirthankara), a person who has conquered him/herself and showed the path of purification to all. They worship Mahavira and other Tirthankaras as an example and believe only the self-effort can lead them to liberation. Mahavira’s teachings include the involvement in welfare of others and the care for the natural world; the equality and pluralism, the life of equanimity and simplicity; the obedience to the law of the land; and acceptance of multiple views – pluralism (anekaantavada) to understand multiple facets of the truth.

Jainism is the religion of high moral conduct mainly based on ahimsaa. The highest principle of conduct and positive virtue. Ahimsa means not to harm one’s soul and includes non-violence and reverence for all life, friendship to all and malice to none, compassion, forgiveness, equanimity, empathy, charity and love to others.

Jains are active in social action and are involved in many educational health, human welfare and animal welfare charities.

All living beings love their life, desire happiness, loathe miseries, desire to live (Acharanga 1.2-3)

It is the essential characteristic of the wise that they do not harm any living being. One should know that non-violence and the equality of all living being are the main principles of religion. – (Sutra Krutaanga 1:4:10)

When assigned with some personal service to others, one should perform it with humility; the service to others helps one to attain spiritual liberation - (Uttaradhyayana 24.10)

Get Involved in Mahavira Jayanti for project ideas, information and contact details.
Mahavira Jayanti Gallery page for pictures.