Main Features of Mahavira’s Contributions
By Suzuko Ohira
Summary
The article examines the main features of Mahavira’s contributions to Jainism, arguing that he primarily reformed Parshva’s doctrine and founded a new sect rather than introducing entirely novel concepts. The author contends that Mahavira’s original teachings are best preserved in the Acharanga and Sutrakritanga, where non-violence (anarambha or ahimsa) is presented as the sole pathway for liberation, supported by the vow of non-possession (aparigraha). The text notes that while Mahavira adopted the prevalent karma theory of his time, he distinguished his doctrine by maintaining that non-action (akarma) is the only means to liberation, a stance that conflicted with later canonical developments which declared the removal of all karma necessary. The article discusses the pre-Mahavira doctrine of non-violence, suggesting it was rooted in primitive animism and the belief in "vaira," a principle of retribution where victims strike back at assailants. This belief, described by Dr. Dixit in his analysis of the Bhagavati Sutra, was a material and tangible concept that evolved into the later Jain doctrine of karma as matter. The author posits that Parshva’s followers likely held a primitive animist position without the vow of aparigraha, and that Mahavira’s classification of beings into six classes (jiva-nikayas) was influenced by contemporary theories like the Buddha’s five skandhas and Gosala’s four kayas. Furthermore, the article explores Mahavira’s systematic answers to philosophical and ethical questions, asserting doctrines like atmavada, lokavada, karmavada, and kriyavada. It concludes that Mahavira’s main contribution was the restatement and systematization of the old doctrine of anarambha in the language and philosophy of the new age, remodeling an outdated framework into a modern, functional system that established a distinct Jain order. The author notes that while Mahavira’s contributions show little novelty, his role in strengthening and giving fresh light to the old doctrine was his original achievement.
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Conclusion
This article concludes that Mahavira’s primary contribution was the systematic reformulation and rigid codification of the pre-existing Parśvan doctrine of non-violence (anirambha). Rather than inventing entirely novel concepts, Mahavira adopted contemporary theories of karma and classification to strengthen and modernize the ancient animist and retributive belief in *vaira*. By integrating the vow of non-possession (*aparigraha*) and the sixfold classification of living beings, he provided a concrete philosophical and ethical framework that distinguished his school from rival śramaṇa groups. His legacy lies in transforming an older, primitive ethical code into a sophisticated, systematic order capable of meeting the intellectual demands of a new era, thereby laying the foundational theoretical and disciplinary bedrock of classical Jainism.