My Homage to Lord Mahavira
By P. S. Lama
Summary
P. S. Lama’s article "My Homage to Lord Mahavira" presents Lord Mahavira as the last but everlasting Tirthankara of Jainism, describing his victory as a triumph of the human soul over baser passions rather than a military conquest. The author situates the origins of Jainism and Buddhism in the sacred lands of Nepal and India, noting that Lord Buddha was born in Lumbini in 560 B.C. and Lord Mahavira in Ksatriya Kundapura near Vaisali (Muzaffarpur) in Bihar in 599 B.C., calling their concurrent advent a strange coincidence of history. The article argues that Buddhism and Jainism share striking similarities, possessing the same spiritual goal of moksa or nirvana and a passionate belief in peace, with differences lying mainly in approach and emphasis. The author characterizes Jainism as a thorough-going religion that demands rigorous practice, requiring monks to endure any hardship for spiritual salvation and demanding that lay-followers follow twelve rules of conduct (vratas) to live a pure, altruistic life. The text identifies the three jewels, or triratna, as Samyak darsana (right seeing), samyak jana (right knowledge), and samyak caritrya (right conduct). Ultimately, the article centers on ahimsa as the centerpiece of Jaina philosophy, defining it as a profound self-realization of the soul pervading all creatures and objects, thereby offering a spiritual conception of equanimity and a new horizon of peace for a world torn by conflict. The piece is a speech delivered on the occasion of the Fifth Anniversary of the Jain Information Bureau sponsored by Jain Bhawan on Mahavira Jayanti day on March 3, 1969.
Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.
Conclusion
This article underscores the enduring spiritual victory of Lord Mahavira, who triumphed over human passions through the principle of *ahimsa* rather than physical force. The text highlights the profound similarities and shared ultimate goals of Buddhism and Jainism, both emphasizing the liberation of the soul from karma. It delineates Jainism as a practical yet rigorous path to spiritual liberation, requiring absolute adherence to the three jewels of right seeing, right knowledge, and right conduct. For lay followers, the religion promotes an altruistic and just social order. Ultimately, the author posits that Jainism’s profound emphasis on universal empathy and self-realization offers a vital, enlightened framework for achieving global peace and harmony in a world plagued by conflict.