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Lord Mahavira

By V. P. Jain

Vol. 16 · No. 4April - 1982pp. 189–189English

Summary

In this concise poem, V. P. Jain pays tribute to Lord Mahāvīra as the hero of heroes whose meditative posture is captivating and unique. The poet recounts Mahāvīra’s unparalleled will power, describing how through pure meditation he attained omniscience and became a living ideal of truth and non‑violence. He notes that wherever Mahāvīra travelled, enemies became friends and even envy lost its colour. The poem highlights Mahāvīra’s compassion, likening him to a lighthouse guiding souls across the ocean of suffering. It extols his spiritual and physical beauty and calls him Jina – conqueror of passions. Though brief, the poem encapsulates several fundamental Jain beliefs: that a human being can attain omniscience and liberation through meditation and ethical conduct; that true power lies in self‑control rather than dominance over others; and that a liberated soul radiates peace and inspires transformation in those around him. The poet uses accessible language and striking images to make Mahāvīra’s qualities tangible for readers. His praise is not merely devotional but also pedagogical; by describing Mahāvīra’s virtues he suggests that readers emulate them in their own lives. The poem can be read as a concise summary of Mahāvīra’s life and teachings, reminding readers that non‑violence, truth and detachment are the pillars of the Jain path.

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Conclusion

The poem closes by reaffirming Mahāvīra’s role as a beacon for humanity. By celebrating his triumph over desire and his compassionate guidance, it invites readers to cultivate similar virtues and to see in Mahāvīra a model for their own spiritual journey.

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