Mahavira and Jainism

The essentials

The basic philosophy of the Jainas already existed in north India before the birth of Vardhamana, who came to be known as Mahavira, in the sixth century BCE. According to Jaina tradition, Mahavira was preceded by 23 other teachers or tirthankaras — literally, those who guide men and women across the river of existence.

The most important idea in Jainism is that the entire world is animated: even stones, rocks and water have life. Non-injury to living beings, especially to humans, animals, plants and insects, is central. The principle of ahimsa emphasised within Jainism has left its mark on Indian thinking as a whole.

Key points

• The cycle of birth and rebirth is shaped through karma. Asceticism and penance are required to free oneself from the cycle of karma.
• This could be achieved only by renouncing the world; therefore monastic existence was necessary for salvation.
• Jaina monks and nuns took five vows: to abstain from killing, stealing and lying; to observe celibacy; and to abstain from possessing property.
• Jainism spread to many parts of India; like Buddhists, Jaina scholars produced a wealth of literature in Prakrit, Sanskrit and Tamil.
• Some of the earliest stone sculptures associated with religious traditions were produced by devotees of the Jaina tirthankaras; manuscripts were preserved in libraries attached to temples.

Exam tips

• Contrast with Buddhism: both rejected the authority of Vedic sacrifice, but Jainism placed stronger stress on asceticism and the life in all things.

Common mistakes

• Thinking Mahavira was the founder of Jainism; tradition sees him as the 24th tirthankara.