Live and let live : The life and teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir
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Jain Vikas Mandal
Birth and divine celebration
Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, was born about 2600 years ago in Kundagrama, near Vaishali. He was the son of king Siddhartha and queen Trishala.
His birth was not an ordinary event—it was celebrated with immense joy and grandeur. According to Jain traditions, celestial beings (devas and indras) descended from the heavens to rejoice and honor the birth of a soul destined to become a Tirthankara.
From the very beginning, signs of greatness were visible in the child Vardhamana.
Childhood – a symbol of courage and wisdom
As a child, Vardhamana possessed a radiant personality—healthy, handsome, and deeply thoughtful. He was naturally courageous and fearless.
Because of his bravery, he earned several names: Vira – the brave; Ativira – the extremely brave; Sanmati – one with right knowledge; Vardhamana – the ever-growing; Mahavir – the great hero
Even in childhood, he showed deep compassion and a sense of detachment from worldly pleasures.
Life of luxury yet inner detachment
Born into royalty, Mahavir had access to immense wealth, comfort, and power. He could have easily become a great king.
However, he viewed material wealth not as happiness, but as bondage. His quest was for eternal bliss, which he believed lies within the soul.
In a world filled with violence and attachment, Mahavir felt the need to discover a higher truth—not just for himself, but for the welfare of all living beings.
Renunciation – the turning point
At the age of 30, Mahavir renounced his royal life. Leaving behind all possessions, even his clothes, he embraced a life of complete asceticism.
He entered the forests and began a journey of deep meditation and self-realization. He maintained silence, practiced non-attachment, and treated all beings—friends and foes alike—with equality.
He endured extreme hardships—heat, cold, hunger, and pain—without any disturbance to his inner peace.
Twelve years of tapasya and enlightenment
For twelve long years, Mahavir practiced intense penance and meditation, both internal and external.
At the age of 42, he attained keval gyan (absolute knowledge)—a state of complete awareness and liberation from all attachments.
From the moment, he became Bhagwan Mahavir, a fully enlightened soul who had conquered inner passions like anger, ego, deceit, and greed.
Preaching the path of truth
After attaining enlightenment, Mahavir spent the next 30 years spreading his teachings.
He delivered sermons in divine assemblies called Samavasharana, where everyone—humans, animals, rich, poor—could attend equally. There was no discrimination of caste, status, or species.
His core message was simple yet profound:
“Live & Let Live”— a universal principle of non-violence, tolerance, and mutual respect.
Nirvana – the ultimate liberation
At the age of 72, Bhagwan Mahavir attained nirvana on the sacred night of Diwali.
For Jains, Diwali is not just a festival of lights—it is a day to remember the liberation of Mahavir and to reflect on his teachings.
Core teachings – the essence of life
Bhagwan Mahavir’s philosophy is timeless and universal:
Every soul is independent and equal
True happiness lies within, not outside
We are responsible for our own suffering and happiness
Self-realization is the path to liberation
Non-violence (ahimsa) is the highest religion
There is no external creator—every soul can become divine
Golden message:
“Know yourself, realize yourself, and you will attain supreme bliss.”
Relevance in today’s world
The principle of live & let live is more important today than ever: It teaches tolerance in diversity; Promotes peace in a world of conflict; Encourages respect for all living beings; Builds harmony between humans and nature
Conclusion
The life of Bhagwan Mahavir is a perfect example of simplicity, courage, and spiritual greatness. He showed the world that true victory is not over others, but over oneself. His message continues to guide humanity towards peace, compassion, liberation
Mahavir Jayanti is on March 30
Birth and divine celebration
Bhagwan Mahavir, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, was born about 2600 years ago in Kundagrama, near Vaishali. He was the son of king Siddhartha and queen Trishala.
His birth was not an ordinary event—it was celebrated with immense joy and grandeur. According to Jain traditions, celestial beings (devas and indras) descended from the heavens to rejoice and honor the birth of a soul destined to become a Tirthankara.
From the very beginning, signs of greatness were visible in the child Vardhamana.
Childhood – a symbol of courage and wisdom
As a child, Vardhamana possessed a radiant personality—healthy, handsome, and deeply thoughtful. He was naturally courageous and fearless.
Because of his bravery, he earned several names: Vira – the brave; Ativira – the extremely brave; Sanmati – one with right knowledge; Vardhamana – the ever-growing; Mahavir – the great hero
Even in childhood, he showed deep compassion and a sense of detachment from worldly pleasures.
Life of luxury yet inner detachment
Born into royalty, Mahavir had access to immense wealth, comfort, and power. He could have easily become a great king.
However, he viewed material wealth not as happiness, but as bondage. His quest was for eternal bliss, which he believed lies within the soul.
In a world filled with violence and attachment, Mahavir felt the need to discover a higher truth—not just for himself, but for the welfare of all living beings.
Renunciation – the turning point
At the age of 30, Mahavir renounced his royal life. Leaving behind all possessions, even his clothes, he embraced a life of complete asceticism.
He entered the forests and began a journey of deep meditation and self-realization. He maintained silence, practiced non-attachment, and treated all beings—friends and foes alike—with equality.
He endured extreme hardships—heat, cold, hunger, and pain—without any disturbance to his inner peace.
Twelve years of tapasya and enlightenment
For twelve long years, Mahavir practiced intense penance and meditation, both internal and external.
At the age of 42, he attained keval gyan (absolute knowledge)—a state of complete awareness and liberation from all attachments.
From the moment, he became Bhagwan Mahavir, a fully enlightened soul who had conquered inner passions like anger, ego, deceit, and greed.
Preaching the path of truth
After attaining enlightenment, Mahavir spent the next 30 years spreading his teachings.
He delivered sermons in divine assemblies called Samavasharana, where everyone—humans, animals, rich, poor—could attend equally. There was no discrimination of caste, status, or species.
His core message was simple yet profound:
“Live & Let Live”— a universal principle of non-violence, tolerance, and mutual respect.
Nirvana – the ultimate liberation
At the age of 72, Bhagwan Mahavir attained nirvana on the sacred night of Diwali.
For Jains, Diwali is not just a festival of lights—it is a day to remember the liberation of Mahavir and to reflect on his teachings.
Core teachings – the essence of life
Bhagwan Mahavir’s philosophy is timeless and universal:
Every soul is independent and equal
True happiness lies within, not outside
We are responsible for our own suffering and happiness
Self-realization is the path to liberation
Non-violence (ahimsa) is the highest religion
There is no external creator—every soul can become divine
Golden message:
“Know yourself, realize yourself, and you will attain supreme bliss.”
Relevance in today’s world
The principle of live & let live is more important today than ever: It teaches tolerance in diversity; Promotes peace in a world of conflict; Encourages respect for all living beings; Builds harmony between humans and nature
Conclusion
The life of Bhagwan Mahavir is a perfect example of simplicity, courage, and spiritual greatness. He showed the world that true victory is not over others, but over oneself. His message continues to guide humanity towards peace, compassion, liberation
Mahavir Jayanti is on March 30