Mahavir – the One Who has Conquered one’s Mind

This day in the Indian calendar is celebrated as Mahavir Jayanti, the birth anniversary of Saint Mahavir. This day marks the birth of Saint Mahavir’s physical body. However, through the practice of rigorous austerities, Saint Mahavir had attained freedom from the cycle of birth and death by being free from the vices of the mind. Mahavir is not just his name, but an indication of one who has braved the mind to win over it. Mahavir is a quality that we all should imbibe in our lives.

In today’s world of instant gratification, it is time that we follow Saint Mahavir’s teachings with complete faith and devotion to liberate ourselves from the whims of the mind and grip of the senses.

People celebrate Forgiveness day in memory of Saint Mahavir, where people seek forgiveness from one another. But who can be in a state of mind to truly forgive? What had Saint Mahavir attained that he could practice compassion, forgiveness, and equanimity so easily? What is that state of mind where one can truly practice forgiveness? If one doesn’t achieve that state, seeking forgiveness remains a mere play of words. It only boosts the ego of the one who forgives. He believes, “I forgave him.” Forgive others because there is no other. Forgive with the understanding that everyone in our life is here to play a specific role in our lives. Hence no one is at fault.

Mahavir preached Ahimsa (non-violence) as the greatest religion. By non-violence, he did not just mean refraining from physical violence, but violence at the subtlest level. Words and thoughts that hurt others are also violence. The one who believes in non-violence will be careful while choosing his thoughts, feelings, and words for others. He will be cautious not to hurt anyone.

Take a moment to reflect and contemplate on the occasions when you might have hurt someone knowingly or unknowingly. All those were subtle occasions of violence. Resolve to practice non-violence at the level of your thoughts and feelings. Seek forgiveness from all those whom you may have hurt and forgive those who may have hurt you in any way.

Saint Mahavir practiced self-discipline right from his childhood. He worked on gaining mastery over his body and mind.  Very few gain such mastery on their body and mind at a young age as he did. Many find it challenging to attain self-control even in the later years of life and struggle during their old age. For example, some people find it difficult to have control over their speech. They often grumble over petty issues. This causes conflict and disharmony among family members, leading to estranged relationships. At this stage, even if one tries to work on this pattern of their mind, it becomes difficult.

The one who has foresight will start working on the patterns of the mind in the early years of his life. He will make efforts to bring control over his body and mind. For example, working on gaining health, control over speech, gaining wisdom that will help others, etc., can take us a long way. People would want the company of such trained people. To make this happen, one needs to start small. Begin with small experiments and intentions and fulfill them daily. It will help boost your confidence and willpower and lead to a beautiful future.

Saint Mahavir’s path was that of determination and resolve. He vowed that he would never engage in deeds that would compromise his freedom. One who loves his freedom will never engage in activities that enslave them. Here, freedom implies being free from the tendencies of the mind and inclinations of the senses. One who believes himself to be the physical body becomes a slave to his mind and senses. He does everything that satisfies his senses and fulfils the vices of the mind. This is nothing but slavery which affects his future.

An intelligent person will re-think his actions. He will contemplate his deeds. “What fruit will my actions bear? Where will they lead me? Will they help me make true progress or mislead me away from my goals?” He will then start working on the betterment of his life based on his contemplation.

Saint Mahavir followed five principles, of which non-violence was the foremost. One who has a deep understanding of non-violence will experience it as a form of unconditional and unceasing love. He will seek and contemplate on wisdom to help him practice non-violence and bring out such profound love and compassion for others. For this, one needs to attain conviction of one’s true nature beyond the body and mind. Introspection and meditation can help us discover our true nature and break the false beliefs that stem from our identification with the body and mind.

The second principle that Saint Mahavir followed was Truth, the third being Achaurya. Achaurya means refraining from stealing others’ possessions. The fourth was Brahmacharya, i.e., celibacy. The last was Aparigraha. Aparigraha is the habit of refraining from hoarding things. Aparigraha is a minimalistic way of life, where one lives with minimal needs and things. People have the habit of hoarding unnecessary things in life. Such people find it difficult not only to let go of things, but also to let go of their feelings. This poses a lot of hurdles in life. Aparigraha helps in practicing self-control.

We all should take lessons from Saint Mahavir’s journey and practice his teachings in life. One who practices his teachings with complete faith and devotion can lead a beautiful and contented life.