April 9 (Sunday) marks the 2,615th birth anniversary of Lord
Mahavira, the twenty fourth and the last Thirthankar. The
day is known as Mahavir Janm Kalyanak. For the Jain community, this is a day of celebration as he is the one who
taught people to live. No birth can be more important than
his.
Bhagwan imparted some of the most important values
that make lives simple, happy and worthwhile. These are
non-violence, truthfulness and good character, aparigraha
or non-greediness, and charity. With non-violence, he
taught humankind to not hurt any living being. He insisted
that one should never lie and should walk the path of truth,
avoiding fights and contradictions. He wanted humans to
keep only what they need and give away the rest in charity.
All of these values help in living life in peace and with immense happiness.
Lord Mahavira also broke the barriers of caste, creed and
religion, and gender. He said everyone is equal. He laid importance on purvajanam and punarjanam, to make it clear
that your deeds today shape not only your future but also
your next birth. If one does good karams (deeds), he or she
will achieve salvation.
Lord Mahavira’s birthday is celebrated with much energy.
Gatherings are organised, chanting of prayers is done and
processions are taken out. Feeding the poor, as well as birds
and animals, is the highest form of charity that should be
carried out on this day. Another important aspect that one
can adopt on this day is “forgiveness”.
Lord Mahavira has said that kshama is a practice everyone
should adopt. Walking on the Bhagwan’s path can bring
immense satisfaction in life, and Mahavir Jayanti is a reminder of that fact for everyone.
Naypadmasagarji Maharaj
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