Vardhamana, more famous as the Mahavira, was the twenty-fourth Jain Tirthankara. He was one of the principle figures of Jainism and a great philosopher. He was born into a royal family, but royalty and the luxurious life did not please him. He was in constant search for inner peace and spirituality so one fine day he left his home and materialistic possessions in search of spiritual awakening. Mahivira sought answers to questions that the religious practices and the gurus could not answer. He led a life of an ascetic and for more than twelve years he practiced rigorous penance and profound austerity. It is believed that after surviving through all the physical hardships he attained Kevala Jnana (omniscience). Thereafter, he preached for more than thirty years. His teachings included observing ahimsa (non-violence), asteya (non-stealing), aparigraha (non-attachment), satya (truth) and brahmacharya (chastity). His teachings are known as ‘Jain Agamas’ and were anthologized by his chief disciple Gautama Swami. Let us look at what we can learn from his most famous, motivational and inspirational quotes and thoughts. Read through the simple, exhilarating and pragmatic quotes and thoughts by Mahavira that holds a world of wisdom.
Attachment and aversion are the root cause of karma, and karma originates from infatuation. Karma is the root cause of birth and death, and these are said to be the source of misery. None can escape the effect of their own past karma.
If you want to cultivate a habit, do it without any reservation, till it is firmly established. Until it is so confirmed, until it becomes a part of your character, let there be no exception, no relaxation of effort.
If one undertakes retrospection of the day's events, one must do it regularly at the appointed hour, not fitfully, not doing it today, neglecting to do it tomorrow and the day after and then taking it up again on the fourth day. Such irregular practice is not conducive to the confirmation of the habit of retrospection.
Mahavira
One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them.
Mahavira
Don't accumulate if you do not need. The excess of wealth in your hands is for the society, and you are the trustee for the same.
Eating constitutes the greatest obstacle to self-control; it gives rise to indolence.
Mahavira
Modes are infinite, and laws are infinite.
Mahavira
A man is seated on top of a tree in the midst of a burning forest. He sees all living beings perish. But he doesn’t realize that the same fate is soon to overtake him also. That man is fool.
