Mahavir's Timeless Wisdom: A pathway to a just and harmonious world

On the auspicious occasion of Mahavir Jayanti , it is crucial to reflect on how the contemporary socio-economic, political ideologies, and scientific theories that dominate our discourse today can be traced back to the profound teachings of Mahavir from over 2600 years ago. To gain a deeper understanding, let us explore the five foundational principles embedded in Mahavia's philosophy: Anekantvad, non-absolutism, aparigrah, non-possession, anantchatushtay, the four infinite qualities, ahimsa, non-violence, and parasparograhojeevanam, mutual support and interdependence of all sentient beings.


1. Anekantvad
Mahavir introduced the principle of Anekantvad, which can be translated as "non-absolutism" or "relativity of perspectives". In essence, it underscores the idea that truth is multi-dimensional, and no single viewpoint can claim to be the absolute truth. Anekantvad is a recognition of the complexity and relativity of reality, where each individual’s perception is a partial reflection of the whole.
Metaphysically, anekantvad suggests that reality is multi-layered, with countless aspects that cannot be fully comprehended from a singular perspective. Mahavir taught that no single viewpoint can encompass the full spectrum of truth, and that seemingly contradictory views can coexist, each reflecting an aspect of the ultimate reality. This relativist stance led to the concept of ‘Naya’ (perspective), a framework by which different viewpoints can coexist harmoniously.
The Jain doctrine of Syadvada, the Sevenfold Predication, derives from this very idea, emphasising the multiplicity of truth by acknowledging the complexity and variability of reality. The core of Anekantvad revolves around three fundamental principles:
Multiplicity of Truth: Each individual perceives the same event or object from their unique perspective, shaped by personal experiences and context.
Non-Absolutism: No single perspective can claim absolute authority over truth; all viewpoints offer partial insights.
Relativity of Knowledge: Truth is contingent on context and perspective, encouraging tolerance and respect for differing ideologies.
In the modern liberal democratic context, anekantvad fosters a culture of pluralism and diversity, advocating for peaceful coexistence and dialogue among various beliefs and ideologies. It aligns closely with the contemporary notion of ‘agree to disagree,’ emphasising mutual respect despite differences. People can disagree but still understand each other's views. Philosophically, it resonates with Einstein's Theory of Relativity, which stresses the relative nature of time, space, and observation, highlighting the interconnectedness of all perspectives.
Thus, Mahavir’s doctrine of anekantvad embodies the highest form of liberalism, pluralism, and freedom of expression, promoting a harmonious coexistence of diverse thoughts in a democratic society.

2. Ahimsa
Ahimsa, the principle of nonviolence, forms the bedrock of Mahavir’s ethical framework. It extends beyond the mere absence of physical harm to encompass compassion, forgiveness, and the avoidance of harmful thoughts, harsh words, and ill intentions. For Mahavir, ahimsa was the supreme moral virtue, not just towards humans, but to all forms of sentient life.
As MK Gandhi eloquently expressed, “No religion has articulated the principle of ahimsa as systematically and deeply as Jainism, applying it in every facet of human life. As and when the benevolent principle of ahiṃsa or nonviolence will be ascribed for practice by the people of the world to achieve their end of life in this world and beyond, Jainism is sure to have the uppermost status and Mahavir is sure to be respected as the greatest authority on ahimsa.”
Mahavir, a steadfast advocate of past lives and the reincarnation of the soul, taught that whenever he gazed upon any Jeeva (living being including all non-human creatures), he recalled that he had once inhabited the same Prayay (bodily form of that jeeva) in one of his countless past lives. Given this, how could he ever cause harm or violence to them? Thus, for Mahavir, inflicting harm on any living being would be tantamount to harming oneself. This understanding formed the very foundation of his compassion for all sentient beings.
The doctrine of ahimsa is not limited to actions but permeates thoughts and speech. According to Mahavir, even the mere verbal insistence on truth subtly hurts others at the subconscious level. When we assert that what we say is the absolute truth, we may end up imposing our views and causing violence. This is why Mahavir refrained from strictly insisting on truth. From this subtle recognition at subconscious level, his concept of syat (conditional truth) emerged, which laid the foundation for his philosophy of anekantvad.
In essence, ahimsa is the highest order of democracy, advocating for peaceful coexistence and compassion among all beings, regardless of their form or species, animal rights and Inter-speciesism.

3. Anant Chatushtay, Four Infinite Qualities
The concept of anant chatushtay refers to the four boundless attributes inherent in the jeeva, every living being, namely:
Anant Jnana (Infinite Knowledge)
Anant Darshana (Infinite Perception)
Anant Sukha (Infinite Bliss)
Anant Virya (Infinite Energy or Power)
These qualities are limitless and unrestrained by time or space. Every Jeeva is capable of achieving anything, experiencing eternal joy, and existing free from suffering. However, these infinite attributes are clouded by the accumulation of karm, and the ultimate aim of Jeeva is freedom from these limitations and to attain moksh (liberation) through self-realisation.
Mahavir’s teachings emphasize that moksha or liberation is not a privilege reserved for humans alone. Every living being, regardless of its “Prayay” (form/body/specie), has the potential to attain enlightenment and freedom from karmic bondage. This perspective aligns with the concept of equality.
Mahavir further emphasised that if any living being (non-human) is viewed from the perspective of its Prayay (body/specie/form), and if a human, upon seeing its form, feels a sense of superiority or arrogance, then one should seek forgiveness from such beings. From the standpoint of Anantchatushtay, every creature is equal, possessing the same potential for liberation. Therefore, we should view every Jeeva with the understanding that all have an equal capacity to attain Moksha. In Jainism, there is a festival called Kshamavani, during which Jains seek forgiveness from all sentient beings.
Furthermore, Mahavir rejected both the notion of a creator god and borrowed knowledge, promoting an atheistic path to salvation grounded in self-reliance and experiential knowledge. This underscores the egalitarian nature of his teachings, asserting that anant chatushtay embodies the ultimate vision of equality and interconnectedness across all forms of life.

4. Aparigrah
Aparigrah, or non-possessiveness, emphasizes detachment from material possessions. It promotes an equitable approach to life, where one’s needs are fulfilled without attachment or greed. Aparigrah is the art of balancing one’s needs with their desires. Mahavir's teachings encourage trusteeship over ownership, promoting a mindset of social welfare, redistribution of resources, and philanthropy.
In today’s world, aparigrah resonates with the ideals of socialism, sustainable development, and the decentralization of wealth and power. By cultivating a sense of non-attachment to possessions, individuals are encouraged to focus on collective well-being rather than personal accumulation, fostering a more egalitarian and compassionate society.

5. Parasparograhojeevanam
Parasparograhojeevanam refers to the philosophy of mutual support and interdependence among all living beings. Mahavir advocated for the idea of "Jio aur Jeene Do" (Live and Let Live), emphasising that all sentient beings are interdependent and must coexist harmoniously. This principle calls for mutual respect and understanding, as we are all connected in this shared existence.
In contemporary terms, Parasparograhojeevanam can be seen as an embodiment of the highest order of social cohesion, mutual cooperation and empathy. It underscores the importance of supporting one another in a world marked by transience and inter-connectedness, urging humanity to work together for the collective welfare of all.
In conclusion, the timeless teachings of Mahavir provide profound insights that remain relevant in today’s world, offering guidance on how to navigate issues of truth, violence, equality, interdependence, ideologies, democracy, decentralisation and diversity. His philosophy embodies a vision of a harmonious world where diversity is respected, life is cherished, and the path to enlightenment is open to all beings, regardless of their form or background. By embracing Mahavir’s principles, we can strive toward a more just, compassionate, and interconnected global community.


Authored by: Vipul Anekant
The writer is deputy commissioner of police, Delhi Police