Question

What are the Panch Mahavratas of Mahavir Swami?

Hint:

Remember: The Five Great Vows of Mahavir Swami are {Ahimsa, Satya, Asteya, Brahmacharya, and Aparigraha}. They form the ethical foundation of Jainism.

Answer 1

Lord Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, emphasized the path of non-violence, self-control, and renunciation as the means to attain liberation (\textit{moksha}). For this purpose, he prescribed the Panch Mahavratas or Five Great Vows. These vows were to be strictly followed by Jain monks and nuns, while lay followers observed them in a limited form.
The Panch Mahavratas are:
1. Ahimsa (Non-violence):
To abstain completely from causing harm to any living being in thought, word, or action. It was considered the supreme vow and formed the foundation of Jain ethics. Even the smallest life forms were to be respected and protected.
2. Satya (Truthfulness):
To always speak the truth and avoid falsehood. This vow taught that lies cause harm and disturbance in society, and hence truth should always be practiced with compassion.
3. Asteya (Non-stealing):
To refrain from taking anything that does not belong to oneself. It included not only stealing but also avoiding dishonesty, cheating, or exploitation of others.
4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity):
For monks, it meant complete celibacy and renunciation of sexual pleasures. For householders, it meant loyalty, control, and moderation in desires. It was considered essential for spiritual discipline.
5. Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment):
To give up attachment to material possessions, wealth, and desires. The vow promoted simplicity and detachment, encouraging focus on spiritual development rather than worldly accumulation.
Together, these five vows formed the moral and spiritual code of conduct in Jainism. They were not only rules of personal discipline but also contributed to peace, harmony, and compassion in society. By practicing these, one could purify the soul and progress towards liberation.