Q.1 What are the five Mahavratas? (Panch Mahavartas)
Ans: The five chief principles (Mahavratas) of Jain philosophy for family men to follow in order to attain Moksha are as follows:
- Ahimsa (Non-violence): Ahimsa is the central principle of Jainism, emphasized by Mahavir. It means kindness, equality, and benefaction towards all living beings. Non-violence is the foundation of all other principles.
- Satya (Truth): Mahavir stressed the importance of truth. One cannot practice Ahimsa without speaking the truth. Therefore, truthfulness in all situations is essential for spiritual progress.
- Asteya (Non-stealing): Asteya means refraining from theft. According to Mahavir, stealing is immoral, and one must avoid this vice by respecting others’ belongings and not taking what is not rightfully theirs.
- Aparigraha (Non-possessiveness): Aparigraha means not to accumulate excessive worldly possessions. A person who does not hoard material belongings and only keeps what is necessary, while giving the rest to those in need, is free from the distractions of worldly attachments.
- Brahmacharya (Celibacy): Brahmacharya refers to celibacy or the control of desires and passions. Mahavir emphasized that to follow the above four principles, one must also practice celibacy and restrain from indulgence in worldly pleasures.
These five principles form the means to attain the Triratnas (right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct), which help in attaining Moksha by overcoming the illusions of the material world.
| Source: 9th RBSE: Chapter -2 : Page Number : 15 |
| Extra: Tri-Ratanas (i) Samyak Gyana / Right knowledge : It means the entire and true knowledge. Mahavir had said that for getting true and entire knowledge people should read and follow the sermons of tirthankaras. (ii) Samyak Darshan / Right faith: It means to keep complete faith in the tirthankaras. To adopt the true knowledge in life every human must have complete faith and belief in the tirthankaras. (iii) Samyak Charitra / Right conduct: It means the human beings only get the true knowledge by keeping their senses in control. |