Live and let live

Mahavir Janm Kalyanak marks the birthday celebration of the 24th Tirthankar, who pioneered ahimsa, art of forgiveness, equity, rational thinking, principles of pluralism, courage, a compassionate way of life, tranquillity and non-violence toward every living being. His core message to all is to 'live and let live', which is essential in today's volatile world.

Prince Mahavir was born in a royal kshatriya family and was the son of King Siddharth and Queen Trishala. Mahavir renounced his royal life and worldly relationships. He went off with the sole objective of achieving complete samayika, an equanimous state of mind, and to live an ethical way of life that would help him evolve to a higher consciousness.

He began the vigorous practice of Samya Yog, yog of equanimity, meditation and for 12 years, he went through and overcame several ordeals. With the perfect understanding and practice of Samyak Darshan, right belief; Samyak-Jnan, right knowledge; and Samyak Charitra, right conduct; Mahavir attained Kevalya Jnan, omniscience.


Tirthankar Mahavir led a socio-spiritual, non-violent reform movement. He rejected the caste system, gender bias and other irrational practices such as animal sacrifice, Bali and Sati, and promoted equity for all living beings. He did not preach but practised his philosophy. Mahavir contributed to the growth of scientific temper, literature and education, and encouraged people to overcome superstition and blind faith. He regarded all flora and fauna as integral to a composite moral community and emphasised aparigraha, non-possessiveness, to protect them from human greed.