Indian History and World History (Part-3)

 Kaivalya refers to a state of absolute freedom, isolation, and liberation, often understood as the ultimate goal of yoga and spiritual practice. It signifies a detachment from worldly attachments and a realization of one's true nature, leading to a state of supreme knowledge and awareness. 

According to Jainism, Mahavira became an ascetic and left his home at 30. He kept on wandering for 12 years and is said to have attained Kaivalya at the age of 42;

through Kaivalya, he conquered misery and happiness. Because of his conquest, he is known as the Jina or the conqueror.

The universal principles of Jainism are -

• Ahimsa (non-injury)
• Satyam (truthfulness)
• Asteya (non-stealing)
• Brahmacharya (celibacy)
• Aparigraha (non-covetousness).

Rishabha was the first Tirthankara of Jainism. He was also known as Adinatha and AdishJina.

Arishtanemi was the twenty-second Tirthankara in Jainism.

Parshvanath was the twenty-third Tirthankara of Jainism.

Mahavir Jain was the twenty-fourth Tirthankaras of Jainism.

Ajitanath was the second Tirthankara of Jainism.

Rishabha was the first Tirthankara of Jainism. He was also known as Adinatha and AdishJina.

Arishtanemi was the twenty-second Tirthankara in Jainism.

Parshvanath was the twenty-third Tirthankara of Jainism.

Mahavir Jain was the twenty-fourth Tirthankaras of Jainism.

Ajitanath was the second Tirthankara of Jainism.

• Lord Mahaveera was born in 599 BC near Vaishali in Kundagrama (Bihar).
• He was born a Prince Vardhamana to King Siddhartha and Queen Trishala of the Ikshvaku Dynasty.
• Mahavira belonged to Jnatrik Dynasty. He got enlightened under a Sal Tree.
• He got kaivalya (death) on the bank of the Rijupalika River.

Comprising fifty separate works which differ in small matters, the texts are written mainly in ArdhaMagadhiPrakrit and Sauraseni.

The canon also includes 14 ‘Purva’ or ‘earlier’ works attributed in part to Mahavira and several anga sections composed by Mahavira’s disciples, besides various other books on rules.

After the death of Buddha, his teachings were compiled and divided into three parts; these are called “Tripitaka”.

1. Vinaya Pitaka (Basket of Discipline)

• Purpose: Rules and guidelines for monks and nuns (the Sangha).

• Content:

  • 227 rules for monks (Bhikkhus) and 311 rules for nuns (Bhikkhunis).

  • Stories behind each rule (origin stories).

  • Procedures for monastic life, including ordination, confession, and communal living.

2. Sutta Pitaka (Basket of Discourses)

• Purpose: Buddha's sermons, teachings, and dialogues.

• Content: Divided into five Nikāyas:

3. Abhidhamma Pitaka (Basket of Higher Knowledge)

• Purpose: Philosophical and psychological analysis of the teachings.

• Content:

  • Explains mind, matter, consciousness, and mental states.

  • Categorizes realities into ultimate truths (dhammas).

  • Used mainly for deep meditation (Vipassana) and scholastic study.