Acharya Tulsi
In our country, there is the tradition of celebrating birth—day anniversaries of great men, the Day of Salvation, the Day of Self-Realization etc. Why? The purpose of celebrating any Day is to derive inspiration from and establish among the public the philosophy, life or literature of the man commemorated. Functions are also organised with a view to acquainting the public with the man's unique individuality and character. How far such functions succeed in projecting his personality and character is difficult to determine with any certainty. Generally, it is seen that among conferences, seminars and solemn functions, the fundamental purpose is quite lost sight of. In the huly-burly of big conventions, very few find the leisure to inquire into the significance of the occasion being celebrated.
Dipawali is the day on which Lord Mahavir achieved salvation. Mahavir was the preceptor of the Jain Fleligion. lt is not that only the Jains celebrate Dipawali. All those nurtured on Indian soil are intimately associated with it. From children to old men, all are greatly attracted by Dipawali, from the religious, cultural or national point-of—view. For some people Dipawali marks the beginning of the New Year. The houses, shops and the streets all wear-a festive look on that day. Sweets are distributed. There are displays of fire—works. Earthen lamps are lighted—the whole house glitters with electric-bulbs. And much else, besides.
The question arises as to what all this has to do with Mahavir. For the Jains at least it is an important question. They feel fulfilled just by saying that Mahavir was great. For them, the worship of Mahavira is enough to sanctity their Dipawali. But does the placing of the images of Mahavir and Laxmi, the Goddess of Wealth, before them and doing them veneration establish the greatness of Mahavir, or is something else required to be done? What significance has much veneration? The more important thing is to suffuse public life with Mahavir’s vision, and to propagate his teachings among the people.
Lord Mahavir was a seeker of truth. He set about finding truth and gave himself wholly to it for 12 years without intermission. During this pilgrimage his path was not even. Sometimes it was straight enough, at other times oblique. There were many ups and downs. Here a narrow foot—path, there the broad highway. Surrounded at times by hosts of admirers and supporter; at others times faced with the terrorists’ deadly assaults! The plots against him were so horrifying that the mind freezes at the very thought of them. But the great seeker was Mahavir (’very brave’), not only by name, but also by deed. He was not at all perturbed. All kinds of accusations were hurled against him, but he never lost his equilibrium. At last the curtain rose and truth manifested itself. He experienced truth and he became the embodiment of it. His pilgrimage was successfully concluded.
After 12 years of devoted effort, lord Mahavir attained self- realization. For 30 years he roamed about the land during which period thousands of people, transcending individual and family limitations, renounced the world. Lakhs of people became his followers. It is 2500 years since Mahavir attained final liberation.His 2500th anniversary was duly celebrated. And yet the Jain is still numbered in lakhs, not in cores. On the one hand, we proudly claim that the Jain religion founded by Lord Mahavir is too comprehensive that it can well become the world religion. Onthe other hand, the number of Jains has not registered any increase.
An even more important point to consider is how many among the existing population of Jains, really understand the true significance of Jainism, and live it. The dimness of the Jain community’s image as appraised in the light of Lord Mahavir’steachings should give a jolt to all thoughtful members of the community.
Lack of faith, dishonesty in business, adulteration of food, use of violence—bred cosmetics, and discrimination between man and man on the basis of caste class creed, etc. are trends to be found among Jains which have called into question the value of Jainism itself. lf a Jain’s life is not a whit different from the life of a non-Jain, what significance attaches to his profession of being a followers of Lord Mahavir?
On the occasion of Dipawali, let the followers of Lord Mahavir do a little bit of introspection, consider the inevitability and possibility of a radical change in their lives, formulate for themselves a code of conduct, and start living in accordance with it, so as to provide a solid base for the coming generation to forge ahead. Only this way of celebrating the anniversary of Lord Mahavir’s final salvation can prove relevant and inspiring.
