Mahavira – The Spiritual Hero of Nonviolence and Health
Lalit Garg
The life of Lord Mahavira stands as a timeless beacon of inspiration, guiding humanity toward self-realization and collective upliftment. His aura of positivity has illuminated countless lives across centuries, offering a vision of existence that transcends mere survival. To embody the spirit of Mahavira is to embrace a meaningful life—one rooted in health, resilience, and self-reliance. It is a call to awaken the soul and ignite an inner light that shines through adversity. As we prepare to celebrate Mahavir Jayanti on April 10, 2025, this occasion must transcend ritualistic observance and become a purposeful endeavor. It beckons us to internalize Mahavira’s teachings, weaving them into the fabric of our daily lives through spiritual practice and introspection.
To become a “Mahavir”—a great hero—requires more than reverence; it demands dedication and discipline. It is a journey toward a life of balance, where one cultivates the strength to endure suffering, maintain equanimity in chaos, and foster a deep sense of coexistence with all beings. Mahavira exemplified this through his unwavering commitment to his principles. His lifestyle was marked by restraint, silence, and an unyielding resolve to transform not only his own destiny but also the future of humanity. This year, as we honor his birth, let us pledge to emulate these virtues, making his legacy a living force rather than a distant memory.
Born centuries ago, Mahavira’s relevance endures, particularly in today’s world of crises—be it pandemics, chronic diseases, or societal unrest. His life was a testament to health and evolution, a radiant crest of vitality untainted by the smoke of despair. His dialogues carried the weight of eternity, his presence an invitation to transformation. With piercing brilliance in his gaze and an irresistible call to wellness, Mahavira left an indelible mark on those who encountered him. He urged humanity to seek truth independently, famously declaring, “Appana sacchameseja”—find the truth yourself. Unlike a guide who offers crutches, he empowered individuals to walk their own paths, illuminating not just the way forward but also the inner light that sustains the journey.
Central to Mahavira’s philosophy was the pursuit of a healthy life, a principle he both lived and taught. His immunity to disease was not a miracle but a result of disciplined living and spiritual practice. Among his many gifts to humanity was Kayotsarga—a profound method of physical and mental purification. Meaning “abandonment of the body,” Kayotsarga is a practice that begins and ends with the body’s well-being. It serves as both the foundation of spiritual sadhana and its ultimate fruition. Mahavira employed this technique extensively during his twelve-and-a-half-year period of penance, using it as a shield against physical and emotional turmoil. Like a soldier clad in armor fears no bullet, a practitioner of Kayotsarga finds resilience against life’s gravest challenges—be they diseases, stress, or existential fears.
Kayotsarga is more than a meditative posture; it is a medicine for the modern age. In an era where stress and lifestyle disorders plague humanity—afflicting the rich and poor alike—this practice offers a remedy that eludes conventional science. It involves relinquishing physical restlessness, calming the breath, and stilling the mind’s ceaseless chatter. While this may sound daunting, its essence lies in simplicity: relaxation. Often likened to shavasana (corpse pose) in yoga, Kayotsarga transcends the physical, opening a window to the soul. It dismantles the misconception that Jainism, Mahavira’s spiritual tradition, advocates bodily suffering. On the contrary, Mahavira emphasized nurturing the body as a vessel for the mind’s mastery. True penance, he taught, is not about inflicting pain but about cultivating strength and serenity.
The significance of Kayotsarga extends beyond spirituality into the realm of medical science. Modern diagnostics—whether dental procedures or blood pressure checks—often require patients to relax their bodies and slow their breathing, unwittingly echoing this ancient practice. For those battling hypertension, stress, or anxiety, Kayotsarga offers a natural equilibrium. Regular practice can banish tension and fear, fostering a state of lightness and joy. It is a highway to health, accessible to anyone willing to embrace its discipline.
Mahavira’s teachings encompass a broader tapestry of practices—silence, fasting, mantra recitation, and ethical conduct—all of which fortify physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. Silence, amplified by Kayotsarga, brings profound rest and happiness. Fasting and restraint cleanse the body and sharpen the mind. Together, these disciplines form a bulwark against disease and despair, offering a blueprint for a resilient life.
Lord Mahavira remains a luminous figure—a *Chinmaya Deepak*, an eternal lamp dispelling the darkness of ignorance. His life, a culmination of austerity and meditation, radiates self-motivation and universal compassion. His discourses are beams of wisdom, illuminating solutions to life’s myriad problems. To bask in this light, we must immerse ourselves in his teachings, adopting practices like Kayotsarga to forge a path toward health and harmony.
As we celebrate Mahavir Jayanti in 2025, let us honor Mahavira not just as a historical icon but as a living guide. His legacy is a clarion call to rise above challenges, to heal ourselves, and to uplift the world. In a time shadowed by uncertainty, Mahavira’s message of nonviolence, restraint, and self-discovery shines brighter than ever—a timeless antidote to humanity’s woes.
Lalit Garg is a writer, journalist, and columnist who explores spirituality, health, and Jainism. Known for his reflections on Mahavira’s teachings, he inspires readers with practical wisdom for modern life.
