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Mahavira claimed to be the 24th Tirthankara (seeker of truth). He recognised 23 other Tirthankaras,
who lived before him. Mahavira died at Pawapuri near Rajgir, at the age of 72.
Teachings of Mahavira : Mahavira taught very simple doctrines such as:
• He taught that men and women should leave their homes to know the truth.
• He asked people to follow ahimsa—not hurting or killing beings.
• Mahavira taught that “all beings long to live.”
Mahavira’s teachings were based on three thoughts which are called Triratna or three
jewels. These were:
Right faith, Right knowledge and Right Action.
Mahavira did not believe in the existence of God. He believed in the theory of ‘Karma’.
According to him, the highest goal to be achieved was Supreme Knowledge.
Principles of Jainism : Mahavira preached his disciples to follow the five principles. They are:
1. Ahimsa – not to injure any living beings.
2. Satya – to speak truth
3. Asteya – not to steal
4. Aparigraha (non-possession) -not to own property
5. Brahmacharya – to lead a virtuous life
Mahavira and his followers used Prakrit language, which was the language of the ordinary
people so that common people could understand their teachings without any difficulty.
A large number of monks and nuns became members of the Jain Mathas and devoted
themselves to the propagation of its teachings among the people.
Jainism was supported by several royal families, traders, farmers, who were either related
to Mahavira and his supporters also greatly contributed to the popularity of Jainism.
Now I Know :
The literal meaning of Upanishad is ‘approaching and sitting near’.
The Upanishads are the chief sources of information about Hindu philosophy.
According to Upanishads, the life of an upper-caste man of that times was divided into 4 stages called ashram
(Brahmacharya, Garihastha, Vanaprastha and Sanyas).
The basic teachings of Buddha are called the four Noble Truths.
Mahavira believed in the theory of Karma.
Mahavira’s teachings are called Triratna or Three jewels.
(Assessment of Learning Outcome)
A. Tick () the correct option :
1. Which text contains conversation between teachers and students?
(a) Upanishad (b) Ramayan (c) Mahabharta (d) None of these
2. Vardhmana Mahavira was born in:
(a) 100 BC (b) 230 BC (c) 540 BC (d) 790 BC
Social Studies-6 51
