Lord Mahavir professed nonviolence as the Supreme Religion and it is more relevant in the world today than ever.
Nonviolence is the paramount principle and cardinal virtue of Jainism, a religion less known outside India. Extended to all living beings, ahimsa in Jainism is more radical, scrupulous, and comprehensive than in any other religion including Hinduism and Buddhism. Refinement of this concept is attributed to Lord Mahavir, the last of the 24 Tirthankars (progenitors) of Jainism who was born in 599 BC.
Lord Mahavir’s 2,621 birth anniversary was celebrated at the Consulate of India in New York on May 20 to remember his message. The event was co-hosted by International Ahimsa Foundation (IHF) in partnership with JITO USA (Jain International Trade Org), and JAINA (Federation of Jain Associations in North America).
India’s Deputy Consul General Dr. Varun Jeph was the keynote speaker. “Let’s bring more of Lord Mahavir’s message of Ahimsa & Satya (truthfulness) in our lives,” he said, as per an IHF press release.
Guest speakers Samniji Nirdeshika Kamal Pragya and Samniji Karuna Pragya offered profound insights on the teaching of non-violence.
Dr. Neeta Jain, who founded the International Ahimsa Foundation in 2012 to spread the message of non-violence and peace, told the gathering that Lord Mahavir had declared “Nonviolence as the Supreme Religion and it is more relevant in the world today than ever. We should pass his teachings to the next generation so they can learn how to adopt the virtues of nonviolence in their lives and make this world a better place to live in.”
US Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney emphasized the importance of “Live and Let Live,” a teaching of Lord Mahavir.
The entertainment segment had a skit presented by young Jains on “Color of thoughts and their impact” directed by Surbhi Pandya. A dance performance titled “Mahavir sa mujko banjana hai (I will become like Mahavir) was presented by Little Ustad Arts directed by Kavita Bafana and Vanita Kothari.
Four individuals were honored with the Ahimsa Award for their contributions to society and their achievements: Dr. Ashok Shaha (Chair, Head and Neck Surgery/Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center), Arvind Vora (Chair, JAINA Interfaith Committee & Shanti Fund of Long Island), Sweta Jain (Founder & President, Goshwara, Luxury Designer Jewelry), and Kavita Bafana (Cofounder, Little Ustaads Music classes & Namaste Book Series).
Kavita Bafana spoke of the importance of keeping your culture alive. “It’s one small trip to the temple or a simple conversation, or as you saw today a small dance, that will keep our culture alive and our Jain principles ever present through the next generation,” Bafana said.
Dr. Ashok Shaha said in his acceptance speech that “Forgiveness is the most important virtue in life”.
Non-violence was famously practiced by Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr in their activism and influence.
The 5 Maha-vratas (Great Vows) for Jain ascetics
Right knowledge, right faith, and right conduct are the three essentials for attaining liberation in Jainism. To acquire these, one must observe the five great vows:
1. Non-violence – Ahimsa
2. Truth – Satya
3. Non-stealing – Achaurya or Asteya
4. Celibacy/Chastity – Brahmacharya
5. Non-attachment/Non-possession – Aparigraha
