RLG100Y1 Study Guide - Final Guide: Paryushana, Sallekhana, Jiva
Document Summary
Mahavira in the jain tradition was the 24th and last tirthankara (one how has achieved. Born into a kings household, mahavira started engaging in mediation and was interesting the core beliefs of jainism. At the age of 30, he gave up his world possessions and spent 12 years as an ascetic. Janism is complete perfection and purification of the soul. Our soul is diluted by karmic actors from billions of years ago. The purpose of the mahavera is to purify the living by breaking the karmic cycle. During these 12 years he spent most of his time mediating. He gave outmost regard to other living bodies (humans, animals, plants) and avoided harming them. At the age of 42, he became a jina and then devoted the rest of his life into preaching the eternal truth of spiritual freedom to the people in india.
