'Live and Let Others Live': Life Lessons from Mahavira

by Nanditha Krishna (Editor)

Mahavira was a sixth-century reformer and philosopher, the twenty-fourth Tirthankara of the Jains, who established Jainism as a new faith. Born into the royal family in Kundagrama (near Patna in present day Bihar), he renounced his family and all material possessions and became an ascetic at the age of thirty. Having attained omniscience (kevala jnana) after performing austerities for twelve years, Mahavira began travelling on foot, preaching and gaining followers. A great believer in the equality of all, he ordained men and women from all classes and castes. He taught his followers how to overthrow the fetters of karma and liberate the soul from the cycle of birth and rebirth as well as lessons on how to live a life of truthfulness, compassion, humility and non-attachment. The Upanishadic dictum—ahimsa paramo dharmah (non-violence is the greatest Truth)—saw its apogee in the teachings of Mahavira. His teachings on the symbiosis between all living beings and the five elements— earth, air, fire, water and vegetation—form the basis of environmental sciences today. Edited by Nanditha Krishna, the aphorisms in ‘Live and Let Others Live’ contain the core teachings of Mahavira that show us how to lead a peaceful and fulfilling life.

Genres: Religion

112 pages, Hardcover

Published March 20, 2019

Reviews

[Ashok Krishna · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many books that we enjoy reading. Then, there are many books that leave within us a deep impact and stay within us for a long time. There are very few books that, once you finish reading, stir up an urge to buy a lot of copies and distribute to every one you know. If only I have the wherewithal, I would definitely buy as many copies of this book as possible and distribute to every other person I know and meet. Such a gem!

Bhagwan Mahavira does not need any introduction. Known widely as someone who revived the Jain religion, he was supposedly the contemporary of another noble soul, Gautama Buddha. Born 2500 years ago, his thoughts and ideals have stood the test of Time, shining all along. From inspiring the kings of early days to inspiring one of the greatest personas of the modern time, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavira have shone light on the path of righteousness and proper living to saints and simple householders alike.

His teachings of non-violence, tolerance for contrary viewpoints, equanimity in behaviour and equal treatment of all beings, along with his views on caring for the environment around us all set him apart from other religious founders / leaders. Reading this work, millennia after Mahavira first thought these thoughts, I find them as relevant today as they were then and they will be after even many more millennia.

For a long time I had been searching for a good work to begin learning about Jainism and Mahavira. In this book I have found the ideal beginning. Beautifully chosen thoughts and cohesively compiled chapters make this an authentic read. This is a book that you should read, read again and again and again. Worthy words of wisdom!

[Pramod Vemuri · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was a pleasant read of the sayings of Mahavira Jain. Additionally the introduction does a great job at reminding us of the impact of Jainism on Indian culture.

I rate it less primarily because I felt the poetry translations weren't that pleasurable to read. The author should've taken some liberties (poetic license if you will).

For a free Kindle Unlimited read however, maybe I'm asking too much

[MANIK MISHRA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good one

Very good reading. Short, crisp, and full of true wisdom. The teachings of Lord Mahavira are true even to this day.