What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world.

Check out the UPSC Mains 2025 GS Paper 4 Question no 4(b) Solution with detailed explanation, important facts, and conclusion in this Article.

Table of Contents

Q.4(b): What are the major teachings of Mahavir? Explain their relevance in the contemporary world. (10 marks, 150 words)

Approach: In the intro, briefly introduce Mahavira as the 24th Tirthankara and highlight his universal ethical teachings. In the body, first explain his key principles and then link each with contemporary relevance through examples. In conclusion, emphasize that his philosophy is timeless and aligns with modern ideals like the SDGs, offering guidance for peaceful and sustainable living.

Vardhamana Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism in the 6th century BCE, was a spiritual reformer who emphasized ethical living, compassion, and inner discipline. His teachings, preserved in the Jain Agamas, go beyond religious boundaries offering a universal code of conduct.

Major teachings of Mahavira

Ahimsa (Non-violence): Advocated complete non-injury in thought, word, and deed towards all beings.
- Implies avoiding physical harm as well as mental hostility.
Satya (Truthfulness): Truth must be spoken in a beneficial and non-hurtful manner.
- Entails avoiding misinformation, gossip, and manipulative speech.
Asteya (Non-stealing): Prohibits taking anything not willingly offered.
- Extends to ensuring fair trade and rejection of exploitation.
Brahmacharya (Celibacy/Chastity): Calls for control over desires to promote spiritual growth.
- For householders, it means fidelity, moderation, and self-restraint.
Aparigraha (Non-possession/Non-attachment): Advocates minimising possessions and curbing greed.
- Encourages sustainable consumption and equitable resource use.
Syadvada & Anekantavada (Doctrine of multiple perspectives): Recognises the complexity of reality and validity of different viewpoints.
- Opposes dogmatism, fostering tolerance, dialogue, and critical inquiry.

Contemporary relevance of his teachings:

Conflict resolution & peacebuilding: Ahimsa and Anekantavada provide a framework for non-violent negotiations in ethnic, religious, and political disputes.
- E.g.: U.S.-brokered peace efforts between Armenia and Azerbaijan on Nagorno-Karabakh emphasize dialogue and territorial integrity.
Environmental sustainability: Aparigraha resonates with minimalism and sustainable lifestyles, vital in addressing climate change.
- E.g.: The minimalist living movement reduces consumption, waste, and carbon footprints.
Digital & media ethics: Satya is crucial in countering fake news, deepfakes, and cyber manipulation.
- E.g.: AI-driven tools are being developed to detect fake news and deepfakes more effectively.
Anti-corruption & corporate ethics: Asteya supports fair business practices, discouraging bribery and exploitation.
- E.g.: Firms like Verisk Analytics (2025) and Diversified Energy Company (2024) adopted zero-tolerance anti-corruption policies.
Mental well-being: Brahmacharya fosters mindful living, reducing stress from indulgence and digital overload.
- E.g.: The digital detox movement (2025) is gaining global acceptance.
Pluralism & inclusive governance: Anekantavada underpins respect for diversity, crucial in democratic decision-making.
- E.g.: India’s digital inclusion drive enables rural citizens to access governance services in multiple languages via WhatsApp/Telegram.

Mahavira’s ethical vision is not a relic of antiquity but a living framework for addressing modern crises. In an age of climate change, rising polarisation, and consumerism, his teachings align with the SDGs vision of “leaving no one behind”, offering a pathway towards peaceful, sustainable, and inclusive living.