I request that before writing anything which will be read world-wide, you please check the facts. Bhagwaan Mahavir is not a founder of Jainism but rather our suprememost teacher and a reformer of Jainism. Jainism has no concept of God. We believe every soul has the capacity and power to be God like (like Mahavir) provided we get rid of all karmas. Before Mahavir, in this cycle of life, we had 23 such noble and divine people. Mahavir is the 24th, who reformed Jainism and spread the messages of Jainsim to a wider population. Messages such as Non-Violence in not just actions but in mind because violence begins in mind, Forgiveness and Friendship towards ever soul, and walking on the path of Moksha.
RE:Mahavir not a founder of Jainism
by BhejaFry on Apr 24, 2007 08:39 PM Permalink
I think it was Adinath Rishabhdev.not 100% sure though.Mahavir was the last one.They are called 'Tirthankars'.
RE:Mahavir not a founder of Jainism
by Dipali K J on Apr 24, 2007 10:04 PM Permalink
Yes, we call the 24 perfect souls Tirthankars. The first one for this time cycle is Rishabhdev (Adinath). But he wasn't the founder either. Jainism's belief is far beyond that. A fraction of the vast information one needs to know on Jainism is available on the following link and on Wikipedia as well. A true Jain is not just someone born as a Jain and who does not eat onions, potatoes, carrots etc (anything grown beneath the soil because these vegetables contain innumerable germs thus, innumerable souls) but also one who knows how important Non-Violence is, how important it is to rise above the Material World is, how important it is to know that everything except the soul is perishable, and thus do only good karmas to reach Moksha. One who knows this, will never fight for anything material but rather fight with oneself and resist these tempations. That person will know that human life is gifted to do good deeds, and reach infinite bliss.
