Demand of the question:
- Mention and briefly explain Mahavira’s major ethical teachings with specific key words (5-6 points). Apply these thoughts through various perspectives like tolerance, conflict resolution, economic ethics, public integrity, environmental ethics, mental well-being, social harmony with examples so that the significance in the contemporary world gets highlighted.
Introduction
Vardhaman Mahavira’s teachings, which are deeply rooted in the Jaina ethical principles are of utmost significance in the contemporary world as they aim to ensure individual and collective well-being.
Significance of Mahavira’s teachings in contemporary world (Mention 5, 6 points with egs in possible ones)
- Tolerance and conflict resolution: Jaina pluralistic perspective can ensure peaceful conflict resolutions as well as promote multiculturalism . Eg: International Arbitration procedures act and Indian secularism.
- Sustainable development: Promoting minimalism “need-based” rather than “greed-based” living rooted in aparigraha. Eg: Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 12)
- Animal ethics: Application of Ahimsa to all beings Eg: Prevention of Cruelties to Animals Act.
- Economic ethics: Aparigraha and Asteya can help curbing inequality through philanthropy and CSR initiatives.
- Accountability and integrity in public life: Upholding principles of satya and asteya prevents acts of corruption, fund misuse etc and enables public servants to remain. Eg: Mission Karmayogi.
- Mental well-being: Self-restraint helps to make objective decisions rather than impulsivity while Non-attachment gives a sense of peace reducing stress and burnout.
- Better inter-personal relations: Avoiding family feuds like property disputes due to non-attachment to material possessions.
- Upholding international ethics: It facilitates peaceful conflict resolution and mutual respect between nations. Eg: India’s advocacy of the idea of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, in G20.
Conclusion:
Thus, the whole of Mahavir’s teachings, which can be summarised in “Parasparopagraho Jivanam’, that is “All life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence” has got contemporary as well as eternal relevance.