Mahavira: The Hero of Nonviolence (Read reviews on Amazon.com & Goodreads.com)
Imagine a world where no one gets hurt, a world where no one is teased or bullied, a world where there is no fear or anger. Six centuries before the birth of Jesus, in the faraway land of India, there lived a great spiritual teacher name Mahavira (which means “very brave”), who imagined just such a world. He showed kindness to every living being and emphasized the practice of nonviolence, compassion, and forgiveness. The religion of Mahavira was called Jainism.
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Mahavira was born a prince, but because he had such deep love and respect for all living creatures, he renounced his wealth and power to become a wandering monk. The Jain teachings of Mahavira became very popular. He taught three important lessons: that one should have love and compassion for all living things; that one should not be too prideful of one’s own point of view because the truth has many sides; and that one should not be greedy and should avoid attachment to possessions. | ||
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Today Jainism has more than 10 million adherents throughout the world. In following the example of Mahavira, Jains practice a vegetarian diet and are committed to sound ecological and environmental practices. Mahavira’s lessons on nonviolence and compassion still have a profound impact around the globe, and he is credited with influencing Mahatma Gandhi, who in turn inspired Martin Luther King, Jr. Beautifully brought to life by the delicate paintings of Demi and the powerful yet simple narrative of nationally recognized writer, Manoj Jain, the story of Mahavira’s life will provide a shining example of how one spiritual teacher’s noble ideals can echo throughout the ages. Awards & Honors
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Nonviolence – What it means and how to use it?
The pictures of Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther King Jr. hang in my home-office. They are modern examples of the awesome power of nonviolence.
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Nonviolence is not hurting or harming others by your actions (not killing or hitting), by your speech (not curing, yelling, sneering, or teasing), or by thoughts, or intentions, (desiring ill of others), and it is loving, caring, sharing, sacrificing for others through your actions, speech and intentions. | ||
| Nonviolence is a path; Truth is the destination. Nonviolence is the means; Truth is the end. |
Annual Conference on Nonviolence in Memphis (www.gandhikingconference.org) We have developed an annual conference on nonviolence to be held in Memphis every October. I have served as the chair of the Conference Steering Committee. Please join us each year in October.www.gandhiinstitute.net
Activities
2005 Gandhi Conferenence Fact Sheet
2005 Gandhi Conference Press Release
2004 Gandhi Conference
Middle School/High School Field trip on nonviolence
