Mahavira Quotes & Sayings

Start the practice of self-control with some penance; begin with fasting. — Mahavira

The most important principle of environment is that you are not the only element. — Mahavira

If one undertakes retrospection of the day's events, one must do it regularly at the appointed hour, not fitfully, not doing it today, neglecting to do it tomorrow and the day after and then taking it up again on the fourth day. Such irregular practice is not conducive to the confirmation of the habit of retrospection. — Mahavira

All are my friends. I have no enemies. — Mahavira

Soul is the central point of spiritual discipline. — Mahavira

Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture, or kill any creature or living being. — Mahavira

Kill not, cause no pain. Nonviolence is the greatest religion. — Mahavira

In happiness and suffering, in joy and grief, we should regard all creatures as we regard our own self. — Mahavira

Eating constitutes the greatest obstacle to self-control; it gives rise to indolence. — Mahavira

Do not deprive someone of his livelihood. This is a sinful tendency. — Mahavira

Don't accumulate if you do not need. The excess of wealth in your hands is for the society, and you are the trustee for the same. — Mahavira

The nature of things is dharma. — Mahavira

If you want to cultivate a habit, do it without any reservation, till it is firmly established. Until it is so confirmed, until it becomes a part of your character, let there be no exception, no relaxation of effort. — Mahavira

Modes are infinite, and laws are infinite. — Mahavira

Can you hold a red-hot iron rod in your hand merely because some one wants you to do so? Then, will it be right on your part to ask others to do the same thing just to satisfy your desires? If you cannot tolerate infliction of pain on your body or mind by others' words and actions, what right have you to do the same to others through your words and deeds?
Do unto others as you would like to be done by. Injury or violence done by you to any life in any form, animal or human, is as harmful as it would e if caused to your own self. — Mahavira

One who neglects or disregards the existence of earth, air, fire, water and vegetation disregards his own existence which is entwined with them. — Mahavira

Anger begets more anger, and forgiveness and love lead to more forgiveness and love. — Mahavira

A man is seated on top of a tree in the midst of a burning forest. He sees all living beings perish. But he doesn't realize that the same fate is soon to overtake him also. That man is fool. — Mahavira

All breathing, existing, living, sentient creatures should not be slain, nor treated with violence, nor abused, nor tormented, nor driven away. — Mahavira

All souls are equal and alike and have the similar nature and qualities. — Mahavira

Attachment and aversion are the root cause of karma, and karma originates from infatuation. Karma is the root cause of birth and death, and these are said to be the source of misery. None can escape the effect of their own past karma. — Mahavira

By sincerity, a man gains physical, mental and linguistic straightforwardness, and harmonious tendency; that is, congruence of speech and action. — Mahavira

Live and allow others to live; hurt no one; life is dear to all living beings. — Mahavira