For Mahavir killing was not the only violence. His definition of violence included emotional hurt, exploitation, abuse and psychological torment. He said that violence was not only physical thing but mental as well. He thought that mental torture was more serious violence than physical harm. He classified violence as under :
Religious Violence : All the violence perpetrated in the name of violence like animal sacrifice, human sacrifice, women burning and violation of human rights against women and lower castes.
Social Violence : It included the slave system, exploitation, amassing of wealth by foul means, class distinction, slave trade, hoarding, hunting, profiteering, dowry and widow torment etc.
Political Violence : Imperialism, invasion, wars, aggression, accusations, character assassination, murders for crown, imprisonments, forcible levying of taxes, corruption etc.
Bhagwan Mahavir advised people to shun all the above kinds of violence. He believed that violence not be eradicated through violence just as enmity can’t kill enmity.
For successful pious life he prescribed five Mahavratas (Desirables) :
(1) Non-violence, (2) Truth, (3) Honesty, (4) Celibacy and (5) Greedlessness.
Bhagwan Mahavir also described four emotional qualities :
1. Friendliness : A man must consider all the other creatures as his friends. He should not carry any ill feelings towards others.
2. Positive happiness : One must feel happy at seeing or meeting noble characters. He should try to interact with them.
3. Compassionate : A man must show compassion to other humans and creatures. Ones suffering, poverty or other miseries should move his heart.
4. Equanimity : No one should despise or deride opponents or enemies. Try to win them with love or just ignore them.
Mahavir listed following 18 as the worst sins :
1. Violence 2. Lie l Stealing 3. Sex 4. Greed 5. Anger 6. False pride 7. Trickery 8. Hoarding 9. Profiteering 10. Jealousy
Quarreling, Back biting, Defaming, Lechery, Dishonesty, Abusing, Peeping.
The following acts have been rated as most soul satisfying and happiness giving by Bhagwan Mahavir:
1. Feeding (the hungry)
2. Giving water (to the thirsty)
3. Offering seat to others (providing shelter)
4. Providing bed to others
5. Giving clothes (to needy)
6. Thinking welfare of others
7. Speaking polite words to others
8. Providing physical service to others
9. Respecting and hosting others.
According to Mahavir sinful acts destroy one’s peace of mind. Noble deeds give peace and pleasure to mind.
