In search of Peace: Buddha and Mahavir — Important Questions

Four

Step 1: The question asks about the number of noble truths in Buddha's teachings. Step 2: Buddha gave a simple sermon to rid the world of miseries. Step 3: He explained Four Arya Truths (Four Noble Truths): (1) The world is full of miseries, (2) The cause of suffering is greed or strong desire, (3) Destruction of suffering is renunciation of desire, (4) Adoption of the Ashtang Marg (Eightfold Path) eliminates desire. Step 4: Eight is the number of steps in the Ashtang Marg (Eightfold Path), not the number of noble truths. Step 5: Three refers to Triratna of Jainism, and Five refers to the five

Vardhaman

Step 1: The question asks about the childhood name of Mahavir Swami. Step 2: Mahavir Swami was born in the Gnatrak Kshatriya dynasty of Kundgram republic. Step 3: His childhood name was Vardhaman. Step 4: He was later called 'Mahavir' because he conquered his mind and senses (Jin means one who has conquered). Step 5: Siddhartha was the childhood name of Gautam Buddha. Nandivardhan was Mahavir's elder brother, and Rahul was Buddha's son.

Kundgram

Step 1: The question asks the birthplace of Mahavir Swami. Step 2: Mahavir Swami was born in the Gnatrak Kshatriya dynasty. Step 3: His birthplace was Kundgram, which was part of the Vajji Union republic. Step 4: Kapilvastu was the kingdom where Gautam Buddha was born. Bodhgaya is where Buddha attained enlightenment. Step 5: Pawapuri is where Mahavir Swami died and attained Nirvana, not where he was born.

Kevalgyan

Step 1: The question asks for the name of the highest knowledge Mahavir Swami attained. Step 2: Mahavir Swami left home at the age of 30 and lived as a beggar (Bhikshuk). Step 3: He did harsh penance for twelve years on the bank of river Rijupalika. Step 4: After this penance, he attained the highest knowledge called 'Kevalgyan'. Step 5: Nirvana refers to death/liberation, Samadhi is deep meditation, and Triratna is the doctrine (Ratnatrayi) of samyak vision, samyak knowledge, and samyak behaviour.