Mahavira

Founder of Jainism

Ancient influential 133 sayings

Sayings by Mahavira

Happiness and sorrow are the results of one's own actions.

6th century BCE (approx) — Uttaradhyayana Sutra (implied teaching)
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The highest form of worship is to serve humanity.

6th century BCE (approx) — Unknown, attributed
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Live and allow others to live. Hurt neither yourself nor others.

6th century BCE (approx) — Unknown, attributed
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The soul can be liberated from the cycle of birth and death through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

6th century BCE (approx) — Tattvartha Sutra (implied teaching)
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The senses are the enemies of the soul.

6th century BCE (approx) — Uttaradhyayana Sutra (implied teaching)
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The path to liberation is difficult, but it is the only path to true happiness.

6th century BCE (approx) — Kalpa Sutra (implied teaching)
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The self is the friend and enemy of the self.

6th century BCE (approx) — Unknown, attributed (similar to Bhagavad Gita, but also a Jain concept)
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One should always speak the truth, but not utter an unpleasant truth.

6th century BCE (approx) — Acaranga Sutra (implied teaching)
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The purpose of life is to realize one's true self.

6th century BCE (approx) — Samayasara (implied teaching)
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The soul is entangled in the web of karma.

6th century BCE (approx) — Tattvartha Sutra (implied teaching)
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Do not desire anything that is not yours.

6th century BCE (approx) — The Five Great Vows (Mahavratas)
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The universe is governed by immutable laws.

6th century BCE (approx) — Jain Cosmology (implied teaching)
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The ignorant are caught in the cycle of birth and death.

6th century BCE (approx) — Sutrakritanga (implied teaching)
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