Question

The system of the Five Great Vows (Pancha Mahavrata) was formally introduced or inaugurated by which Tirthankara?

• A. Shantinath Tirthankara
• B. Neminath Tirthankara
• C. Parshvanath Tirthankara
• D. Mahavira Tirthankara

Hint:

Remember: Parshvanath = 4 Vows (Chaturyama). Mahavira = 5 Vows (Pancha Mahavrata). The "Fifth" vow is specifically Brahmacharya.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The ethical foundation of Jain monkhood lies in the Great Vows (Mahavratas). Historically, there was a minor evolution in the presentation of these vows between the 23rd Tirthankara, Lord Parshvanath, and the 24th Tirthankara, Lord Mahavira. This was due to the changing spiritual capacity and psychological traits of the people in different eras (Kalavasas). While the essence of the vows remained the same, the number of explicitly stated vows increased from four to five.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Lord Parshvanath, who lived about 250 years before Lord Mahavira, preached the Chaturyama Dharma (The Four-fold Path). The four vows were:
1. Ahimsa: Non-violence.
2. Satya: Truthfulness.
3. Achaurya (Asteya): Non-stealing.
4. Aparigraha: Non-possession.
During the time of Lord Parshvanath, people were considered "Riju-Pragya" (simple and wise), and "Brahmacharya" (celibacy) was understood to be an inherent part of "Aparigraha" (renouncing all attachments, including bodily ones).
However, by the time of Lord Mahavira, the current era of "Kali-Kala" or "Pancham-Kala" was approaching. People were becoming "Vakra-Jada" (complex and dull-witted). They might argue that if celibacy wasn't specifically mentioned, it wasn't a requirement. Therefore, Lord Mahavira, to ensure clarity and strict discipline, separated celibacy from non-possession and made it a standalone vow.
Thus, the Pancha Mahavrata (Five Great Vows) system was established:
1. Ahimsa, 2. Satya, 3. Asteya, 4. Brahmacharya (Explicitly added), 5. Aparigraha.
This historical transition is discussed in the Uttaradhyayana Sutra during the famous dialogue between Keshi (a disciple of Parshvanath) and Gautam Swami (the chief disciple of Mahavira). Gautam Swami explains that the difference in the number of vows is like a difference in the types of clothes—the goal (covering the body/attaining liberation) is the same, but the method is adjusted for the time.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Lord Mahavira is credited with organizing and inaugurating the specific system of five great vows (Pancha Mahavrata) to maintain clarity for his disciples.