Joe Biden, the president of the United States, welcomes the Jain community on Mahavir Jayanti
As the first US President to do so, Joe Biden visited Jain adherents on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.
To commemorate the birth of Jainism’s founder, Mahavira, we celebrate Mahavir Jayanti.
Biden wrote on X, “Jill and I wish people of the Jain faith a joyous Mahavir Jayanti.”
“Today, let us continue to recognise the values Mahavir Swami embodied and celebrate by spreading love, joy, and harmony,” Biden said.
The first US President to wish Mahavir Jayanti greetings in writing is Joe Biden.
Prominent Jain community leader Ajay Bhutoria, who also serves as the President’s Advisor on Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Commissioner, expressed her gratitude for Biden’s letter.
In his statement, Bhutoria emphasized the timeless teachings of Mahavir Swami, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, emphasizing the values of Ahimsa (non-violence), truthfulness, non-possessiveness, and self-discipline. Bhutoria also expressed his deep appreciation for Biden’s recognition of the significance of Mahavir Jayanti to the Jain faith, according to PTI.
According to PTI, Bhutoria emphasized the applicability of Mahavir’s teachings in the modern world and said that the principles of love, joy, and harmony are more important than ever in the face of global issues.
According to PTI, he emphasized the importance of adopting Mahavir’s teachings and the nonviolent path in order to create a society that is more loving and peaceful.
According to PTI, Bhutoria also expressed gratitude to President Biden for his dedication to highlighting diversity and fostering mutual understanding among various ethnicities.
According to PTI, he expressed gratitude to President Biden for observing Mahavir Jayanti and urged everyone to consider Mahavir’s teachings as a beacon of hope for the future.
April 21, 2024, was Mahavir Jayanti’s date this year.
On the day of Mahavir Jayanti, people commemorate the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavir, who was known as “Vardhamana” during his early years. In 615 BC, Lord Mahavir was born into a royal household.
As Vardhamana got older, he began his spiritual quest for enlightenment and truth at the age of 30, giving up his royal rank. To get “Kevala Jnana,” he underwent 12 years of austerities and woodland meditation. After that, he spread the Jaina Dharma.
The Jain community throughout the world celebrates Mahavira’s birth anniversary with great delight and enthusiasm. The 24th Tirthankara of Jainism, Mahavira promoted harmony and peace via his teachings.
Rituals associated with Mahavir Jayanti include prayers in Jain temples, processions, singing songs dedicated to Lord Mahavira, fasting for the purification of the body and soul, charitable giving, cultural events, and talks by religious leaders and academics.
The purpose of Mahavir Jayanti is to draw attention to the importance of Jainism worldwide, particularly in India. In today’s environment, the fundamental lesson of ‘ahinsa parmo dharma,’ or non-violence, is very important.
