Mahavira

Founder of Jainism

Ancient influential 133 sayings

Sayings by Mahavira

The greatest victory is the victory over oneself.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

One who is pure in thought, word, and deed is truly happy.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

Do not be led by the senses, but lead the senses.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

Ignorance is the root of all misery.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

Live and allow others to live; hurt no one; life is dear to all living beings.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

The soul is permanent and eternal, while the body is temporary and perishable.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

Happiness resides in perfect self-control.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

The path of purification is the path of liberation.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

One who has conquered himself is truly a hero.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

The real spiritual path is not in rituals, but in inner purity.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

All living beings desire happiness and despise misery.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

The virtuous person is never afraid of death.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

The self is the friend of the self, and the self is the enemy of the self.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

He who knows one, knows all.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

The greatest penance is to bear all hardships with equanimity.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

Purity of mind is the supreme dharma.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

The path of liberation is straight and simple.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

Renunciation is the key to eternal happiness.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

The wise man is he who knows the truth.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable

Do not indulge in unnecessary talk.

c. 6th-5th century BCE — Attributed, common Jain teaching
Humorous Unverifiable