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Mahavira: The Hero of Nonviolence
Imagine a world where no one gets hurt, a world where no one is teased or bullied, a world where there is no fear or anger. Six centuries before the birth of Jesus, in the faraway land of India, there lived a great spiritual teacher name Mahavira (which means “very brave”), who imagined just such a world. He showed kindness to every living being and emphasized the practice of nonviolence, compassion, and forgiveness. The religion of Mahavira was called Jainism.
Mahavira was born a prince, but because he had such deep love and respect for all living creatures, he renounced his wealth and power to become a wandering monk. The Jain teachings of Mahavira became very popular. He taught three important that one should have love and compassion for all living things; that one should not be too prideful of one’s own point of view because the truth has many sides; and that one should not be greedy and should avoid attachment to possessions.
Today Jainism has more than 10 million adherents throughout the world. In following the example of Mahavira, Jains practice a vegetarian diet and are committed to sound ecological and environmental practices. Mahavira’s lessons on nonviolence and compassion still have a profound impact around the globe, and he is credited with influencing Mahatma Gandhi, who in turn inspired Martin Luther King, Jr.
Beautifully brought to life by the delicate paintings of Demi and the powerful yet simple narrative of nationally recognized writer, Manoj Jain, the story of Mahavira’s life will provide a shining example of how one spiritual teacher’s noble ideals can echo throughout the ages.
Mahavira was born a prince, but because he had such deep love and respect for all living creatures, he renounced his wealth and power to become a wandering monk. The Jain teachings of Mahavira became very popular. He taught three important that one should have love and compassion for all living things; that one should not be too prideful of one’s own point of view because the truth has many sides; and that one should not be greedy and should avoid attachment to possessions.
Today Jainism has more than 10 million adherents throughout the world. In following the example of Mahavira, Jains practice a vegetarian diet and are committed to sound ecological and environmental practices. Mahavira’s lessons on nonviolence and compassion still have a profound impact around the globe, and he is credited with influencing Mahatma Gandhi, who in turn inspired Martin Luther King, Jr.
Beautifully brought to life by the delicate paintings of Demi and the powerful yet simple narrative of nationally recognized writer, Manoj Jain, the story of Mahavira’s life will provide a shining example of how one spiritual teacher’s noble ideals can echo throughout the ages.
28 pages, Hardcover
First published July 1, 2014
5 people are currently reading
303 people want to read
About the author
Manoj Jain
7 booksLibrarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads database.
Dr. Manoj Jain is a physician and widely published writer on both medical and faith-based subjects. Dr. Jain is the author of the Wisdom Tales book Mahavira: The Hero of Nonviolence, which will be published in July, 2014. It is a powerful but simple narrative of the life of Mahavira. Mahavira was a great spiritual figure who lived six centuries before the birth of Jesus in India. He was a great spiritual teacher (the name “Mahavira” means “very brave”) who imagined a world without violence and made the practice of nonviolence, compassion, and forgiveness central points of the religion he would found — Jainism. Dr. Jain’s book is a very good introduction through words, and the paintings of Demi, to an important religious figure whose remarkable life if little known in the West.
Manoj Jain is a frequent contributor to the Washington Post and the Huffington Post, and his work has also appeared on NPR, CNN, and the New York Times. Committed to following Mahavira’s teaching of nonviolence, Dr. Jain co-founded the annual Gandhi-King Conference with Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. He lives with his wife and three children in Memphis, TN.
Dr. Manoj Jain is a physician and widely published writer on both medical and faith-based subjects. Dr. Jain is the author of the Wisdom Tales book Mahavira: The Hero of Nonviolence, which will be published in July, 2014. It is a powerful but simple narrative of the life of Mahavira. Mahavira was a great spiritual figure who lived six centuries before the birth of Jesus in India. He was a great spiritual teacher (the name “Mahavira” means “very brave”) who imagined a world without violence and made the practice of nonviolence, compassion, and forgiveness central points of the religion he would found — Jainism. Dr. Jain’s book is a very good introduction through words, and the paintings of Demi, to an important religious figure whose remarkable life if little known in the West.
Manoj Jain is a frequent contributor to the Washington Post and the Huffington Post, and his work has also appeared on NPR, CNN, and the New York Times. Committed to following Mahavira’s teaching of nonviolence, Dr. Jain co-founded the annual Gandhi-King Conference with Arun Gandhi, the grandson of Mahatma Gandhi. He lives with his wife and three children in Memphis, TN.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 30, 2025
An Introduction To Mahavira For Children
The Jain religion is not well-known in the United States to either adults or children. Jainism originated in northern India at about the same time as Buddhism. Buddhism spread more widely but Jainism still has ten million followers including a community in the United States with an umbrella organization called JAINA (The Federation of Jain Associations in North America).
JAINA and Wisdom Tales Press, a publisher of children's books with spiritual, cross-cultural themes, have joined together in this beautifully written and illustrated book about the founder of Jainism: "Mahavira: The Hero of Nonviolence". An American practitioner of Jain and a noted physician, Manoj Jain wrote the text. Demi (Charlotte Dumaresq Hunt),an American Buddhist who has written and illustrated many books on spiritual figures including the Buddha, Jesus, Krishna, and the Dalai Lama prepared the illustrations.
The book is written simply and eloquently suitable for children six years of age and older. Because Jainism is unfamiliar to Americans, parents are likely to learn from this book as well. The book offers a brief story of Mahavira, beginning with his birth to a royal family in what is described as "a Faraway Land called India". As a youth, the young man earned the name Mahavira which means "very brave" by showing mercy to a poisonous snake. At the age of 30, Mahavira left the palace to search for the meaning of life. He became a monk and taught for many years. The book emphasizes that Mahavira taught the "three jewels" of Jainism: right faith ("the clean and pure soul is divine in nature"), right knowledge and right conduct. Mahavira also taught three major beliefs: 1. nonviolence or love 2. non-absolutism or pluralism ("the truth has many sides") and 3. non-possessiveness or detachment. These teachings form the heart of this little book and include much material for discussion by both children and adults.
Demi's illustrations are beautiful and sparkling with pictures of ancient Indian palaces in lovely pink stone, dancing girls, fiery snakes, plumaged birds, chariots and of course --- elephants. The pictures will draw young readers into the story.
The book makes an outstanding introduction to an important religion for young readers. The publication by Wisdom Tales Press should allow for a broad distribution of the book. JAINA's announcement for the book indicates that it is intended for young Jain children as well for a broader audience to provide them with their first written exposure to their religion. Children may benefit from the mention and a brief discussion of JAINA to help them understand the nature of religious pluralism in the United States. I was pleased to have the opportunity to read this lovely book. Wisdom Tales Press kindly provided me with a review copy.
Robin Friedman
The Jain religion is not well-known in the United States to either adults or children. Jainism originated in northern India at about the same time as Buddhism. Buddhism spread more widely but Jainism still has ten million followers including a community in the United States with an umbrella organization called JAINA (The Federation of Jain Associations in North America).
JAINA and Wisdom Tales Press, a publisher of children's books with spiritual, cross-cultural themes, have joined together in this beautifully written and illustrated book about the founder of Jainism: "Mahavira: The Hero of Nonviolence". An American practitioner of Jain and a noted physician, Manoj Jain wrote the text. Demi (Charlotte Dumaresq Hunt),an American Buddhist who has written and illustrated many books on spiritual figures including the Buddha, Jesus, Krishna, and the Dalai Lama prepared the illustrations.
The book is written simply and eloquently suitable for children six years of age and older. Because Jainism is unfamiliar to Americans, parents are likely to learn from this book as well. The book offers a brief story of Mahavira, beginning with his birth to a royal family in what is described as "a Faraway Land called India". As a youth, the young man earned the name Mahavira which means "very brave" by showing mercy to a poisonous snake. At the age of 30, Mahavira left the palace to search for the meaning of life. He became a monk and taught for many years. The book emphasizes that Mahavira taught the "three jewels" of Jainism: right faith ("the clean and pure soul is divine in nature"), right knowledge and right conduct. Mahavira also taught three major beliefs: 1. nonviolence or love 2. non-absolutism or pluralism ("the truth has many sides") and 3. non-possessiveness or detachment. These teachings form the heart of this little book and include much material for discussion by both children and adults.
Demi's illustrations are beautiful and sparkling with pictures of ancient Indian palaces in lovely pink stone, dancing girls, fiery snakes, plumaged birds, chariots and of course --- elephants. The pictures will draw young readers into the story.
The book makes an outstanding introduction to an important religion for young readers. The publication by Wisdom Tales Press should allow for a broad distribution of the book. JAINA's announcement for the book indicates that it is intended for young Jain children as well for a broader audience to provide them with their first written exposure to their religion. Children may benefit from the mention and a brief discussion of JAINA to help them understand the nature of religious pluralism in the United States. I was pleased to have the opportunity to read this lovely book. Wisdom Tales Press kindly provided me with a review copy.
Robin Friedman
August 30, 2016
Mahavira
The Hero of Nonviolence
Written by Manoj Jain
Illustrated by Demi
The story begins twenty six hundred years ago in India a country rich in history and tradition. Queen Trishala and her husband King Siddharth gave birth to their first child. They named this son Vardhaman.
The Jain people were very gentle and peace loving. They didn't like to hurt anyone or any living creature. They were vegetarians. One day when Vardhaman was older, he ventured out alone into the forest. He came upon a huge snake. The snake was dangerous but he didn't want to hurt or kill the snake. He coasted the snake to safety while the people watched. They couldn't believe what Vardhaman had done. He was so courageous. After seeing this act of kindness and courage, his followers gave him the name "Mahavira". The name Mahavira means very brave.
At age twenty-eight Mahavira's parents die. Mahavira continued to be generous and kind. His brother realizes that Mahavira needs to experience a spiritual life and gives him permission to become a monk. Mahavira goes on a spiritual journey and he becomes a monk. He learned many things as a monk including important information about the first, second and third jewels. For twelve long years, Mahavira travels in the forest and mediates. His faith grows and becomes stronger than ever.
One day while walking through the forest, he stumbles upon a demon. He teaches the demon about kindness. The story of Mahavira and the Demon is to remind humanity that people should learn forgiveness and be kind to one another. Every year the Jain's people have a special day of thanks. On this day, they ask for forgiveness and tell those, they love thank you.
At age forty-two Mahavira completes his studies. For the next thirty years, he travels throughout Northern India teaching people everywhere about truth, to be free of suffering and about Jainism.
Mahavira is a beautiful story about the life of a young boy who became a Prince but chooses a spiritual journey instead. It tells about the rich Indian culture and about Jainism. The illustrations are unique and so pretty. If you ever saw Indian art then you know what I am saying. They show a lot of detail and color. I highly recommend this book. This story is a great learning opportunity for people of all ages. Job well done!
The Hero of Nonviolence
Written by Manoj Jain
Illustrated by Demi
The story begins twenty six hundred years ago in India a country rich in history and tradition. Queen Trishala and her husband King Siddharth gave birth to their first child. They named this son Vardhaman.
The Jain people were very gentle and peace loving. They didn't like to hurt anyone or any living creature. They were vegetarians. One day when Vardhaman was older, he ventured out alone into the forest. He came upon a huge snake. The snake was dangerous but he didn't want to hurt or kill the snake. He coasted the snake to safety while the people watched. They couldn't believe what Vardhaman had done. He was so courageous. After seeing this act of kindness and courage, his followers gave him the name "Mahavira". The name Mahavira means very brave.
At age twenty-eight Mahavira's parents die. Mahavira continued to be generous and kind. His brother realizes that Mahavira needs to experience a spiritual life and gives him permission to become a monk. Mahavira goes on a spiritual journey and he becomes a monk. He learned many things as a monk including important information about the first, second and third jewels. For twelve long years, Mahavira travels in the forest and mediates. His faith grows and becomes stronger than ever.
One day while walking through the forest, he stumbles upon a demon. He teaches the demon about kindness. The story of Mahavira and the Demon is to remind humanity that people should learn forgiveness and be kind to one another. Every year the Jain's people have a special day of thanks. On this day, they ask for forgiveness and tell those, they love thank you.
At age forty-two Mahavira completes his studies. For the next thirty years, he travels throughout Northern India teaching people everywhere about truth, to be free of suffering and about Jainism.
Mahavira is a beautiful story about the life of a young boy who became a Prince but chooses a spiritual journey instead. It tells about the rich Indian culture and about Jainism. The illustrations are unique and so pretty. If you ever saw Indian art then you know what I am saying. They show a lot of detail and color. I highly recommend this book. This story is a great learning opportunity for people of all ages. Job well done!
August 7, 2014
I received a free download copy of 'Mahavira' by the publishers of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a lovely book which teaches of the importance of non-violence and the different beliefs of Jainism. I found this book extremely educational and learnt a lot myself, I think it would be great to share with children too! It has some gorgeous, bright colourful illustrations which really add to the book and make it much more accessible for children. This book could be share with a class to show the importance of non-violence, being kind to one another and how we can make the world a better place. The book would fit in brilliantly with the curriculum for both RE and PSHE.
Before reading this book I knew very little about this religion and this book really enlightened me on their different customs and beliefs. It provides information in an interesting, concise and useful way which provided great opportunities for learning. The style and everything about this book was really lovely and I hope to use this book in a classroom at some point! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
This is a lovely book which teaches of the importance of non-violence and the different beliefs of Jainism. I found this book extremely educational and learnt a lot myself, I think it would be great to share with children too! It has some gorgeous, bright colourful illustrations which really add to the book and make it much more accessible for children. This book could be share with a class to show the importance of non-violence, being kind to one another and how we can make the world a better place. The book would fit in brilliantly with the curriculum for both RE and PSHE.
Before reading this book I knew very little about this religion and this book really enlightened me on their different customs and beliefs. It provides information in an interesting, concise and useful way which provided great opportunities for learning. The style and everything about this book was really lovely and I hope to use this book in a classroom at some point! Thoroughly enjoyed it.
November 29, 2014
Mahavira is a story of a young prince who was destined to teach peace and non-violence. He was born in India and his name was Varhhaman. As he grew he learned through books and wanted to become a monk. He acquired knowledge through his spiritual journey and achieved the three spiritual jewels. In the Jainism faith they were called right faith, right knowledge and right conduct. He loved all living things. He had no fear. Others in later years that practiced peace were Ghandi and Dr. Martin Luther King.
Wisdom Tales has provide young readers with another wonderful book on cultural history. This wonderful story reflects the life of a very spiritual being who lived a long time ago. The cultural knowledge young readers will obtain is vast when they read and learn about Mahavira. The illustrations found inside these pages are exceptionally detailed, vivid and colorful. They truly bring to life the story and add so much character and beauty. Parents, teachers and children will be able to enjoy this story over and over again. This book is an excellent addition to any home library.
Wisdom Tales has provide young readers with another wonderful book on cultural history. This wonderful story reflects the life of a very spiritual being who lived a long time ago. The cultural knowledge young readers will obtain is vast when they read and learn about Mahavira. The illustrations found inside these pages are exceptionally detailed, vivid and colorful. They truly bring to life the story and add so much character and beauty. Parents, teachers and children will be able to enjoy this story over and over again. This book is an excellent addition to any home library.
July 2, 2014
The book gives a great overview of the life of Mahavira and the origin of Jainism. The religion is presented in a friendly and clear way. The illustrations emphasize the text presented. It describes how it evolved at the same time of Buddhism and explains in a neat way how it differ from it.
The text is easy to follow and it introduces the reader to the religion and key elements of the religion without preaching. It altso briefly describes known and familiar figures that were inspired by Jainism.
As I am interested in religion I found this book very interesting, even though it was for children. Earlier I have studied Buddhism, but i was interested to see what the less famous Jainism was about too. Especially I liked the illustrations that followed each page in the book they were beautiful and also represented the story in an authentic way.
The text is easy to follow and it introduces the reader to the religion and key elements of the religion without preaching. It altso briefly describes known and familiar figures that were inspired by Jainism.
As I am interested in religion I found this book very interesting, even though it was for children. Earlier I have studied Buddhism, but i was interested to see what the less famous Jainism was about too. Especially I liked the illustrations that followed each page in the book they were beautiful and also represented the story in an authentic way.
July 13, 2014
I had never heard of Mahavira before but this book explains his life, beliefs and influence on the world and some of the people these have influenced, including both Gandhi and Martin Luther King. The text is easy to understand, the illustrations beautiful . . . . and if it can help others follow the nonviolent path to change the world into a better place, what a great achievement that would be! Thanks to netgalley for enabling me to read this!
August 30, 2014
Enlightening story that belongs in every school library. The ending which links Ghandi to Mahavira and in turn to Martin Luther King, Jr. makes this book especially relevant. And the illustrations are gorgeous.
July 21, 2014
This story has a beautiful message, colorful and interesting pictures, and lots of information. I learned several new things while reading.
September 4, 2014
Great childresn's book about a world where nobody is teased or bullied. There is no anger or fear. This is the life story of a spiritual teacher, from India, named Mahavira. A wonderful book.
June 1, 2019
Ever wonder why Divali is celebrated? Is Buddhism the same as Jainism?
Learn about the prince of peace, serenity, compassion and the hero of Nonviolence, Prince Mahavira.
The stories of Mahavira's quest for spiritual enlightenment answers many questions about zen, self-examination, hope and love. His story also were the inspiration for individuals like Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Follow along with the beautifully (emphasis word here) illustrated "myth" of Mahavira, the hero of non-violence!
This seriously should be on every Juvenile Non-Fiction shelf!
Learn about the prince of peace, serenity, compassion and the hero of Nonviolence, Prince Mahavira.
The stories of Mahavira's quest for spiritual enlightenment answers many questions about zen, self-examination, hope and love. His story also were the inspiration for individuals like Gandhi and Martin Luther King, Jr.
Follow along with the beautifully (emphasis word here) illustrated "myth" of Mahavira, the hero of non-violence!
This seriously should be on every Juvenile Non-Fiction shelf!
October 28, 2020
Beautiful illustrations and lovely story. It makes the story of Mahavira accessible to children without seeming dumbed-down, and it's not overly religious. Minus one star for the Diwali scene - it shows Jains celebrating with fireworks, but most devout Jains don't use those because of the harm they might cause.
February 2, 2018
An excellent story to share and learn about the life practice of non-violence and having reverence for all life through the teachings of Jainism. The spiritual teachings or jewels called right faith, right knowledge and right conduct, all wonderful values to impress upon children.
April 9, 2021
Beautifully illustrated, this book is a great introduction to Jain spiritual leader, Mahavira. If you are looking to teach children about non-violence, Jainism, religions or India, this is a must-have.
July 3, 2017
not sure if this is the one I read but the illustrations are beautiful
August 9, 2018
Excellent children's book with ....... a non-violent hero!
September 8, 2014
The Jainist Way And Origins Explained Simply
This is a children's book on Jainism which is a philosophy and spiritual path that started in India around the same time as Buddhism. It follows a lot of the same tenants as Buddhism but is strictly vegetarian as they believe it is wrong to eat animals as they have too much respect for them. Jainism is all about nonviolence and acceptance of others as a way to find inner peace and enlightenment. I think this would be a very good book to expose children to different cultures and philosophies. I am sure it is an awesome book for Jainist children also. I have never had any exposure to Jainism so I personally learned a lot from this book!
***This book is suitable for reading to and by gradeschoolers on up and definitely should be included in any comparative culture/religion class for children
This is a children's book on Jainism which is a philosophy and spiritual path that started in India around the same time as Buddhism. It follows a lot of the same tenants as Buddhism but is strictly vegetarian as they believe it is wrong to eat animals as they have too much respect for them. Jainism is all about nonviolence and acceptance of others as a way to find inner peace and enlightenment. I think this would be a very good book to expose children to different cultures and philosophies. I am sure it is an awesome book for Jainist children also. I have never had any exposure to Jainism so I personally learned a lot from this book!
***This book is suitable for reading to and by gradeschoolers on up and definitely should be included in any comparative culture/religion class for children
October 23, 2014
I received this book for free from a First Reads giveaway on Goodreads.
This book was wonderful to read. The pictures were beautiful, the story used to explain the religion was easy to understand, and I learned a lot from the book.
This book was wonderful to read. The pictures were beautiful, the story used to explain the religion was easy to understand, and I learned a lot from the book.
December 2, 2014
Many people are becoming familiar with the Indian holiday of Diwali, or the Festival of Lights, but most do not understand exactly what it is or how it started. This book is a very good explanation of Jainism, Mahavira, and the beliefs associated with Diwali.
September 11, 2014
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
This was a cute little book. My daughter loved the story and had me read it to her several times.
This was a cute little book. My daughter loved the story and had me read it to her several times.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews