• Literature allows us to seek an understanding of faith different from ours. We get to know sides of faith & preachings of religion other than ours. And, same was my approach towards this book, Mahavir – Conqueror Of The Self by Arvind Bhandari.

• Mahavir was a 6th century BCE philosopher. And, in this book, through the perspective of understanding & making the readers understand what Jainism stands for & believes in, the author has crafted a story from the perspective of Mahavir’s daughter, Priyadarshini who feels a resentment towards her father when he abandons her & his familial responsibilities to seek a deeper self-realization. It’s also worthy to note that Priyadarshini’s mother, Yashoda lovingly yearns to make her daughter see her father in the right light while narrating the stories of her father, each overcoming an attribute against the values he aims to attain.

• With Mahavir as protagonist, the author has dealt with human emotions, & the lessons they imbibe in us in an interesting way. It’s implied that for each mistake we make, we’ve to learn from it. The concept of violence, of causing others pain, memories, is also given enough thought.

• The author has a good command over story-telling & throughout the book he has penned his understanding of life in as much clarity as possible. Some thoughts definitely make you think twice. Even though I admired how author has narrated this story, I felt there were too many lessons which seek enough pondering & at times feel like a little too much.
What remains  the highlight though is that right conduct, right knowledge & patience to know oneself are the essence of Jainism. Also, truth & regard for others is a tolerant aspect of Jainism too.
• For anyone who yearns to know more about Jainism in a little light way, do get hold of this.