The famous message 'Live and let live' is associated with:

The message "Live and let live" ("Jiyo aur jeene do") is popularly associated with Vardhamana Mahavira and his teaching of non-violence.

Meaning of the message:

• Every living being, from humans to animals, insects and plants, has a soul (jiva) and wants to live.
• No one should harm or kill any living being.
• People should live in a way that allows others to live peacefully as well.
• It sums up the Jain principle of "ahimsa" (non-violence) and respect for all life.

Ahimsa in Jainism:

• It is the most important principle of Jainism.
• It applies to thought, speech and action.
• Jain monks sweep the path in front of them with a soft broom to avoid stepping on insects.
• Many Jain monks wear a cloth over the mouth (muhpatti) to avoid harming tiny living beings in the air.
• Jains follow a strict vegetarian diet, and many avoid root vegetables such as onions, potatoes and garlic, because pulling them up kills the whole plant and many tiny organisms in the soil.
• Many Jains do not eat after sunset, to avoid harming insects.
• Because farming involves killing insects and other creatures, many Jains took up trade and business.

NCERT on Mahavira's teaching:

• NCERT notes that Mahavira taught that men and women who wished to know the truth must leave their homes, and that they must follow very strictly the rules of ahimsa.
• He said that all beings long to live, and to all things life is dear.

Mahavira Jayanti:

It is celebrated on the 13th day of the bright half of Chaitra.

Influence of ahimsa:

• Mahatma Gandhi was deeply influenced by the Jain idea of ahimsa, partly through his mother and through the Jain thinker Shrimad Rajchandra, whom he regarded as a guide.
• Gandhi used non-violence as a method of political struggle.

Why not the other options?

• ✗The Buddha taught the Middle Path and the Eightfold Path.
• ✗Guru Nanak taught devotion to one God and equality.
• ✗Kabir criticised rituals and caste.