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areas other than science, extremely definitive. Consequently those who do not agree with us are treated as wrong. Earlier dogmatism was based on ignorance, now it is caused by certitude arising out of self-righteous rational thinking. Syadvad replaces certitude with relativity in thinking. Its application to personal conduct could make the world a safer place. The present ideological conflicts would not be as intense if this principle could permeate the minds of adversaries. This book covers all these and many more issues related to Ahimsa with an analytical but pragmatic approach. In light of the doctrines the author examines the prevailing decadence seen in ritualistic and traditional observations among Jains caused by ignorance as well as misinterpretation of the principles and doctrines. It is a thorough and well researched presentation deserving commendation. Dr. Sulekh C. Jain has brilliantly assimilated scriptural wisdom with inspiring incidents from his long physical, social, intellectual and spiritual journey to paint this panoramic verbal canvas of
Applied Ahimsa. Though doctrinally he leans on Jainism, his applied approach is all encompassing and constructive. That is the reason even his criticism is inspiring and not hurting. He puts up a forceful appeal to Jains in particular and humanity in general to ponder, interact and work towards embracing the real Jain concept of Ahimsa by making it a way of life and not just a stunted ritual. We are thankful to Dr. Sulekh C. Jain for entrusting the publication of this thought provoking work to Prakrit Bharati Academy. Our thanks also to all other people associated with the publication project, including the scholars who wrote the preface and forewords.
D. R. Mehta Founder & Chief Patron Prakrit Bharati Academy, Jaipur
An Ahimsa Crisis: You Decide
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