Multidimensional Application of Anekantavada

SR No.: 014009
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sagarmal Jain, Shreeprakash Pandey, Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1999
Total Pages: 552
Language: English, Hindi
Classification: Seminar & Articles
File Size: 9 MB

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Multi-dimensional Application of Anekantavāda
forgiveness of all creatures and offer friendliness for all. We should have no enmity against any one.
The application of this Anekāntavāda approach (method) or outlook on life or living is very significant. Whatever may be the philosophical standpoint, unless it has a relevance to life, it does not get full significance and value because, religious vision and philosophy are all meant for the prosperity of the mankind. Whenever there is a clash and conflicts amongst different groups, harmony and order could be established by the doctrine of Anekāntavāda. It is a true, real outlook to the life. It is not the monopoly and privilege of any one. It is a balanced, broad, impartial outlook on life. It helps us to decide and resolve conflicts, so it is a model. It is a way of thinking. This reconciliatory attitude is a panacea for all philosophical and religious conflicts. All views must be equally honoured.
One should never resort to violence and all differences and disputes relating to religion, language, region, or other political or economic grievances should be settled by peaceful and constitutional means.
Anekāntavāda can be used as a technique. Technique consists in the means used or the mode in which the whole method or a stage of it is to be pursued. It draws attention to the fact that there are innumerable qualities in things and beings that exist, and ever so many sides to every question that may arise. We can talk about or discuss only one of them at a time. The seeming differences in statements vanish when we understand the particular point of view.
We have thus seen how a difference, or to be more accurate a seeming difference of opinion may arise between two person when they are actually speaking about two different aspects of the truth. Two men pulling a piece of rope in opposite directions and when the rope breaks in two, both the men are sure to fall. If one of the two men slackens his hold, not he but the other man falls. Likewise, the believer in Syādvāda takes no part in disputes and thereby achieves a victory.
Impressed by the rapid strides in science and technology, the mind of the modern man has got moulded to accept all things by logic and scientific standards. Science has as it were become an obsession