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Multi-dimensional Application of Anekāntavāda
they omitted to consider that those who dissented from their views might have been as sincere in their views as they were in their own views. In order to arrive at the right decision about that religious point, they as seekers of truth, ought to have taken into consideration the views of the dissenters instead of solely relying on their own views. It would have given them a comprehensive view of the matter under consideration supplied them with sufficient information and prevented them from taking a fanatic attitude. The notorious crusades, however much they may be glorified, were certainly grievous misdeeds which could easily have been avoided.
Each of the contending parties was guilty of an error of judgement, each omitted to appreciate that its opponent had reasons for its religious persuasion and the result was a series of horrible wars, extending over several decades.
It would not be impertinent here to mention the Shri Ram Janmabhumi and Babari-Masjid conflict. It is a horrifying illustration of overriding fanaticism. Every religion teaches to love and no religion teaches to kill and yet thousands of lives were killed in the name of religion over an issue of no rational importance.
On the international scene the Iraque-American conflict will prove disastrous to the peace and prosperity of the world at large. The multi-dynamic vision is conspicuous here by its absence.
Well-wishers of humanity are at pains to find out ways for avoiding wars. It is difficult to say how far the UNO will be successful in preventing wars. It seems to be proceeding on the wrong track. Proposals for limitation of armaments, for inspection of a Nation's armed strength and such other proposals of the UNO, may be efficacious for the time being but they will not permanently prevent wars unless the mentalities of the nations are made to change radically. The message of Anekantavāda should be most enthusiastically spread far and wide. This doctrine would be more effective to establish world peace, if it is popularised. Vinoba Bhave has emphasised the need of understanding Anekāntavāda for the sake of world peace. In order to avoid wars in future, every nation should adopt the tendency to judge a matter not
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