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

Page 244

Application of Anekāntavāda
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Communal harmony :
In the religious sphere, communalism and the issue like Ram Janambhumi - Babri Masjid at Ayodhya has threatened the communal harmony. Anekānta, through a Jaina concept is deeply rooted in all those religions, which preach peace and brotherhood. Hinduism believes in the unity of all existence and enables its followers to respect, admire and assimilate whatever may be good in other faiths.
As for Islam, the word 'Islam' itself means peace, peace with God and peace on earth with neighbours. Application of anekānta in religious sphere will mean to understand and assimilate all religious viewpoints. When this is done, differences will not remain between the followers of different communities. They will realise that the essence of all religions is one. They will also realise that all religions are based on truth and non-violence and that all prophets of religions are venerable.
Anekantists, with such a realisation about different religions, will naturally be from those belonging to different sections of society. And people will be free to choose their own religion. People's choice of religions is bound to vary because they are guided by different conditions, thoughts and attitudes. These differences will have to remain, as Swami Vivekananda said, “Until you reach the God where all differences cease to exist." It will be bent upon anekantists to make their respective religious leaders realise the consequences of violence in the name of religion. Cultural and traditional Sphere:
Every country, state, area, etc. has its own culture and tradition. This culture and tradition passing over from the parent to the child through the generations is limited to their respective areas. Conflict arises when people start propagating and imparting their culture into areas other than their own resulting into cultural imperialism.
Language is an essential and vital part of a culture. Usually, people are proud of their mother tongue or the language of their parents. Like in all other aspects, development of language, in the form of research and new works is essential. If not, the other languages will develop and thus, no development will become under developed or ill