Jainism in a Global Perspective - Collection of Jain papers of 1993 Parliament of World Religions, Chicago

SR No.: 014010
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Sagarmal Jain, Shreeprakash Pandey
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 402
Language: English
Classification: Seminar & Articles
File Size: 23 MB

Page 238

Jainism and World Peace
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terms the concept of Ekāntavāda, which is one of the root causes of misunderstanding, disunity and conflicts in society. By conceiving every human and spiritual problem in the most comprehensive and universal way, all philosophical thoughts opposed to each other are represented in Jainism. Therefore, one can easily assert that Jaina philosophy is a synthesis of all philosophies. Because of this accommodative tendency, Jaina philosophy is called Syādvāda it is also Nayavādaor Anekāntavāda.
In the memorable words of Ācārya Siddhasena Divākara "there are as many number of Nayas or correct view-points like varieties of sentences. At the same time, there are also several womg view-points as many as the number of sentences". By this interpretation, Siddhasena wanted to convey that we should minutely examine each and every sentence. In his view, a little carelessness will change, the right viewpoint into a wrong view-point and a little generosity in our intelligence will turn every wrong view-point into a correct view-point.
This philosophy of Naya interpreted by Siddhasena can be applied to each & every problem of life from politics to religion. On the basis of this philosophy, one will be encouraged with generosity to carefully examine the rival's view will ultimately lead to reconciliation between opposing view-points resulting in the termination of misunderstanding and quarrel and finally achieve peace. Therefore, it is needless to state that our top ranking sociologists will have to agree with the Syādvāda principles of reconciliation for promoting universal peace and brotherhood.
This is the practical method of cooling down the differences and controversies and reaching the goal of world-brotherhood. This approach of life says that, "I am concerned with truths only. So the other person's view point can also be right and acceptable". "saccaṁ logammi sārabhūyaṁ"truth alone matters. Truth is the substance. If we accept this approach of life, all the disagreements in the world will end. This omniperception is the synthesis of non-insistence and impartial thinking. This is a mental non-violence. In fact, this is a wonder drug that can bring back health to our society, suffering from perplexity. Ifthis 'Syādvāda'oromniperception is used to untangle the complex soical, religious and political strategies, the world can be free from the tense and poisonous atmosphere