Doctrines Of Jainism And Their Contribution To World Peace

SR No.: 269504
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shantilal V Sheth
Publisher: Shantilal V Sheth
Total Pages: 16
Language: English
Classification: Article
File Size: 2 MB

Page 8

ANEKANTVAD - OMNI-PERCEPTION:
A well versed Jain Scholar has narrated the definition of Jainism as follows:
स्याहादा यसले शरिभम् पक्षपात न टाले । नास्त्य-
23 किचि, जनार्म: स 3-4 ।।
Meaning - "Where the theory of Syadwad or Anekanthvad exists where no partiality of any kind persists and where injury of any sort or harming to any creatures is completely restricted - is Jainism."
The doctrine of Anekanthvad postulates the right method of realising the truth of the ultimate reality in its varied aspects thus paving the way to understand the opposing viewpoints of relativity. The Syadvada rationalises human thought and equips it with the spirit of reconciliation, mutual understanding, toleration and brotherhood. It elevates the individual self to the realm of the universal self or the Cosmic self.
Jaina philosophy advocates Anekantavada or the synthesis in different vew points on the ultimate reality. Jainism has abhored in unequivocal terms the concept of Ekantavada, which is one of the root causes of misundestanding, 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 Syadvada. It is also called Nyayavada or Anekantaveda.
In the memorable words of Siddhasena Acharya "there are as many numberof Nyayas or correct view-points like varieties of sentences. At the same time, there are also several wrong viewpoints 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 view-point into a wrong view-point and a little generosity in our intelligence will turn every wrong view-point into a correct view-point.
This philosphy of Nyaya 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 reconcilation between opposing view-points resulting in the termination of misunderstanding and quarrel and to finally