Jain Journal 1991 10

SR No.: 520104
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication
Publication Year: 1991
Total Pages: 58
Language: English
Classification: Magazine, India_Jain Journal, & India
File Size: 3 MB

Page 41

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JAIN JOURNAL
The significance and efficacy of all such reflections, views and opinions regarding the doctrine of anekānta have stood the crucial test, even in modern days, at the hands of great thinkers like Gandhiji. To elucidate this point, I would just reproduce here my own observations presented elsewhere in a similar context14 :
Gandhiji's experiments with non-violence and truth, also comprised the application of non-absolutistic view (anekāntadrsti), for without it, it is hardly possible to reach truth, which is always non-absolute and many-sided. He did apply it to situations in relevant contexts : He often accepted offers of dialogues and deliberations with the authorities of the British regime with the purpose of knowing their own points of view and with that of giving them chances to reconsider his own earlier assertions on particular issues. He had the same attitude towards his colleagues and leaders of other political orgrnizations in India. On reasonable occasions even he did not hesitate to step back a little and strike a compromise with the opposite person or group on certain questions. We get such examples of his broad-sighted or nonabsolutistic view having been displayed in some of his dealings with the British regime and the Muslim League on certain issues. Lastly, I may point out that Gandhiji's favourite and well-known multireligious prayer is a unique symbol of his non-absolutistic attitude being put into practice, which has remained for us now as a source of eternal spirituality, fostering universal outlook and cherishing universal good.
Like Gandhiji if each one of us develop, in our own humble way, anekānta-drșți and practise it, not only our family life and social life will be smooth, happy and peaceful, it would also show its effect on national and international levels in due course. This kind of noble hope is lucidly reflected in the significant words of the great logician Ācārya Siddhasena Divakara, which are worth-meditating upon daily by us all :
jena biņā logassa vi vavahāro savvahā ņa Ņivvahai tassa bhuvanekka guruņo namo anekanta vāyassa16
Salutations to the Supreme Preceptor of the World, the Doctrine of Anekānta, without which the daily business or practical life of its people cannot be carried on at all.
14 From my proposed Special Lectures, under R. K. Jain Memorial Lecture Series,
at the University of Delhi, on Sravakacara-Jaina Code of Conduct for House
holders, Its Significance and Its Relevance to the Present Times, Lecture III-3. 15 Nyayavatara, v.