$JES 901 Jainism and Spiritual Awakening E9

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

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13-BASIC PRINCIPLES OF ETHICAL CODES OF CONDUCT
Ancient Jain texts explain that the intention to harm or the absence of compassion is what makes actions violent. Ahimsa also has a deeper meaning in the context of one's spiritual advancement. Violence imposed upon others in any form by our body, mind, or speech leads to the bondage of new bad karma, which hinder the soul's spiritual progress. In other words, violence towards others is violence towards one's own soul because one acquires bad karma which impedes one's spiritual progress and journey towards liberation. Anekäntaväda (Doctrine of Multiplicity of Viewpoints) The concept of universal interdependence underpins the Jain theory of knowledge, known as Anekantaväda. In this ever-changing universe, an infinite number of viewpoints exist for any situation. These viewpoints depend on the time, place, circumstances, and nature of individuals.
Anekäntaväda means acceptance of all viewpoints; which are in accordance with reality, positive in nature, and does not deny any genuine viewpoints. This is also known as non-absolutism.
This leads to the doctrine of Syädväda or relativity, which states that the expression of truth is relative to different viewpoints (known as Nayas). What is true from one point of view is open to question from another viewpoint. Absolute truth cannot be grasped from any one particular viewpoint. Absolute truth is the totality of individual (partial) truths from many different viewpoints, even if they seem to contradict each other. However, it takes into account the positive viewpoints of other human beings, other communities, and other nations when it comes to interdependent coexistence.
Characteristics of Anekäntaväda:
• Equanimity towards all • Develop a strong urge to seek the whole truth
Believe in many possibilities and accept that the truth can consist of seemingly opposing views Consider the truth expressed by you is a partial truth and accept the truth even if it is expressed by adversaries
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JAINISM AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING