Book Title: Anekantavada
Author(s): Harisatya Bhattacharya
Publisher: Atmanand Jain Sabha

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Page 230
________________ 193 his empire and entered the homeless order of a. Jaina monk. His grandson, Asoka inspite of his great temporal power and opportunities did not use arms to conquer other lands. His descendant, the worthy Samprati, an illustrious Jaina monarch was equally forbearing and large-hearted. So was Khára-Vela, the great Jaina king of Kalingas. At times, Emperor Harsa-Vardhana used to employ his treasury in gifts to the poor. It is well known how the Jaina minister, Bháms-Shab gave away all his life's earning to serve a worthy cause. All such acts of highmindedness are based on a view which is not confined within one's own self but extends over a wider range and to the consideration of facts and circumstances, relating to the selves of others. And this is essentially the Syád-vada way. An instance of how war was avoided by a prudent consideration of it in all its aspects, is furnished by what is recorded of the king of Taxila. "As he was a man of great prudence", says Plutarch," he waited on Alexander and after the first compliments, thus addressed him : What ocoasion is there for wars between you and me, if you are not 18 Jain Education International For Private & Personal Use Only www.jainelibrary.org

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