Awakening

Author(s): Padmasagarsuri
Publisher: Arunoday Foundation

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The question whether a stone is big or small cannot be answered except by means of the Anekanthvad. It has to be said that a stone is larger than a small pebble ; and smaller than a rock. In this manner the same stone can be small or big. The Anekanthvad helps us to end variety of opinions by showing unity (oneness) in variety. It helps us to see a single truth as seen from various points of view. Only by means of this philosophy the Mahashraman, Mahavir amalgamated (363) three hundred and sixty three systems of thought and united them.
Between the words Jan (people) Jain (the followers of Jain Dharma) the difference lies only in the prolongation of the sound or syllable.
The first one is of general reference and significance; and the second word signifies right conduct and living. The man who practises the principle of Anekanth at the level of thinking and ahimsa or non-violence at the level of action or conduct is a Jain. Any one can become a Jain by means of pure thinking and pure conduct. There are no differences among birds that fly on two wings. In the same manner, by using the wings of right thinking and right conduct any person can Surely become a true Jain and can fly easily over the wilderness of worldly life. An elephant sinks into a place where there is more of slime and less of water, but, it can cross a place where