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(since the birth of the Brahmanic religion). But thanks to the regional spirit of ahimsa and anekantvada, the conflict has often taken the shape of religious dialogue and philosophical debates. In the relatively recent past, the advances of Islam in the subcontinent has given rise to violent conflicts, and India's long-established tradition of the interfaith dialogue has suffered some serious setbacks.
By now, most of the world is seeking alternatives to violent religious conflicts and is slowly coming to terms with religious pluralism. It is seeking an open peaceful dialogue not only with other sects but also with other religious traditions. Different communities are discovering that instead of an excuse for hostility and irrational hatred, religious differences can be celebrated as opportunities for intimate dialogue, increased appreciation of one's own spiritual heritage, and awarenes of global diversity. Jain Contribution to Interfaith
With the current interfaith movement, a non-confrontational interfaith dialogue hast become important because it acknowledges the rights of another human being to express their spiritual beliefs. The doctrine of anekantavada is a Jain tool for interfaith dialogue and debate. Jains have used it for centuries to promote peace and harmony between different ideologies. It has been hailed by some commentators as demonstrating a very tolerant intellectual orientation. Jains use this in interfaith dialogues to demonstrate that they have understood the opposing ideology, have critically examined it, and could accept it as valid from a certain perspective' of their rivals. Such non-confrontational, qualified assertion of the opponent's ideas avoids conflicts and promotes further dialogue.
Jains understand the root cause of conflicts as 'passions' (kasayas) and appreciate the effectiveness of shifting from violent conflicts to peaceful dialogue based on anekantvada. They have a tradition of reverence for all souls - all living beings
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rooted in ahimsa. These doctrines enable Jains to play an important role in the global effort to resolve the contemporary issues. Jains now have an opportunity and obligation to provide valuable insights to the newly emerging worldwide interfaith movement. Individuals, as well as Jain organizations, could do so proactively by truly understanding their own doctrines and promoting those as universal tools for global peace without the fear of losing their own identity. If any thing, Jains stand to regain recognition and their rightful place as a world-class religion.
Dr. Vastupal Parikh received his Doctorate in Chemistry at Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. By profession he is a scientist. He wrote several chemistry texts and earned high reputation in his field of studies. Recently, he wrote and published a book, "Jainism and the New Spirituality". He resides in Canada with his wife Nalini.
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