JAINA Convention 2007 07 Edison NJ

Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

Page 51

dialogue and help of an international arbitrator, both countries have settled their border dispute by reconciliation, and give & take process of sharing. This has avoided toughening of attitudes in both countries, and any possibility of war.
There are many examples in Jain and Buddhist scriptures which confirm the statement that many criminals have undergone metamorphism when confronted with rational arguments of wise men. Gautam Muni had gone to meet Bhagwan Mahavir with a view to defeat him. Through a process of dialogue, Bhagwan Mahavir dissolved the violence in Gautam Muni's thoughts, and he ultimately became his first disciple. The complete dialogue resulted in a scripture called Bhagwati Sutra. Chandkaushik met Bhagwan Mahavir in a very aggressive posture. In response he heard soft words from Bhagwan Mahavir. After a long interaction and Chandkaushik got his answers. Jayanti Shrawika fired a series of questions to Bhagwan. Ultimately all the questions were answered to her satisfaction. There were soft words when she again met Bhagwan Mahavir.
Most of the conflicts are built on small differences.
As time elapses, supporters on both sides of the fence keep adding on series of small differences to inflame passions.
The issue, over a long period, becomes
very complicated, not easy to unwind and difficult to solve.
Such occurrences are also mentioned in the testaments of other religion. Anand confronted Mahatma Buddha. After a long deliberation, Anand understood the purpose and truth of life. Geeta, the famous religious book of Hindus, is also a recording of the speech of Shri Krishna. Arjuna, his disciple, suddenly developed cold feet in a battle and started asking a series of questions. Sri Krishna gave a discourse that led to a proper understanding of the situation. This discourse is over 5,000 years old, yet so contemporary as it answers the rational thoughts for conflict resolution.
I have been fortunate to be a disciple of Pujya Shri Gurudev Acharya Sushil Muniji. I have seen him resolving many conflicts through the process of dialogue. He taught me the value of positive attitude. According to his teachings, most disputes disappear if non aligned intellectuals support discussions and lead it to fruitful conclusions. He was also an instrument in the settlement of the problem that I mentioned earlier between Punjab and Haryana, the two states in the Federation of India.
The current level of conflicts in the world indicates a troubled time ahead for mankind. Violence, fear and terrorism have overtaken the world. There are so many flash points all across the globe. Any one of these could escalate to another world war.
We also see a disappearance of the virtues of empathy and concern for society. One is so worried about his own safety that one just ignores all acts of violence until it affects them. General apathy to the ills of society has become an acceptable form of living. One avoids getting involved in any dispute, lest it causes harm to oneself. Such an unacceptable behavior in society by intellectuals gives an open invitation to rowdy elements to take law in their own hands.
14th Biennial JAINA Convention 2007
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PEACE THROUGH DIALOGUE
Jain Education Intemational