Book Title: JAINA Convention 2017 07 Edison NJ
Author(s): Federation of JAINA
Publisher: USA Federation of JAINA

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Page 114
________________ JAINA CONVENTION 2017 Temperamental differences Differences in emotional make-up Non-violence moves from the doctrine of behavior to the domain of intellectual thinking, 'Respect for life' gave rise to the principle of 'respect for the views of others. According to this doctrine an object has an infinite number of characteristics. One cannot grasp all of them. From one point of view, a thing is, from another it is not. Someone is uncle in relation to his nephew, father in relation to his son. So truth is relative, relative to our standpoints. Hence, according to the doctrine of non-absolutism to understand truth completely, one must consider all its aspects. This is the philosophy of relativism. We have to develop non-absolutistic standpoint on almost all problems. One has to adopt this kind of outlook to realize truth in its varied aspect. It helps us to understand the viewpoints of others. It helps also to cultivate spirit of tolerance and understanding. This will increase goodwill and harmony. One has to practice generosity of spirit and avoid fundamentalism. Thus, antagonism can be resolved not by quarrels but by communication and understanding. It is the principle of co-operation and co-existence. This means toleration, which is characteristic of Jaina Ideology. It is an ideal for successfully managing conflicts - personal or interpersonal, national or international. It is the doctrine of open-mindedness which is the expression of fundamental non-violent attitude. It has got wonderful power of assimilation. "Jainism with its theory of multiple-vision provides a framework through which qualities like tolerance, understanding etc. can be developed" If we accept this synoptic outlook in life, all quarrels will vanish. Nation's foreign policy should be influenced by such understanding. The real threat to world peace comes from ideological conflicts which can be avoided. The basis of this theory is not merely that reality can be viewed from many angles but also that all views of reality must be equally honored. All views have equal significance. This principle develops catholic outlook necessary for peaceful co-existence. It is holistic principle. It is ideal for successfully managing conflicts. The kind of intellectual toleration it will develop, will further lead to an atmosphere of peaceful co-existence avoiding dogmatism and fanaticism. Much violence in the world today arises from fundamental ideological and religious disagreement. It is ideal for successfully managing conflicts at any level. It is such a comprehensive principle that it examines a thing from different standpoints. Truth is relative to our standpoints. Therefore, we must respect the view of others; it is the theory of multiple visions. It stands for - 1) Open mindedness 2) Reconciliation. It has got power of assimilation; the conflicting views are harmonized together. Conflicts can be managed at any level by harmonious reconciliation. It can pave the way for harmony and goodwill. Qualities like tolerance, self-control, broad-mindedness, and understanding can be developed on the basis of it. 20% 30% 30% 329

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