Jain Center Minnesota MN 2007 07 Pratishtha

Author(s): Jain Center Minnesota USA
Publisher: USA Jain Center Minnesota

Page 30

The other tenet is that of 'Anekant' - there are multiple facets to reality. The desire of imposing one's own view point creates conflict. This becomes disastrous when this applies to religion and the assertion that one's own religion is supreme leads to intolerance towards other religions. Many wars have been fought in the cause of religion and the present prevalence of terrorism is mainly due to this reason. It is said that the present nuclear technology has developed to such an extent that one such weapon could destroy the whole earth.
It is therefore necessary that for co-existence and for achieving peace, non-violence and the principle of "Live, let live and help to live" is realized and put in practice by everybody and so far as religion is : concerned, it is necessary also to realize that although I believe in my religion, I also have regard for other religions. The goal is one but the pathways can be many.
Jains firmly believe that no outsider is our enemy or our friend and that no outside force can give us happiness and peace. Lust, anger, greed, ego, attachment are our enemies and we need to fight these internal enemies. This powerful path can be the path for peace not for one's own self but also for bringing peace over our planet Earth, existence of which is threatened.
These tenets of Ahimsa, Anekant and Aparigraha are universal in character and are equally relevant for not only individuals but for all societies/nations.
SD