Jain Digest 2001 01 Vol 17 No 01

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

Page 18

The Eternal Message of Jain Wisdom (cont.)
ANEKANTVAD - MULTIPLICITY OF VIEWPOINTS
ETHICAL CODE OF CONDUCT
Jainism holds that all knowledge is only probable or partial. This Jaina scriptures describe the conduct elaborately, expected belief leads to the Jain doctrine of "many sidedness of reality called from a monk as well as a house-holder. The monk and nuns ob- Anekaantavaad. Anekaantavaad describes the world as a multifacserve the five great vows (Mahavratas) and the laity five primary eted, ever changing reality with infinite viewpoints, depending on vows (Anuvratas). The five Mahavratas are total abstience from the time, place, nature, and the state of the one who is the viewer, violence, falsehood, stealing, sexual indulgence and possessions. and, that which is viewed. Now let us follow a lively demonstraThis four-fold congregation known as Dharma Tirtha (centre of tion to understand this concept: worship) is still observed. It proves that Jainism is a living reli- Six blind persons are curiously touching and feeling different parts gion. There are numerous monks and nuns and nearly ten million of the body of an elephant. They touch and, one by one, describe house-holders continuing the tradition, following virtually the same the part of the body of the elephant. path as prescribed by Jinas. Jain monks and nuns move about in
and nuns move about in 1st blind person: (touching the side of the elephant) The elall parts of the country bare-footed, keeping minimum equip- ephant is like a wall ! ment required for their spiritual practice. There are some Digambar
2nd blind person: (touching the trunk) The elephant feels like a monks too who remain unclad. Jain laity still practise complete
thick branch of a tree! vegetarianism and mostly lead a life free of vices and intoxicants. At the same time, the Jain community is richly endowed with
3rd blind person: (touching the tusk) No, I think it is like a education and material comforts. They lead in the field of indus
sharp spear ! try and business and have established a large number of charitable 4th blind person: (touching the leg) I can tell you it is like a big pillar institutions for the cause of education, medical services and ser- 5th blind person: (touching one ear) I must say it is like a large fan! vice to the downtrodden.
6th blind person: (touching the tail) The elephant is like a rope
or even a snake! HERITAGE OF JAINA SCRIPTURES :
Listening to so many different descriptions, the first blind perThe teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir are preserved in Jain scrip- son says: Let us ask the wise man. He has seen the elephant. tures, which have come down through a very rich tradition. The Then turning to the wise man who comes forward, the first blind Tirthankars preached and the Ganadhars gave a structure to those person asks: Can you tell us who amongst us is right? preachings in the Agams. The Acharyas and the saints protected The wise man says, "You, all six of you, are right about the eland preserved them. These Agams serve as the source of under- ephant with respect to the part of its body that you just touched. standing Jain philosophy and culture and also of Indian thought But you have only a partial image of the elephant. If you put and way of life at that time. Mahavir's preachings are like the in- together your partial "views", you will get a real picture of what numerable pearls of wisdom that are found in abundance in the an elephant looks like." limitless and unfathomable ocean of knowledge. In the words of The moral of the story is, that each one of us sees things from our the late Upadhyaya Amarmuni, “The Sutra literature of Jains is own point of view. Consequently, we acquire a view that is only deeper than the deepest ocean in which innumerable divine pearls partially correct. Jainism teaches that one should look at things of wisdom are hidden. It is a great store-house of golden words. It from the points of view of others. This will give us a proper peris important not only for the inspiration it gives, to tread the path spective on events or situation. of righteousness and spirituality, but also for the message it gives, Religion, truth and reality are like elephant. Anekaantavaad, or for the harmonious development of family and social life. The Jain theory of multiplicity of viewpoints, presents a technique for aphorisms on moral and ethical progress are scattered here and understanding and analyzing each event or situation. Our own there in all the Agams, which lay a strong foundation for a peace
concept of truth or reality is formed by our individual observaful and humanitarian world (Sukti Triveni, p.11).
tion and experience, providing us only a partial view of it. If we (Speech delivered at the Seminar on "Wisdom of India" at the apply the principal of Anekaantavaad and analyze it from other Vivekananda College, Chennai on 17.1.2000).
points of view, we will be able to understand and resolve the differences between individuals, religions and nations. Mahatma Gandhi once observed, "It has been my experience that I am always 'right' from my point of view, and often wrong from the point of view of my honest critics. I know we are both right from our respective points of view." (Adopted from Studies in Jainism
Presented at Multi-Faith Festival- Long Island organized by Arvind 16/JAIN DIGEST SPRING 2001
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