Jain Journal 2004 01

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 16

VINCENT SEKHAR, S.J.: JAINA PLURAL PERSPECTIVE
the formation of one's character etc. Yet, it gives more importances to the act proper. Pluralism or implied wholeness has thus penetrated deep into epistemological and ethical veins of the Jain system, based on which, several important concepts like Jiva, Karma, etc. are to be understood and morality prescribed or practised.
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But in a world of dogmatism and absolutism, Jain ahiṁsā is a vital contribution to an attitude of openness to multiple perspectives. This attitude views a reality from a rational point of view without prejudice or bias. The simple reason behind this vision is that reality is complex and any of its description has infinite aspects, and each aspect can be predicated in several ways. Our limited knowledge, grasping one fraction of these infinite aspects, tries to build a system. Such an ekanta attitude (one-sided, dogmatic and absolutist position) is naturally compelling. Ekantavāda or one-sided approach or one way track is not inherent in the reality but in our mind. Whereas, the theory of anekanta seeks to present a comprehensive picture about reality35.
Jeyendra Soni 36 is of the view that the theory of manifoldness is an effective philosophical tool not only to indicate the intended particular stand point of view of the speaker, but also to show the limitedness of other's views and perspectives. And that it optimally lends itself to such plural interpretations is indeed its merit, with obvious opportunity for discourse and debate. In other words, anekānta is the spirit of accommodation, a needed path to end violence in thought, word and deed. Dayananda Bhargava3 says that anekānta demonstrates a spirit of toleration, understanding and respect for the
35. A multi-dimensional outlook and approach to life is necessary to understand the issues, problems, etc. Tackling them from different angles will speed up the solutions possible. This has been presented in Vincent Sekhar, 'Dynamic Pluralism --- A Vision toward Conflict Resolution and Cosmic Integration', Interfaith Formation, Madras 1993
36. Jeyendra Soni: "Way of Manifoldness --- The Jaina Insight for Interfaith Dialogue" in Pilgrims in Dialogue: A New Configuration of Religions for Millennium Community, ed. Antony Kalliath, CMI, Journal of Dharma & Dharmaram Publications, Bangalore, 2000, pp. 132-133, 141-142
37. Dayanand Bhargava's article "A Few Modern Interpretations of Nonabsolutism," in Nagin J. Shah: Jaina theory of Multiple facets of Reality and Truth (Anekantavāda), Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Pvt. Ltd., Delhi, 2000, p. 115; Ram Jee Singh has discussed about the relevance of Anekanta in Modern Times, Ibid., pp. 127-134.