Jain Journal 2004 01

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

Page 18

VINCENT SEKHAR, S.J. : JAINA PLURAL PERSPECTIVE
143
one party was the victim of violence and had sustained anger, hurts and wounds. Moreso when the wrongdoers still remain in power or threaten to tip the delicate balance of peace if they are pressed in any uncomfortable direction."4! But knowing that “reconciliation is more a spirituality than a strategy,"42 one should learn to train oneself and others in the practice of Anekanta. Anekanta attitude is the basis for all types of mdiation, arbitration, and negotiation. There is no reconciliation whatsoever when one side is dogmatic about its assertions in any field, be it politics or religion". A non-dogmatic approach life promotes relationship and reconciles the seeming conflicting views, which looked at from different standpoints.
Some people comment on the doctrine of Anekānta as an attitude or an act of indifference, holding or saying "yes or no” to both sides. But Jain epistemology defines what is meant by rightness (Samyaktva) of any assertion. The way to the final goal depends on professing the right type of knowledge, vision (or faith), and conduct. And rightness has certain distinguishing marks: the seeker of truth should possess the spiritual calmness or serenity and detachment, moved by compassion.44 Only a person with such a mind-set will be able to discern the truth and make the right choice. And this mind-set does not eliminate other attitudes or choices. On the other, it seeks to understand and accommodate them in the best way one can.
Conclusion:
No one denies the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts. In all human and social interaction, dialogue gives a positive meaning to ahiṁsā as love. The only condition that is required in all dialogue efforts is that one should be free from prejudice. One does not cherish selfishness in oneself and evil thoughts upon the other. Both the parties
41. Robert J. Schreiter, C.P. P. S.: The Ministry of Reconciliation --- Spirituality
and Strategies, Orbis Books, Maryknoll, 1998, p. 55 42. Ibid., p. 16 43. Sūtrakrtanga, I. 102, 21-23 44. Pandit Sukhlalji's commentary on Tattvārthasūtra of Vacaka Umāsvāti, Op.
Cit., pp. 8-9