Jain Spirit 2004 06 No 19

Author(s): Jain Spirit UK
Publisher: UK Young Jains

Page 70

68 PHILOSOPHY
BEYOND LEFT' AND 'RIGHT?
SYNTHESIS
LIBERAL
CONSERVATIVE
Illustration: James Maturin-Baird
CORINNE MCLAUGHLIN EXPLORES ANEKANTVADA IN ACTION
party theoretically represents the future, the next evolutionary ideas and the need for change. The conservative party theoretically preserves the best of the past, and makes sure that change isn't so rapid that 'the baby is thrown out with the bath water. Clearly there is a certain wisdom in both of these principles, and each is needed to balance the other.
In Washington, as well as many European capitals, there has been much talk in recent years of the need for bi-partisanship, for policies that transcend left and right. This makes a neat rhetorical formula, but in itself offers little insight into what might be found in the new lands beyond liberal and conservative. The present state of political polarization, and the revival of old certainties, makes the task of fleshing out an intelligible new politics more urgent than before.
"o transcend left and right and create a better world, a
fundamental shift is needed. We must address our
polarized, adversarial way of thinking and create a profound change in consciousness at a deep level. Einstein reminded us that we can't solve a problem with the same level of consciousness that created the problem. "Two sides disagree," he noted, "because they're both wrong." But from a spiritual perspective, is there any deeper reason for left and right or for a two-party system? Yes, there is: behind each party is a key principle or essence, even though our modern Democratic and Republican parties may not clearly embody these essential principles. The liberal or progressive
'All great truths are paradoxes' was a profound teaching of the ancient philosophers. In the great mystery schools of Greece and Egypt, the initiates were given training in paradoxical thinking - how to hold two opposing truths in their minds at the same time and then resolve them into a higher synthesis. Learning to do this could be an important skill for today's politicians seeking to bring together the best of conservative and liberal ideas. This is not to say that partisanship is always wrong or that all polarities must always be resolved or that common ground (or even compromise) is always the highest spiritual path. Each party has the responsibility to present their point of view with clarity and reason and allow the people to decide how much of their viewpoint to embrace. Also, there are clearly times to
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