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Jaina Philosophy and Religion
quarrel because like the blind men of the parable they too mistake their partial truths for the whole Truth. The different aspects of Truth, accepted by different schools of philosophy, when related to one another, all together form the whole Truth.
But in worldly dealings, we have to mostly adopt any one standpoint or view in accordance with the situation or circumstance. In practice or worldly dealings this is the only way. As particular standpoints or views are useful in practice, one has to select, from among many present in the treasure of anekānta, some one view proper for and favourable to a particular occasion.
The syādvāda or the principle of non-one-sidedness is such a comprehensive principle that it examines a thing from different standpoints. The examination conducted by it proves that one-sided views are incomplete, narrow and closed. At the same time it synthesises into one harmonious whole, these different (apparently conflicting) views yielded by different standpoints. As properly related pearls make a beautiful necklace, so properly synthesised one-sided views make one Grand Truth. The principle of non-one-sidedness (anekāntavāda) is therefore a real art of reconciliation and synthesis, which pacifies the conflicts arising from onesided partial views and inspires feelings of equality and equanimity. When one who upholds a particular view depending upon a particular standpoint understands and grasps the truth of the seemingly opposite view, one's undue obstinacy and quarrel about it subside. It is necessary for us to have comprehensive knowledge, if we want to make our minds calm and to generate mutual love in our hearts. And for the comprehensive knowledge we should cultivate comprehensive outlook or viewpoint, which is called in the Jaina philosophy 'anekāntadrsti'. This anekāntadosti is the essential ingredient of the cultured life. It is useful in the worldly dealings and the spiritual discipline as well. It is beneficial to the men of practical world as also to the pilgrims on the Path of Liberation. It purifies the mind of the impurities of attachment and aversion, charges it with universal love and friendliness, generates serenity in it and thereby makes it competent enough for the spiritual concentration and trance.
On account of the comprehensive outlook or viewpoint, the feelings of tolerance and liberality are manifested. Let us understand this point with the help of an illustration.
One religious sect maintains that there exists the world-creator God. Another sect declares that there does not exist the world-creator God or
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