________________
. Towards A Truly Global Society based approach carries with it equality, tolerance, synthesis and the feeling of coexistence. It reflects a consistent and on going effort in search of truth.
When one looks at things from different angles and when one locates an element of truth in everything, it leads one to Anekant i.e. many sided or many faceted approach. Not that 'what I say is the only and the ultimate truth'; but 'what is truth is mine' is the correct approach. One should not be rigid and dogmatic towards one's own approach, but one should also be generous enough to concede that what others perceive may also have an element of truth. Thus, the philosophy of Anekant perceives an all sided view and is based on equality, tolerance, assimilation and co-existence. It is the right approach for reaching the truth. Anekant approaches everything relatively and tries to find the truth in every situation. In the life of Bhagwan Mahavira, many instances can be found where 'what is truth is mine' has been accepted. He had even persuaded Gautam, his most learned colleague to apologise to Shravak Anand.
During Mahavira's time, there were many controversies and many opinions expressed. Everyone tried to dispute the opinions of others so that one can prove that what one says is the only truth. But, Bhagwan Mahavira showed the path - accommodation of others' views rather than to refute others' views. He appealed to disciples to become Anekanti in place of Ekanti. Only when you will do this, that you will be able to percieve truth in its most clear and beautiful form. In this way he tried to fight the war that was raged between various opposing opinions, ideologies and one's own understandings. To bring home the truth behind what he was saying, he gave
45
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
