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capacity to resolve all such conflicts and are, therefore, prime need of the hour at a time when the societies everywhere are being torn asunder by these very causes.
Jainism: The Remedy For Social Conflicts -
In this part of the essay we will see as to how various Jaina principles and precepts resolve various causes of social conflicts and contribute to the promotion of social harmony. The most potent conflict resolvers are the principles of right-vision, rightknowledge, non-violence, respect for others' property rights, truthfulness, controlled greed, sexual discipline, simplicity of lifestyle, inconspicuous consumption, non-absolutism, subdued passions, mutual respect and universal love. We shall now discuss their effectiveness one by one.
Right-Vision -
Most conflicts arise out of our inability to see things in their right perspective. The Jaina thought lays most emphasis on development of this ability and thereby equips its followers with an insight that can see things as they are and not with a distorted view. This insight resolves the conflicts arising out of lack of proper perspectives. The causes that fall in this category and which are easily resolved by having a right perspective are racial, religious and cultural intolerance.
Right-Knowledge --
Lack of proper knowledge also gives rise to conflicts. Most religious and cultural conflicts fall in this category. We are unable to appreciate the others' religious tenets, precepts and norms for want of their knowledge and feel threatened by this lack of knowledge. Gaining proper knowledge of own as well as that of the other religions and cultures are of utmost importance for conflict resolution. Jaina emphasis on gaining right-knowledge is well known. So much so that it is considered to be one of the three liberating elements.
342 JAINISM: THE CREED FOR ALL TIMES
