Lessons of Ahimsa and Anekanta for Contemporary Life

Author(s): Tara Sethia
Publisher: California State Polytechnic University Pomona

Page 95

Lessons of Ahimsă and Anekānta for Contemporary Life
used for want of better word'. However, in so far as it conveys the meaning it is intended to convey it should be fine. When we look at modern urban society, an example of cultural pluralism, which characterizes a life style of “anonymity, mobility, pluralism, pragmatism and even profanity” to use Harvey Cox's words (The Secular City), we find that the above meaning of secularism is more significant in this kind of society. The individual's roots become weak and fragile in this society and where he needs to cultivate a sense of respect or tolerance for changing situations around him. (This may however, pertain more to American society but Indian society is speedily moving towards this situation). A closer look would reveal that it is in essence nothing but anekanta.
This exhaustive philosophy is reflected not only in philosophical deliberations or religious catechism, it is reflected in so many area of our social life. In our judicial system in which lies the core of human dignity in society, the greatest contribution to the cause of justice is the concept to natural justice, which is based on two fundamental principles (1) no one should be his own judge for his own cause and that a judgment should be unbiased and impartial (ii) both sides of the case should be heard and that no one should be condemned unheard. On close analysis both these principles implicitly refer to the attitude of anekanta. If, for example a judge looks at the problem from one angle he would be labeled as prejudiced and biased or one holding ekantika views. Further, if he gives hearing to one party and leaves the other party unheard his approach would be ekāntika again. Thus, anekānta is the essence of both these principles. A person accused of murder could be hanged, could be given life sentence and could also be acquitted; this underlines anekāntika approach.
In a successful business organization management uses anekānta in a subtle manner as an important technique. A good business executive brings together various departments and makes them function in coexistance. Such a leader understands human psychology, the strengths and weaknesses of human nature and creates his own dynamic personality with his multi
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