________________
Application of Anekantavada in various Disciplines
understood, the differences in principles will vanish and with them the bitterness also. Obviously, this is the best means of promoting common understanding and good will amongst the followers of different faiths. One might say that this is mere common sense and that the principle is presupposed in every system of thought. It must, however, be remembered that the principle if kept in the background is always forgotten when needed most, and that common sense, unfortunately, is a thing, which is most uncommon.
Syādvāda aims at harmonising seemingly discordant doctrines and teaches us toleration as well as intellectual freedom. It does not make a man obdurate but simple and increases in him the stock of harmless cheerfulness.
133
Anekanta is an attitude of mind, which would forbid us to take one-sided partial view of a thing or problems. It is a many-sided approach to the understanding of the problems. One sided and dogmatic approach breeds discontent and hatred and it does not really give a comprehensive picture of reality. Anekanta is the expression of intellectual ahimsa. It teaches us to respect other views. We should realise that we are not the only persons who are right and that we are not alone.
What we need today is the spirit of understanding and respect for each other in our social and political life. We are exploiting communal distinction for political gains. We are made aware of our differences rather than our identity of views and interests. And Anekanta attitude will facilitate understanding and sympathy for each others point of view. Then will disappear the iron, the bamboo and the dollar curtains. Today religious and communal distinctions are being politically exploited. Widespread regional feelings, corruption and hepotism have degenerated the very fabric of our society. We have become helpless spectators in the fierce drama of hatred, avarice and violence. Under the garb of ideologies of doubtful suitability to our society and the concept of committed social order we are destroying the very foundations of social order built with arduous and painful efforts of great men for centuries. The principle of Anekānta, ahimsā should be the solid foundation of society today, we should seek
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
