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Application of Anekantavāda in Conflict Resolution
The present-day social atmosphere is filled with dins of clash between a group of one political, economics, religions or other system and another. These conflicts indicate dangerous possibilities. But it is not impossible to avoid the conflicts. Each group feels that in consideration of the time, nature, the attitude of the people and the local circumstances, its ideal is perfectly right and further feels that it has therefore, the right to impose it upon the other groups. But what each group forgets is that in similar consideration of time, the nature, the attitude of people and the local circumstances of the other group is justified in adopting its own ideal.
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The highest virtue for a trading people in modern times is considered to consist in acts, which are calculated to increase national wealth. This supposed virtue leads these people to exploit the backward people's right and left. This view is one sided and morally bad. It does not consider the other side of the question. Other peoples have a right to exist as well.
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Adulteration of food commodities would be out of question, if traders considered its effects on the consumer's health.
The Anekanta attitude of considering every problem in social, political, religious, commercial and other fields, is sure to avoid conflict and lead to peaceful solutions. It is this multi-dynamic vision which holds the secret key of solving the present-day world problems and also the intricate problems of an individual's life.
It may be argued that practical applications of the multidynamic vision are not seen anywhere and this is true but it cannot, therefore, be concluded that this doctrine is inefficacious in any way. It only shows how the present-day world in its mad rush for selfish gains, is treading the wrong path. In fact the Anekanta way of life is in keeping our glorious cultural traditions. In India, at least acts of complete selflessness were very common.
Mightiest of monarchs here in the height of their power and prosperity, were found to give up all they had and cheerfully adopt the life of a passionless and possessionless monk. All such acts of high mindedness are based on a view which is not confined to one's own
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