________________
182
Multi-dimensional Application of Anekāntavāda
developed. People being proud of their own language would not like the domination of other language in their territory. The application of anekānta in this field will amount to acceptance of other languages equivalent with their own language. For an anekānti, all languages are equal. No matter, what language or medium is used for communication as long as the message is understood properly.
With language comes folk music, art, dance, drama and literature. The application of anekānta will mean to show equal enthusiasm in the folk music, dance etc. of all the cultures and traditions. This is quite not possible because a person cannot enjoy unless he/she has knowledge of that culture. To have knowledge or to possess equal understanding of all cultures and traditions is just unimaginable. What a natural anekānti has to do is to appreciate other peoples cultures and traditions just like he appreciates his own though he does not understood the other culture and tradition. One should not mind if it amounts to flattery since in today's world there is no satyavādi, (one who always speak truth). This will help in building cultural ties and eradicating cultural conflicts. Cultural domination will cease to exist when all cultures are equally appreciated. Ethical and Moral Sphere:
In the ethical and moral sphere of life, we normally come across some one saying or talking about the erosion of values in society. In general view, if one finds that the values are being eroded from the society, then the options will be either to resist the erosion or accept the erosion. But, both the options will be from a one-sided glance at the values and hence they cannot be anaikāntika options. For an anekantist, the option will be to do both, i.e. to try to accommodate the change in values with his own values or to adjust his values with the changed values in such a way that his values are not eroded. But, in reality values do not change are eroded. The theory of Anekānta requires being a satyāgrāhi and not satyāgrahi. So, we have to accept the truth of oral and ethical values being constant. Hence, there cannot be any difference of opinion regarding what is a value and what is a nonvalue. But, in any case, if any conflict arises in an individual between two opposite views about values, then in that case he has to take help
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
