________________ The principle of Aparigraha is about practicing renunciation of materialistic possessions, controlling anger, greed etc. For example, a family person should only earn and possess just enough to meet his ends and to lead a simple life, and the excess money and other materialistic possessions should be donated to the people, community and society in need. Aparigraha allows peaceful prevention of undue accumulation of capital in the hands of individuals. Consequently, such a practice can significantly help the societies and nations reach socio-economic equalization. The principle of Anekanta is about respectful acceptance of multiple viewpoints and perspectives about any subject matter. Firstly, the human beings have limited, and often, differing and incomplete understanding and knowledge about a subject matter. Secondly, the thoughts and the understanding about a subject matter are presented, expressed and communicated with varying view-points. Sometime, these varying view-points are conflicting in nature and unacceptable by some other individuals. Jainism strikes a perfect balance by unifying and harmonizing the individual view-points into a predictable and acceptable whole based upon the theory of Syadvada. In other words, the theory of Syadvada is like a music orchestra that blends the individual discordant notes of different instruments into a perfect composition. The theory of Syadvada teaches that there is no one independent individual correct view-point; there are multiple correct viewpoints and they all must be simultaneously true to facilitate "intellectual tolerance". As is obvious, the principles of Ahisa, Anekanta and Aparigraha are the right conduct, knowledge and vision. Jainism further believes that we all should be friendly to others, show compassion towards people in need and respect good people. Therefore, by practising the principles of Jainism, one inherently promotes and cultivates peaceful co-existence of individuals and societies not only with other human beings but also with all other living creatures, thereby also protecting our environment. Anekantavada and Syadvada theories of Jainism teaches us the acceptance of different points of view. How can individuals practice this in everyday life to become more tolerant? Individual can practice Anekantavada by following means: Listen to others Attempt to understand other person's viewpoints and not impose our own. 1 Communicate your own viewpoints by educating others or using alternate communication mechanisms in a peaceful manner. Be flexible and adopting. Jainism advocates total non-violence. How does one defend one self or one's country in the face of violence by others? Answer: Jainism prescribes absolute total non-violence for 'Munis'. It strongly 277
