Universal Message of Lord Mahavira

Author(s): Dulichand Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 29

The Relevance of the Teachings of Lord Mahāvīra in ...
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Jaina preachers say that the knowledge, which determines full meaning of an object through the employment of one-sided knowledge, is partial knowledge. Reality has got innumerable characteristics. A valid knowledge is defined as that which gives us knowledge of things in their various aspects. All objects have innumerable characters; hence, all things are multi-dimensional or Anaikāntika. Though every angle or viewpoint can claim that it gives a true picture of reality, yet it gives only a partial and relative picture of reality. One who knows only partial truth must not discard the views of others as totally false. We must accept that the views of others have also validity from some other angles. Jaina theory of Anekāntavāda emphasise that all the approaches to understand the reality give partial but true picture of reality and due to their truth-value from certain angle, we should treat other ideologies and faiths with equal regard.
The virtue of understanding is very much needed in the present day society. Jainism maintains regard for other's thoughts and ideologies from time immemorial. Lord Mahāvīra says, “Those who praise their own ideologies and faiths and blame that of their opponents and thus distort the truth will remain confined to the cycle of birth and death." Jaina saints tried to maintain the harmony in different religious thoughts thus avoiding religious conflicts. Anekānta can solve the problems of conflict in ideologies and faiths. Ācārya Hemacandra says: “I bow to all those who have overcome attachment and aversion, which are causes of worldly bondage, be they Brahmā, Vişnu, Śiva or Jina."
Lastly, to quote Dr. Ramji Singh, who has nicely explained the importance of Anekānta in the modern context: “Jaina logic of Anekānta is based not on abstract intellectualism but on experience and realism leading to a non-absolutistic attitude of