अनेकान्तवाद : सिद्धान्त और व्यवहार

Summary

This article offers a comprehensive exposition of anekāntavāda, the Jain doctrine that reality is multi‑faceted and cannot be captured by a single proposition. The author traces the conceptual roots of anekāntavāda in early Jain scriptures and explains how subsequent philosophers formulated formal frameworks to accommodate multiple, seemingly contradictory attributes of the same object. The article differentiates this doctrine from relativism by emphasising that each perspective is conditionally valid. It then explores practical applications: anekāntavāda encourages intellectual humility and fosters non‑violence in speech and thought, as it recognises the partiality of one’s own viewpoint. By presenting examples from philosophical debate and everyday interactions, the author shows how the doctrine can moderate dogmatism and promote harmony. The essay also addresses critiques of anekāntavāda from rival schools and responds by clarifying its logical underpinnings. Ultimately, the article suggests that this principle holds relevance beyond Jainism, offering a framework for pluralistic dialogue in diverse societies.