Pristine Jainism : Principle of Non-absolutism (Anekant and Syadvad)

The principle of non-absolutism is unique in Jainism. It implies regard, respect for views of others and is opposed to any kind of dogmatism or fundamentalism. It reconciles even divergent views. It can be explained by a simple example of an individual's multiple relationships. Person 'A' is son for his parents, brother for sister, husband for his spouse, father for his offsprings etc. etc. If parents claim that he is their son only and similarly wife claim that he is her husband only then conflicts start. Mother should consider daughter-in-laws claim or views and vice-versa, and thus if each other reconcile to their views even if these may be divergent. Every person till he attains enlightenment has a bias for his own views because of ingrained selfish gains and would, therefore, be dogmatic and insist on his own views. One may be right but this does not mean others are wrong and they may be right with their own view point. There is another interesting example of four blind persons. One of them touches feet of an elephant and describes it as a pillar, second touching its tail says it is broom, third touches ears and says elephant is a big fan for stirring air in summer. The fourth who touches trunk says that it is a thick rope. Now each if dogmatic will say he is right and others are wrong whereas the fact is that all are right and simultaneously all are wrong. Reconciling with divergent views for mutual benefit will avoid religious conflicts in communities, social tensions and unpleasantness in families. The methodology of „Anekant" prescribed in Jainism is also an important instrument to promote rationality. According to theory of relativity in modern science two observers at different distances and time will observe a thing differently. However, Anekant does not imply ambiguity or uncertainty but is a rational method of knowing complete, real truth after analysis or synthesis of all viewpoints.