Dr. Samani Mangal Pragya
Sūtrakṛtāṅga explains eternal truth. Due to space (particular area), time and prevailing conditions there may be modification in the forms of problems but the foundational causes remain the same. Even today's psychologists assert that the seed of every problem in external world is hidden in the instincts of human being. The basic instincts or traits of human beings always remain the same. There is only a difference in the way manner of manifestation of these instincts.
Religious fanatism develops mutual conflict. In present times religious fanatism is a deadly challenge facing the world. It had created an environment of fear, violence and terror. Even during the period of Sūtrakṛtāṅga, such scenarios were realized and Sūtrakṛtāṅga tries to address such agitating trends
sayaṃ sayaṃ pasansantā, garahantā paraṃ vayaṃ
je u tattha viussanti, sansāraṁ te viussiā.[1]
[People, who praise their own tradition and condemn others and act with pride and ego, thereby make their chain of birth and death even longer.]
My belief alone is right and the belief of others is false - this absolutist attitude creates conflicts. A person with non-absolutist view does not stand in opposition to other's belief but tries to accept the truth with a relative viewpoint. The above said verse can be seen as the basis of non-absolutist view. Non-absolutist thought finds a solution to the ever growing problems. The serious problem of sectarian fanatism of this era can be solved through this approach.
