Philosophy Of Anekanta

Deccan Herald

The philosophy of Anekanta propounded by Lord Mahavira 2,608 year back is now recognised as the philosophy of co-existence.

It begins with the observation that the truth is multifaceted and having in-built opposite attributes. It also regards that the way of expressing the truth is not one. There are as many philosophies as the ways of expressions of the truth. This is why all the philosophical traditions of mankind, which express different perceptions and conceptions, are different responses to the ultimate truth.

These experiences of the Ultimate and the responses made, take place within different substantio-modal, historico-geographical, socio-cultural, and politico-economic contexts.

Each of these traditions provides answers to the realty of life and the world. These answers, developed through a history of hundreds of years, seem to generally satisfy their adherents.

And so, within each tradition a transformation of human existence and continuous search of the truth are taking place with its limited yet liberating, holistic and comprehensive approach.

It is quite obvious that in terms of philosophical insight, intellectual power, cultural richness and social solidarity, none of the people of one culture considers his respective tradition to be in any way inferior to any other cultures. Thus, each philosophical or religious tradition is to be regarded as an alternative way of finding truth following which one can find salvation, liberation, enlightenment of fulfilment, whatever be the goal of the philosophy or religion.

And yet, the people of different ideologies and faiths live together in society sharing with one another struggles and sufferings of human existence as well as its joys and deeper quests for the truth. So they constantly interact with, and mutually influence one another.

Co-existence and co-operation are the basic necessities of life and the smooth functioning of society and world at large. The urgent demands of promoting eco-human justice, liberation, peace, growth and due respect for the spiritual integrity, enriching treasures and dynamic potential which people of different cultures possess, challenge people to enter into co-existential relationships with one another.

In the context of co-existence they will encounter mutual understanding, learning, mutual respect, non-interference and empowering edification. They would also find greater strength in maintaining their distinctive resources as they work for individual and societal holistic transformation.