Peace Through Dialogue Jaina Prespective

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Peace Through Dialogue: A Jaina Perspective" by Dr. Jayantilal Jain:

The book argues that dialogue is a fundamental, non-violent tool for resolving conflicts and achieving peace, deeply rooted in Jain philosophy. The core concept underpinning this is Anekantavada, the principle of multifaceted reality, which acknowledges that every object possesses infinite properties and can be viewed from various perspectives.

Key arguments and concepts presented:

• The Nature of Dialogue: Dialogue is defined as the exchange of ideas, information, and communication. It's presented as the non-violent method for resolving issues because it allows for understanding different viewpoints, thus reducing misunderstandings that lead to conflict. Incomplete knowledge of objects creates misplaced faith and conduct, hindering peace, and dialogue helps overcome this "walking in darkness."

• Conflicting Properties: The universe is composed of substances with properties that may appear contradictory but describe the same reality. This is exemplified by various instances: water being hot and cold, a person being both a father and son, a medicine being curative or lethal, milk turning sour, gold's yellowness not being its sole descriptor, and geographical locations appearing in different directions relative to one's own position. Dialogue is crucial to reconcile these seemingly conflicting properties.

• Necessity of Dialogue: Understanding any subject requires a process involving reading/listening, questioning, contemplation, retention, and communication. Words alone are insufficient to convey the entirety of an object. A listener's interpretation can differ from the speaker's intent. Without dialogue, one might form biased or partial views. True knowledge, like a mirror, reflects reality instantaneously. Jain philosophy distinguishes between intrinsic (timeless, inseparable) and empirical (changeable, momentary) properties. Anekantavada emphasizes understanding an object in its entirety, encompassing all its properties and forms, as an indivisible whole. This complex process often leads to dogmatic stances and conflicts, making dialogue essential.

• The Process of Dialogue: Jain scriptures, particularly the Angas (scriptural divisions), highlight the importance of dialogue. The fifth Anga features dialogues between Lord Mahavir and Gautam, addressing numerous questions. The tenth Anga outlines dialogue processes based on the type of questions, which can involve narrating similar events, explaining universal structures, following codes of conduct, and articulating principles. Effective dialogue involves addressing one-sided views, the tendency to take sides, the distinction between permanent and transient aspects of an object, and the consequences of actions.

• Universal Application: The principles of dialogue are universally applicable across all fields of life – philosophy, psychology, religions, sciences, economics, politics, society, families, and even in resolving issues like wars and terrorism. Through dialogue, one can realize that no philosophy or religion is entirely false; rather, each contains an element of truth when understood beyond mere words. Conflicting properties co-exist in matter, and it's our limited understanding that creates conflict. The proverb "little knowledge is a dangerous thing" is highlighted, as incomplete knowledge leads to dogmatism, conflict, and violence. Complete knowledge, gained through dialogue, fosters peace, tolerance, and kindness. While understanding familiar objects is easier, subtle or invisible concepts require deeper dialogue to move beyond the limitations of words. Dialogue can resolve profound questions about the soul, such as its independence, unity, and permanence.

• Limitations of Dialogue: Dialogue can fail when strong biases are present. The analogy of ants from sugarcane and salt fields illustrates how pre-existing biases can prevent genuine understanding. Dialogue must be approached with seriousness and a genuine desire for a logical conclusion. True dialogue, like that between a patient and doctor or student and teacher, leads to peace. The example of Gautam, a scholar of Vedas, eventually becoming Mahavir's disciple after realizing the necessity of dialogue, underscores its transformative power.

In conclusion, the book posits that dialogue, guided by the Jain principle of Anekantavada, is an omnipotent tool for resolving worldly and eternal questions and apparent contradictions. It paves the way for peace, spiritual liberation (moksha), and ultimate happiness by enabling seekers to understand the teachings of enlightened beings (Arihants). The Jain tradition, through events like the "Samosaran" (the Universal Conference), emphasizes the resolution of all issues through dialogue.