Ahimsa, Anekantavad, and Their Philosophical Implications

This essay explores the philosophical concepts of Ahimsa and Anekantavad, drawing from Jainism and related spiritual teachings. Ahimsa, the principle of non-violence, is examined in terms of its impact on minimizing suffering and promoting empathy, kindness, and understanding. The essay also discusses Anekantavad, the doctrine of multiple perspectives and tolerance, emphasizing the importance of open-mindedness and the acceptance of diverse religious and philosophical viewpoints to achieve a secular society. The essay references relevant YouTube videos to illustrate these concepts, highlighting their significance in fostering world peace and unity among diverse belief systems. The essay concludes by advocating for a collaborative approach to spiritual understanding to address various problems facing humankind.

Running head: PHILOSOPHY
PHILOSOPHY
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1PHILOSOPHY
Ahimsa
The philosophy of Ahimsa is deeply engraved in the religious and spiritual principles
of the east, especially in many of the spiritual teachings coming from India. Many of the great
world religions came from the land of India. The world’s oldest religion Sanatan Dharma,
Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism all came from the land of India. Jainism has been deep rooted in
the land with immense philosophical contribution to the humanity. One of the chief idea of
Jainism has been the practice of Ahimsa which advocates violence towards all other
creatures. The video named “The Two Minute Warning: Jainism and the Practice of
Ahimsa”, the doctrine has been explained in details which gives a lot of thought provoking
views (Neuralsurfer 2015). The idea that the main disturbance in the life of a being is the pain
it suffers and one should do maximum one can to minimise the pain is one of the chief
philosophical principles of the religion. There can be no argument against the idea that each
of the individuals should do maximum they can to reduce the impact of pain suffered by
others. The Jain Philosophical teachings had been for centuries taught people to become
empathetic, kind and understanding. Different philosophies like Vaishnavism among others
also profess abandonment of animal killing and living a simple, kind and empathetic life. The
spiritual doctrines are important to usher world peace and serenity and to ensure that the
humanity works towards a common goal.
Anekantavad
The philosophy of Anekantavad is the earliest known doctrine of secular thoughts
where it was emphasized that the ideas and the thoughts of all schools must be entertained
and every idea is on the same path towards realisation of the supreme Truth. The idea of unity
among all the religious ideas and principles are the basis for establishing a world with
common good. Whether it is necessary to follow a particular ritual or observance is to be left

2PHILOSOPHY
upon them until and unless these may cause problem to the other individuals. The general
idea of Anekantavad is to establish the idea that an open mind is important to accept ideas
and philosophies from all branches of spiritual thoughts (Anekantavada 2016). It is not
understandable how a particular religion can declare itself to be the only truth. Therefore
Anekantavad solves this problem by declaring that there can be various perspectives to one
truth. In the video named Anekantavad it is shown by a small example that how an elephant
is touched by various blind men in various parts of its body. The man described the elephant
according to the body part it touched. This explains men with their limited perspective can
understand the truth in a partial way. Therefore a collaborative practice of spiritual
assimilation is important in stepping towards achieving a complete secular society where
everyone will be having their own religious ideas which they would practice without anyone
trying to change the ideas inherent in them. Akentavad aims to solve many problems go
human kind by bringing unity.

3PHILOSOPHY
Reference:
Anekantavada., 2016. ANEKANTAVADA: The Jain Version of Multiple World Views.
[online] YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKfB3fepI30 [Accessed
8 Jul. 2018].
Neuralsurfer., 2015. The Two Minute Warning: Jainism and the Practice of Ahimsa. [online]
YouTube. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE0X6UjT-0s [Accessed 8 Jul.
2018].