THE ANGLE OF PERSPECTIVES
Need a new lens.
Perspective is the way individuals see the world. It comes from their personal point of view and is shaped by life experiences, values, their current state of mind, the assumptions they bring into a situation, and a whole lot of other things. The theory of Anektawada of Jainism conveyed to us that things are never in black and white rather they are in shades of grey. Every individual in his own capacity has the freedom to think as he wants, to have his/her own opinion, has the right to have informed opinion, and should have the freedom to do so because it strengthens tolerance, patience, respect, companionship, and compassion towards others.
Let’s start with examples: Qutb-ud-din Aibak built Adhai Din Ka Jhonpra. One perspective behind that monument is that it was built to showcase the superiority of Muslim religion over other religions since some of the materials used for the original construction may have come from destroyed Hindu and Jain temples. Well, Aibak also commissioned the Qutb panel. The inscription there has a different story altogether.
The given panel depicts Samudra Manthan (Hindu mythology) differently. It shows that when Ganga(Hindus) and Jamuni(Muslims) meet than the flower(lotus) blooms.
The story of perspective can be seen in the reasons behind World War II where some consider Germany to be the sole reason behind it while others don’t.
This is a perfect example of diversity and diverse opinions. If you’re Buddhist, you’ll see a BODHI TREE. If you’re Sufi saint, you’ll see TREE OF KNOWLEDGE and the philosophy of “WAHADAT UL WAJOOD”. If you’re Hindu, you’ll see KALPA VRIKSHA while a Jain sees the same tree which Mahavira talks about(the cycle of life-death).
Knowledge was considered as bliss. It was the path to reach God, to know the unknown, and to arrive at the refined conclusion. However, Nietzsche has given us the concept of knowledge-power connection wherein the purpose of knowledge(theories)is not, to tell the truth, but to exercise the power of someone over others.
US policy of “global war on terrorism” is seen as to eliminate terrorism and save human rights violations. Some countries like India, UK are along with the US in supporting it stands on global forums while certain countries, particularly West Asian like Iran sees it as an assertion of US hegemony.
Similarly, in economic context also we have a similar scenario. Globalization which was viewed as promoting liberal world order and free trade has been highly criticized by Feminist, Marxist even by liberals like Joseph Stieglitz. Jagdish Bhagwati in his book “INFLUENCE OF GLOBALIZATION” talks about how it brought development and an unprecedented rate of growth particularly in developing and poor countries. However, Ramesh Thakur and Jorge Heine in the book named “DARK SIDE OF GLOBALIZATION” talks about how it has deepened inequality, promote unsocial activities like human trafficking, organized crimes, etc.
Thus, in this fast-moving world, keep your senses and mind open to accept the unaccepted part. Have the patience to understand that others consciously deserve the same value. Embrace as much knowledge as you can because it will help you to grow, have a broader view, decision-making will become easier and effective, facilitates specialization, and improves your leadership skills.
