Introduction

This chapter aims to show how an ancient spiritual tradition is adapted with imagination and flexibility to the challenges and creative opportunities of the modern world. It addresses the question of Jain identity by exploring the community's origins, beliefs and role within Indian society and subsequently the Diaspora, highlighting the Jains' current and historical relationship with business. The chapter explains many areas of life, including philosophical speculation, that are central to Jain entrepreneurs but which are more generally held to have little to do with business practice or which are seen as benign optional extras. In Jain philosophy, Anekant is known as the doctrine of multiple viewpoints. It is based on the assumption that each viewpoint is important because absolute knowledge is unattainable by humankind, at least at our present evolutionary stage. The attitude of humility required by Jain ethics enjoins business leaders to respect people from all social classes.