Anekantavada, as a living discipline, begins with intellectual humility in everyday thought. One learns to recognize that any personal viewpoint is necessarily partial and conditioned, and therefore avoids absolute claims about people, events, or doctrines. This inner stance is reflected in language that is careful and qualified, using expressions such as “from this perspective” or “it appears that,” rather than sweeping statements that leave no room for nuance. Such humility naturally encourages ongoing self-examination, a willingness to question one’s own assumptions, and an openness to revise opinions when new perspectives or information arise. In this way, the mind is trained to remain flexible rather than rigid.

In interpersonal communication, Anekantavada manifests as respectful dialogue instead of combative debate. One listens attentively to others, asks clarifying questions, and seeks to understand the experiences and motivations that shape their views. Disagreement is expressed without attacking the person, and there is a conscious effort to avoid hasty judgments based on limited information. By acknowledging that others may be grasping aspects of truth that are not yet visible from one’s own standpoint, conversation becomes a shared inquiry rather than a contest for victory. This approach naturally supports empathy, as it invites a sincere attempt to see the world through another’s eyes.

In situations of conflict, the doctrine guides one to look for the many-sided nature of the issue. Instead of reducing a dispute to a simple right–wrong dichotomy, different standpoints, circumstances, and intentions are carefully considered. This often leads to a search for common ground that honors legitimate differences while still allowing for practical resolution. Such a stance softens harsh judgments and restrains the inner impulse to condemn, thereby aligning thought and speech with non-violence at a subtle level. The result is a style of conflict resolution that aims at understanding and reconciliation rather than domination.

In ethical decision-making, Anekantavada encourages a deliberate examination of multiple angles before acting. Moral, practical, emotional, short-term, and long-term aspects of a situation are weighed, with the awareness that most choices carry both beneficial and harmful possibilities. Recognizing that no single perspective exhausts the truth, one strives for decisions that are as holistic and least harmful as possible, without clinging to rigid rules. This fosters tolerance toward diverse beliefs, lifestyles, and cultural practices, seeing them as context-bound expressions rather than absolute errors. Over time, such practice cultivates patience with uncertainty and a deep respect for the complexity of reality.