India: Conflict and Coexistence. Jainism’s Conflict Resolution Strategies for Contemporary Mediators

This article aims to examine the relatively neglected yet significant role of Jainism, an ancient Indian religion based on the principles of non-violence, in establishing peace through conflict resolution. It explores how fundamental Jain teachings extend far beyond personal spirituality and provide guidance on resolving societal conflicts. The study discusses both historical and doctrinal dimensions, illustrating how Jainism offers clear guidelines for addressing conflicts in a non-violent manner. The article highlights how Jainism promotes a culture of peace through self-restraint, forgiveness, empathetic communication, and non-violence as its cornerstone. In the context of contemporary conflict resolution mechanisms, this study offers an important lesson, particularly for mediators seeking alternative methods that foster long-term peace by integrating traditional practices with philosophical interpretations—approaches increasingly relevant to the sustainable development of harmony. The article also provides pragmatic guidelines, showing how Jain conflict resolution mechanisms can offer profound insights and methods for mediators in today’s world. Keywords: Conflict resolution, Golden Rule, Jainism, non-violence, mediation, mediator.