Facets of Jain Philosophy Religion and Culture

Author(s): Shreechand Rampuriya, Ashwini Kumar, T M Dak, Anil Dutt Mishra
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati
Catalog link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002012/1

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FACETS OF JAIN PHILOSOPHY RELIGION AND CULTURE Anekantavada and Syadvada General Editor : Sreechand Rampuria Edited by : Rai Ashwini Kumar T. M. Dak Anil Dutta Mishra

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FACETS OF JAIN PHILOSOPHY RELIGION AND CULTURE 17 ANEKANTAVADA AND SYADVADA General Editor : Sreechand Rampuria Edited by : Rai Ashwini Kumar T. M. Dak Anil Dutta Mishra JAIN VISHVA BHARATI INSTITUTE (DEEMED UNIVERSITY) LADNUN-341306 (RAJASTHAN)

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Published by: Jain Vishva Bharati Institute Launun-341 306 (Rajasthan) General Editor : Sreechand Rampuria Edited by: Rai Ashwini Kumar T. M. Dak Anil Dutta Mishra First Edition : 1996 (c) by the Authors Price : Rs. 325.00 $ 25.00 tawan Printers J-9, Naveen Shahdara, Delhi-110032 Ph.: 2273645

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Prologue Jain literature is very rich, varied and vast. No subject worth the name has been left untouched by the Jain saints, thinkers and scholars. It is really a pity that Jain literature and thought has not been able to generate awareness among the scholars about the different aspects of Jainism. Of course, some scholarly articles have been published in various Journals. As these materials are scattered here and there, one, therefore, fails to have a full and comprehensive view of the different aspects of Jain Philosophy, Religion and Culture. There is a dearth of excellent treatises on different themes of Jainism. I have, therefore, embarked on a project to fulfil this desideratum. About a decade ago I collected some of the finest research articles on the various aspects of Jainism from the outstanding Journals and books written by eminent scholars and thinkers, and decided to publish them in 25 Volumes, each volume containing articles on some specific aspect of Jainism. Jain Vishva Bharati Institute is bringing out these volumes and we are fortunate in having the blessings, inspiration and guidance of Ganadhipati Gurudeva Tulsi and Acharya Shri Mahaprajna for the completion of this work. The first volume of the series is addressed to the study of Anekantavada and Syadvada, which are considered to be ihe foundation-stone of Jainism and permeate all the spheres of Jain thinking. I express my thankfulness to the editors who have taken pains in getting the present volume published in record time. I would feel amply rewarded is the work stimulates the mind and heart of the readers to understand the true spirit of Anekantavada. ** Let all attain peace and happiness. Sreechand Rampuria Ladnun 11th January, 1996.

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Foreword Jain Vishva Bharati Institute is a centre of higher studies, learning and research in Jainology. It has been set up to bring forward the treasure of knowledge lying hidden in the Canonical texts of Prakrit literature. One of the most important tasks undertaken by this Institute is to cull out the Scientific concepts from the heap of wide-spread teachings of Lord Mahavira. Jain doctrines assume special significance and relevance in the context of present day violence, conflicts and tensions. In addition to translating Jain Agamas from Prakrit into Hindi and English, the Institute has decided to edit the articles on Jain Philosophy, Religion and Culture written in English by different scholars at different times which were published in old magazines and books, and to divide them under specific themes. Altogether, there are 25 themes under which such articles have been classified. The present volume is the first of these volumes. There could not have been more appropriate subject than "Anekantavada'' to start this series meant for English knowing persons, who want to understand the concepts and doctrines of Jain philosophy, particularly for those living abroad. The distinguished authors of the articles included in this volume come from different Schools of thought. They have expressed their views according to their own study and understanding. The reader will find this healthy mixture quite enlightening and thought-provoking. There could not have been a better example of Anekantavada than this book itself which presents different views on the same subject, each relevant and true in its own way. The relevance of "Anekantavada" in the present context of conflicts needs no emphasis. It is as much a philosophy as a science. True Anekantavadin does not discriminate on the basis of caste,

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religion, sex, race and nationality. He is secular in outlook and scientific in approach. The human values will find their roots in this universal concept I am very happy that this volume is coming out in the International year of "Tolerance'', which is the essence of Anekanta. I am sure that it will benefit thinkers as well as decision-makers all over the world, and strengthen the foundation of peace in the minds of those who rule the polities and communities. Ladnun 11th January, 1996. M.S. Bhandari Vice-Chancellor Jain Vishva Bharati Institute

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Preface With the drawing of the present millennium to a lower botoiars are now increasingly acknowledging the value of the rich, profound and varied philosophical, religious and cultural heritage of India bequeathed to us by a galaxy UT 1llustrious genius of the Brahminical, Buddhist and Jinist seers, saints and thinkers together with the followers of other faiths who also evinced keen interest in enriching and elevating the thought and culture of the country. The contributions and achievements of Brahminism (later known as Hinduism) and Buddhism are more or less widely known but it is a wonder that Jainism has remained unknown, to a greater extent, to scholars who, due to some reason or other,could not bestow adequate attention to it which it really deserves. Jainism is one of the few religions of India which, dating back to hoary past, has survived the ravages of time. It is said to be promulgated, during the present period, by twentyfour tirthankaras, the first being Rshabha, who is found mentioned even in the Vedas and whose details are also recorded in the Hindu Puranas. Neminatha, the twenty second tirthankara, is associated with Krsna. All these tirthankaras are not regarded as historical personages. Only the last two tirthankaras, Parsvanatha and Mahavira, are accepted as historical persons. Parsva flourished in the eighth century B.C. and preceded Mahavira by 250 years. We find some details about the life and teachings of Parsva in the Jaina texts. The early Pali texts also furnish some information about him. Mahavira is regarded as the twenty fourth and the last tirthankara. The sermons delivered by Mahavira were first transmitted orally from one generation to another and later on compiled and committed to writing, and are now known as Agamas. What we,

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viii today. know as Jain philosophy, religion and culture all this has, in fact, originated with Mahavira. This knowledge has been made explicit in the vast post-canonical literature. There are a good number of literary and mythological works in several Indian languages produced by Jain poets and saints. Jain thinkers like Umasvati, Kundakunda, Siddhasena Divakara, Samantabhadra, Akalanka, Haribhadra, Vidyananda. Hemacandra, Upadhyaya Yasovijaya, Acarya Tulsi and others have made significant contributions of abiding value to Jain philosophy and religion. In the field of art and architecture, too, the Jainas have achieved singular heights and some of the images, temples, paintings etc. which exhibit rare artistic beauty can be regarded as excellent specimen of their workmanship. With a view to providing an opportunity to the academic world to have a thorough acquaintance with the opulent and colossal information about Jain philosophy, religion and culture and opening the way for further research, we have undertaken a gigantic project to publish in 25 volumes such articles written by a number of scholars on these subjects which have already appeared in various Journals. We have also utilized some portions, relevant to our projeci, from the works of scholars of eminence. Each volume will contain articles on some specific topic. We are sure, this proposed project, when completed, would prove to be a valuable source for understanding the spiritual, intellectual and cultural contours of religio-philosophical thought of the Jainas. The present volume, the first in the series of 25 volumes, contains articles on Anekantavada and Syadvada. The doctrine of Anekanta forms the corner-stone of Jain philosophical thinking. Hence, the first volume is devoted to the study of the different aspects of this important doctrine of Jaina philosophy. It is the prerogative of the human beings to know the truth and also to express it. According to the Jainas, we find a multiplicity of reals in the world and each object of knowledge is found to be endowed with infinite characteristics. The infinite number of characteristics, though appear to be mutually contradictory, are, in fact, the inalienable part of a real. As a matter of fact, a real is an integrated whole of infinite number of qualities or attributes. They do certainly, say the Jainas, co-exist in the same object. This co-existence of mutually opposed characteristics should be accepted as a reality. This is the intrinsic nature of the reality. If we deny this, then there arise various sorts of complications and confusions which lead to conflicts, strifes and tensions. Seeing widely differing theories on the

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IX same subject one is apt to get confused, hardly knowing which of them represents the correct position. Here Anekantavada comes to our aid and rescue, and provides an amicable solution to controversies. Anekantavada stands for right vision. It enables us to comprehend the true nature of an object which is possessed of infinite attributes. Reality, according to the Jainas, is multi-dimensional. It has many facets and qualities. So it is very difficult to comprehend the true nature of a reality in its entirely. Really speaking, only a particular aspect of an object is comprehended by a common onlooker. He, therefore, gives an estimate of reality from a particular standpoint. This is, in fact, only a partial truth about an object and if the person asserts in the like manner then he is not looking upon this standpoint as the only true standpoint. This goes well so far as he admits his limitations. The fact of the matter is that he understands that there may be a multitude of different viewpoints of a given situation or event and all those viewpoints in their totality reflect the full nature of the situation or event. And hence, unless we take into account all the different aspects of a thing we cannot be in a position to comprehend it fully as also to express it correctly and completely. On the otherhand, if a person claims his thesis to be the absolute truth on the basis of his comprehension of only a particular aspect of the object, then certainly he is going beyond what he has comprehended. This assertion may be called false according to Anekantavada and will certainly encourage dogmatism and fanaticism, extremism and intolerance. Hence, Anekantavada cautions us against building closed systems of philosophy and rather encourages us to formulate a theory of relativity which harmonizes all mutually contradictory standpoints. This doctrine intends to convey the truth that co-existence of mutually contradictory characteristics of an object is a fact which should not be ignored if we want to live peacefully and smilingly. This is also a source of strength of democracy. The existence of opposition is essential for the survival and effective functioning of democracy. In the absence of opposition, democracy certainly loses its lusture, grandeur, creditibility and utility. This is our experience, and to deny it its due place and importance would be suicidal. To deny opposition, therefore, would mean to deny democracy. Similary, to deny the co-existence of mutually conflicting viewpoints about a thing would mean to deny the true nature of a reality. All our statements are conditional, and are made keeping in mind a certain context. If we present our viewpoints conditionally, then we are speaking the truth

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inasmuch as our statements are quite in conformity with our conprehension of those aspects of reality. Thus, Anekantavada fosters the spirit of reconciliation in us by pointing to the essential interrelatedness of different views and harmonizing them in a new Synthesis. Anekantavada unfolds its vision through Nayavada and Syadvada. Nayavada is an analytical method of standpoints, while Syadvada is the Synthetical method of Knowledge. What we to-day know as the doctrine of co-existence, or the spirit of reconciliation, or the theory of relativity-all these, in fact, originate from Anekantavada. It is a dynamic philosophy of life through which we can lead a life of partnership and participation, a life of friendliness and harmony, a life of non-violence and equality. It indeed touches almost every aspect of life and envisages total change in the horizon of our outlook, thought and action. It provides an integral, balanced and effective approach to the solutions of the problems which mankind is facing to-day. Thus it has all the potentialities for the emergence of a new man. As in the past, so even to-day and years to come, Jainism is destined to play a vital role in the intellectual, social and cultural transformation of the humanbeings. Hence, a correct understanding, loration and application of anekanta will certainly be fruitful for the welfare of the humanity. It will lead to the establishment of a peaceful world-order. To inculcate the spirit of tolerance as also the attitude of appreciation of other's point of view is the need of the hour which may be made possible by understanding and following the philosophy of Anekanta. We hope, this volume will encourage the scholars and lovers of Jainism to undertake a critical exposition of the different aspects of Anekantavada and Syadvada. There is a vast literature on this topic. Jain Agamas throw a welcome light on Anekantavada. But this has remained unexplored so far. Later Jain thinkers have also produced their masterpieces on this important doctrine. The contribution of each thinker should be brought to light. A thorough study of this doctrine has remained, more or less, neglected. It would not be out of place to mention that it has not be rly understood. Hence, we believe, it is the duty of earnest scholars to dispassionately evaluate the merit of Anekantavada and Syadvada from various standpoints and present their results before the academic world. This work we have been able to publish only due to the benig

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grace of Ganadhipati Gurudeva Tulsi and Acharya Mahaprajna who have been perennial source of inspiration to us. We offer our obeisance to them. To the General Editor, Shri Sreechand Rampuria, who happens to be the Chancellor of our Institute, we offer our sincere gratitude for providing us an opportunity to edit this volume. We place on record our indebtedness to our Vice-Chancellor, Shri M.S. Bhandari for allowing us to complete this important task. We are also thankful to Shri Suresh Bansal for printing this volume in a very short time. Anuvrata Bhawan New Delhi January 14, 1996 Rai Ashwini Kumar T.M. Dak Anil Dutta Mishra

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Contents Prologue Foreword Preface 1. An Introduction: The Axioms of Non-absolutism Acharya Mahaprajna 2. Anekantavada : The Principal Jaina Contribution of Logic Sukhlalji Sanghvi 3. The Anekantavada of the Jainas H.M. Bhattacharya 4. Theory of Anekantavada K.C. Bhattacharya 5. Metaphysical View of Anekanta Jeihalal S. Zaveri 6. Anekanta. Syadvada and Saptabhangi Y.T. Padmarajiah 7. Anekantavada, Nayavada and Sydvada Nathmal Tatia 8. Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) Satkari Mookerjee 9. Anekanta and the Problem of Meaning S.M. Shaha 10. The Development of the Doctrine of Anekantavada Jagdish Chandra Jain 11. The Rudiments of Anekantavada in Early Pali Literature Bhagchandra Jain 276

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xiv 291 295 307 314 323 12. References to Syadvada in the Ardha-magadhi Canon A.N. Upadhye 13. An Analysis of 'syat in Syadvada M. P. Marathe 14. Syadvada S.H. Divatia 15. The Conception of Syadvada R.C. Pandeya 16. A Side-view of Syadvada P.B. Adhikari 17. The Doctrine of Syadyada : Examination of Different Interpretations Arvind Sharma 18. Syadvada Theory of Jainism in Terms of a Deviant Logic Filita Bharuch and R. V. Kamat 19. Jainas' Syadvada and Bradley's view of Judgment Brij Kishore Prasad 20. Syadvada and the Modern Scientific Theory of Relativity Shanti Prakash Atreya 21. Syadvada and Relativity Z.V. Kothari 22. The Syadvad & World Peace V.G. Nair 326 339 345 351 358 374

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ANEKANTAVADA AND SYADVADA

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INTRODUCTION The Axioms of Non-absolutism* ACHARYA MAHAPRAJNA The Concomitance between the Universal and the Particular We can know the truth and also express it. It consists in the trio of entity, word and knowledge. Different philosophies have looked at the problem from different angles of vision. The Vedanta has explained the problem from three standpoints--the ultimate, the empirical and the apparent. The Brahman is the ultimate truth, while the sensuous world has only empirical validity. The cognition of the 'will-o' the wisp and dream is pure appearance. In Hinavana Buddhism the truth is twofold. viz. the ultimate and the conventional, while in the idealist Buddhism it is threefold, viz. the ultimate (parinispanna), the dependent (paratantra) and the imaginary (parikalpita). The self-nature (momentariness) of the object is the ultimate truth. The universal nature is only a conventional truth on account of its being a product of the intellectual function of exclusion. Different thinkers have presented the different aspects of truth in their own way. The foundation-stone of such presentation is twofold-intuitive experience and rational knowledge. In intuitive experience the object is known directly and, therefore, there is no difference in such experience. The rational knowledge that occurs at * New Dimensions in Jaina Logic. Today and Tomorrow's Printers and Publishers, New Delhi, 1984. 1. Pramanavarttika, 2.4. arthakriyasamartham yat, tadatra paramarthasat/ anyat samvitisat proktam, te svasamanyalaksanell

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2 Anekantavada and Syadvada the sensual level does not cognise the object directly and this is the reason why there are varieties in such cognitions. The Vedanta rejected the modes as unreal while accepting the substance alone as ultimately true. The Buddhist, on the other hand, rejected the substance as imaginary by accepting the reality of the modes. According to Jaina logic, both the substance and the modes are ultimately true. When the substance hidden under the waves of modes has no appeal, the modes come up prominently at the cost of the substance which lies submerged under them. When the modes, like waves, lose their identity in the calmness of the unfathomed ocean of substance, the latter alone appears to be ultimately real. The Vedantic monism is like the waveless ocean and the Buddhist phenomenalism is the state of the ocean agitated by waves. Non-absolutism appropriates them both, as so finely expressed in the following beautiful imagery-Aparyayam vastu samasyamanama- dravyametacca vivicyamanam/ Ade'sabhedoditasaptabhanga- madidrsastvam budharupavedyam//2 From the synthetic viewpoint the object is without modes and from the analytic standpoint it is unsubstantial. "You have realised. Oh Lord, the truth in its sevenfold aspects on account of sevenfold view-points, that reveals itself only to the Wise. The substance presents itself when our thinking is synthetic, losing all its modes and when our approach is analytical, the modes become prominent at the cost of the substance. In the formative period of anekanta some principles of logical concomitance were discovered and that constituted an epoch-making achievement of that age. The first axiom of non-absolutism is the concomitance of the universal and the particular. The one without the other is inconceivable. The upshot is that a mode without a substance is as impossible as a substance without a mode. There is no such gap between truth and untruth. There is hardly any line of demarcation between the truth of the concept and the falsity of another. The gap between them, if any, can be understood if one realises that the particular bereft of universal is as nonsensical as the universal bereft of the particular. Both the concepts, viz. the universal and the particular, are true if they are mutually dependent. One rejecting the other is false, while both are the true representatives of their own objects of reference. : 2. Anyayogavyavacchedadvatrinsika, verse 23.

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 3 Concomitance between the Permanent and the Impermanent The second axiom of non-absolutism is the concomitance of the permanent and the impermanent, the truth of the one is verified by the truth of the other. The materialist thinks that the sensuous world alone is true. There is nothing like the spiritual. The spiritualist, on the other hand, asserts that it is the self alone that is true, the sensuous world is false. The logicians of the Jaina school investigated the truth behind the rival claims and found that the sensuous world was not false. Whatever is possessed of causal efficiency is true. The senses are causally efficient and hence cannot be untrue. Their objects also cannot be false. The characteristic features of a real are origination, cessation and persistence. Whatever is causally efficient does necessarily arise, cease to exist and also continue. To say that the sensuous world is true and the self is untrue can be possible only in ordinary parlour, but it can never he a language expressive of the truth that is deep and unfathomable. On the other hand, to say that the self alone is the ultimate truth while the sensuous world is unadulterated falsehood, can be the language of the spiritual world, but it can never be true of the world as it is. The saints and philosophers cannot express themselves in identical linguistic tools. In spiritual idiom the sensuous objects are momentary and evanescent. Such idiom could inspire detachment and renunciation, but would miserably fail as a device of logical investigation of the nature of truth. Logic does not distinguish between the reality of the sensuous object and the reality of the self. The material atoms are as real as the spiritual self in the eyes of the rationalist. All that originates, vanishes and persists is real. This triple criterion of truth is as validly applicable to the material atom as to the spiritual self. When the spiritual values become identical with the world outside, the doctrine of impermanence turns to be a controversial issue. Otherwise that is a very valuable doctrine. All the spiritual thinkers, without any exception, have endorsed it. The Jainas also have assigned adequate importance to it. Among the twelve contemplations, impermanence occupies the first position. The practitioner of such contemplation repeats within himself the formula--everything is impermanent. But that belongs to the sphere of spirituality. As soon as one switches to rational thinking, it is the definite view of the Jaina philosophers that the discrepancy between the impermanence 3. Tattvarthasutra. 5.29. upadavyayadhrauvyayuktam sat.

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4 Anekantavada and Syadvada of the material and the permanence of the spiritual becomes untenable. To the reasoning mind the permanence and the impermanence are equally shared by the spiritual and the material world. A clear line of demarcation can never be drawn between permanence and impermanence. By the admission of such distinction the Samkhya system had to assign both bondage and emancipation to Prakrti (the primordial matter) instead of Purusa of whom the two were only metaphorically admissible. The Purusa is eternally free and pure. The admission of bondage and emancipation would make the latter amenable to change and impermanence, a position which could not be acceptable to the Sankhya system. Among the Jainas, Acarya Kundakunda has also asserted, like the Samkhya, that the Siva (the soul) is not the agent of karma. The karma is agent of itsel. If the soul were the agent of karma, he would never be free from it. And it is exactly because he is not the agent, he is capable of getting rid of karma. From the absolute substantial standpoint, it is true that the nature can never change. Consciousness has a specific nature which is conscious. It can never lapse. Self-awareness is its specific function. How could then it be the agent of the karma which is a heterogeneous entity ? This is the standpoint of pure substance, independent of any adventitious adjunct. One can defend the Samkhya's assignment of bondage and emancipation to the Prakrti. In the language of Jainsism one can similarly say that it is only the karmic body that is subject to bondage and emancipation. From the semi-absolute substantial standpoint one could assert that the jiva (the soul) is the agent of karina. The substantial standpoint is concerned exclusively with the universal. The mode sinks into insignificance when the universal is predominant. Permanence is true because a thing not only exists but exists for ever. An entity's continuance for long gives an impression of its uninterrupted continuity. When we concentrate on similar or the identical aspects of a thing, the philosophy of identity, universality or substance presents itself as the only valid alternative. The flow of origination and cessation is going on without interruption. How could 4. Brhad nayacakra. 191. 5. Ibid, 194. bhave sarayamadi savve jivammi jo du jampedi/ so hu asuddho utto kammanovahiniravekkholl 6. Ibid, 192. uppadavayam gaunam kicca jo gahai kevala satta/ bhannai so suddhanao iha sattagahio samayell

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 5 one say that the mountain that his ancestors saw still continues to exist ? Or the person in front is the same whom he saw yesterday ? The old atoms are constantly giving place to new ones. A person's atomic physical conglomerate is being constantly emitted and replaced by a facsimile. In the absence of such emission the method of photography of the absent object could never be successful. This movement of atoms proves impermanence of the substance. The successive vision of similar modes gives an impression of permanence, exactly as the attention directed to the discrete modes gives rise to the impression of impermance. Under these two diverse situations how should we distinguish between the truths of permanence and impermanence ? The falsity of the one would entail the truth of the other, which would lead to the controversy that exists between the rival camps, each believing in one or the other alternative. Non-absolutism, however, does not admit the absolute validity of any one of these alternatives. According to it neither permanence independent of impermanence nor impermanence independent of permanence is the whole truth, both being true only relatively. There is no creation, according to Kundakunda, without destruction and no destruction without creation and no creation-cum-destruction without continuity or eternity. The synthesis of the three-creation, destruction and continuity-is the truth. The instantaneous modality (arthaparyaya) is the mode that is momentary, according to which the mountain or man in front cannot be the same as had been seen ten years before. The prolonged modality (vyanjanaparyaya), on the other hand, is one that continues for an appreciably long time, according to which the mountain or the standing before is the same as had been seen ten years ago. In instantaneous modality the recognition of similarity is absent while in prolonged modality it is predominant. To deduce impermanence and permanence respectively from dissimilarity and similarity is only a truth and not the truth that is ultimate. The dissimilarity in instantaneous modality as well as similarity in prolonged modality are both nothing but modes which would entail impermanence. In the unending chain of causality there comes a moment when a mountain or 7. Visesavasyakabhasya, gatha 72. evam vivadanti naya micchabhinivesato paropparato/ idamiha savvanayanayam jinamatamanavajjamaccantam// 8. Pravacanasara, 100 and 101. na bhavo bhangavibino bhango va natthi sambhavavihino/ uppado vi ya bhango na vina dhovvena atthenal/ uppadatthidibhanga vijjante pajjaesu pajjaya/ davve hi santi niyadan taniha davvam havadi sayvan//

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6 Anekantavada and Syadvada a man, as an entity, ceases to exist and dissolves in atoms which, however, do continue to exist in the eternity of time and space. The soul that infused life in that body does likewise never cease to exist. The condition of permanence is the basic substance. A mode, whether momentary or continuous, dissimilar or similar, does as a rule establish impermanence. The approach or the viewpoint (naya) of universality and permanence is the standpoint of substance (dravyarthika naya) while that of particularity and change as origination-cum-cessation is the standpoint of modes (paryayarthika naya). These two are the basic standpoints that are mutually relative. From the relativity of these two are derived the two principles of non-absolutisi, viz. identity-cumdifference of the universal and the particular, and the relativity or permanence-cum-impermanence. The concomitance of existence and non-existence The third axiom of non-absolutism is the concomitance of existence and non-existence. It is sometimes argued that because the surface of a wooden chair is hard, it bears weight and because it is soft, an axe can cut through it. And because hardness and softness contradict each other, they cannot co-exist. But as they appear to co-exist, both of them are only appearance and not reality. And along with their unreality the wooden chair is also unreal. This is not the way of non-absolutism, which regards an infinite number of mutually opposed attributes as an inalienable part of a real. A real is an integrated whole of infinite number of attributes. It is exactly because those attributes are mutually opposed that a real is a real in the true sense of the term. Opposition in fact is the richness of the real and in the absence of such opposition a real would be denuded of its reality. It is indeed the intrinsic nature of a real to be possessed of such opposed attributes and if so why should an attempt be made to deny its reality, by getting ourselves entangled in the labyrinth of imaginary contradictions. As Dharmakirtti puts it, who are we to deny what commends itself to the objects themselves ? What should exercise our mind is the search for the source of those oppositions and the conditions of their synthesis. The philosophy of non-absolutism made such search and found that existence and non-existence go together. Affirmation without negation and negation without affirmation is never possible. Affirmation is as much an attribute of a real as the negation. Existence is affirmation and non-existence is negation. The intrinsic nature of a substance is the

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 7 source of existence while the extrinsic nature of a substance is the source of non-existence. The substance of earth of which a pot is made is its own substance. Similarly the pot has its own space, time, colour and shape. A pot exists with reference to its own substance, space, time and modes. But it is non-existent as alien substance, space, time and modes. This relative estimation is a principle of synthesis. A pot does not both exist and not-exist with reference to identical factors of reference. Existence and non-existence as mutually opposed attributes do certainly exist simultaneously in the same object, but the basic conditions of the two (viz. existence and non-existence) are not identical. The prirciple of relativity points to the way of synthesis and testifies the reality of co-existence. Acarya Akalanka has mentioned a number of reasons for the admission of existence and non-existence. A pot exists with reference to its own nature, it does not exist with reference to an alien nature. This argument leads us to investigate the meaning of 'own nature and 'alien nature'. Akalanka's reply is--the own nature refers to the things that is responsible for the application of the 'pot concept and the 'pot word', and what is not amenable to such usage is the alien nature. The affirmation of the own nature and the denial of the alien nature establish the reality of a thing. If the alien nature, viz. a piece of cloth, is not excluded from the own nature, viz. the pot, the word 'pot' would be applicable as designation to all things. And in spite of such exclusion, if the own nature of the pot is not cognised, the latter would be a non-entity like a hare's horn. The specifically intended pot again passes through a number of phases. Any one among these phases is the own nature while the preceding and succeeding phases are its alien natures. An intermediate phase of the independent pot again is constantly subject to growth and decay. Therefore the state of the present moment is the own nature while the past and future states are the alien natures. If the existence of the pot is determinable by the past and future moments, exactly in the fashion of the present moment, then all pots-past, present and future should together be existent at any one moment. The same logic will apply to the nature of non-existence. In other words, if a particular non-existence were determinable by all the past and future non-existences in the same fashion as the present non-existence is determined by its own nature, the upshot will be that any particular moment of non-existence is a totality of all . non-existences-past, present and future. Existence and non-existence

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8 Anekantavada and Syadvada must each have its own nature, in the absence of which they would lose their identity. Again, the momentary pot has a good many qualities and modes like colour, taste, smell, form etc. We know its existence by seeing its colour with our eyes, and in this context the colour is the own nature, while taste etc. of which we are not aware at the moment, are the alien nature. Had taste etc. been the own nature like the colour of the pot, visible at the moment, then the former would be of the nature of colour. on account of its being cognised along with the colour by the eye. And as a result the conception of senses, other than the eye, will be a futile imagination. Epistemologically viewed, the idea of pot consequent upon the usage of the word 'pot' is the own nature (of pot), while the shape of the pot outside is the alien nature. Consciousness has two aspects(1) The aspect of being a cognition, just like an imageless mirror. (2) The aspect of being possessed of a cognitum, just like a mirror with an image Of these two, the aspect of being possessed of a cognitum is the own nature (of a pot). In other words, in the epistemological situation, the pot qua the cognitum is the own nature while the cognition itself is the alien nature. The criterion is that the point of focus is the own nature while the other auxiliary conditions are the alien nature. The own nature in its essence is the object on which our cognition is fixed. Otherwise all things would be indeterminable. Thus if a pot is considered as nothing other than the cognition itself, then all other things, like a piece of cloth etc., as cognita would be identical with the pot. Exactly similar consequences will follow if non-existence of a pot is identified with the cognition itself because in that case. non-existence being something indeterminable, the entity called pot would not be amenable to any kind of treatment, ontological or practical. The Concomitance of the Speakable and the Unspeakable The fourth axiom of non-absolutism is the concomitance of the 9. Tattvarthavarttika, 1/6: athava namasthapanadravyabhavesu yo vivaksitah sah svatma, itarah paratma. tatra vivaksitatmana ghatah, netaratmana. yaditaratmanapi ghatah syat, vivaksirama. na va' gharah, namadivyavaharocchedah syat. .

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 9 speakable and the unspeakable. A substance is possessed of an infinite number of attributes. It is, however, not possible to express in language those infinite number of attributes taking place every moment. Besides, our span of life and also the range of language have their own limitations. A substance is unspeakable on account of this infinitude of the aspects of a thing. Only one attribute can at best be spoken of in one moment and many in many moments, but never all during any stretch of time. A thing is thus speakable with reference to only a limited number of its auributes. The Wide Range of Non-absolutism The above four axioms are the foundations of non-absolutism. In the speculative period of Jaina philosophy this tetrad of axioms was fully exploited in the solution of logical problems. The growth and development of the epistemological apparatus also did not detract from the importance of these basic axioms. It was always appreciated that the epistemological apparatus itself needed the service of non-absolutism for its own systematic development. Non-absolutism, in fact, was a most comprehensive principle that determined the nature of Jaina thought in all its branches, social, ethical, psychological, ontological, metaphysical and the like. It was Acarya Siddhasena with whom the application of non-absolutism to the various branches of Jaina thought started. After dealing with the nature of varieties of the valid sources of knowledge, Siddhasena added, at the end of his Nyayavatara, an investigation into the nature of non-absolutism signifying its unavoidability in every such treatise. Akalanka, nanda, Haribhadra, Manikyanandi, Vadideva, Hemacandra and others also discussed the problem of valid knowledge in the light of non-absolutism. The principle of non-absolutism was not in the least adversely affected with the development of the science of logic and epistemology, but its importance was rather enhanced as a criterion of the investigation of the nature of logico-epistemological tools. And as a result the concomitance of being and non-being, one and many etc. was gradually firmly established, and Jaina metaphysics developed with the growth of the logical thought. There is, however, no reason to believe that these axioms of 10. Visesavasyakabhasya, gatha 450 (svopajnavrtti.). ukkosayasutanani vi janamano vi te' bhilappe vi/ na tarati savve vottum na pahuppati jena kalo sell ---iha tanutkrstasruto janano' bhilapyanapi sarvan (na) bhasate, anantatvat, parimitatvaccayusah, kramavartinitvad vaca iti.

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10 Anekantavada and Syadvada non-absolutism were not effective in the Agamic period. Nor is it a valid assumption that these axioms were discovered in the period of philosophical speculations. The difference, if any, lay in the spheres of the application of these axioms in those two periods. In the Agamic period, the principles were applied mainly in the field of ontology, while in the speculative age it was in demand for the synthesis of philosophical issues of all types. The Concomitance of Being and Non-being The following dialogue between Lord Mahavira and his disciple Gautama throws welcome light on the problem. Gautama : 0 Lord ! Does being change into being ? Does non-being change into non-being ? Lord : Yes, Gautama ! This is exactly so. Gautama : 0 Lord ! Does this change of being into being and non-being into non-being take place qwing to some effort or occur spontaneously? Lord : Gautama ! It is effected by effort and also occurs spontaneously. Gautama: 0 Lord ! Does your non-being change into non-being exactly in the same way as your being changes into being ? Similarly does your being change into being exactly as your non-being changes into non-being ? Lord : Yes Ciutama ! That is exactly so.11 The above dialogue clearly defines Lord Mahavira's assertion of the concomitance of being and non-being in the same entity as also their distinct causal identities. Lord Mahavira rejected both the propositions viz. everything exists (sarvan asti) and nothing exists (sarvam basti). He proposed a synthesis of the two. Both being and non-being are ture. They are distinct, though predicable of the same entity. The distinctness of the two is unambiguously demonstrated in the following words of 11. Bhagavai. 1.133-135. se nunam bhante ! atthittam atthitte parinama ? natthittam natthitle parinanai? hanta goyama! atthittam atthitte parinamai. je nam bhante! atthittam atthitte parinamai, natthittam natthitte parinamai. tam kim payogasa? visasa? goyama! payogasa vi tam, visasa vi tam. jaha te bhante ! atthittama'thitte parinamai, natthittam natthitte parinamai? Jaha te natthittam natthiite parinamai, taha te atthittam atthitte parinamai ? hanta goyama! jaha me atthittam atthitte parinamai, taha me natthittam natthitte parinamai. jaha me natthittam natthitte parinamai, taha me atthittam atthitte parinamai.

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 11 Gautama addressed to the upholders of heterodox doctrines. "We never, O beloved of gods ! speak of being as non-being and non-being as being. We affirm being of the concept 'everythings exists' (sarvam asti) and non-being of the proposition 'nothing exists' (sarvam nasti). The implication is that being is true as being and non-being is true as non-being. In other words, being and non-being are both real. It is interesting to note here that it is exactly these two propositions which were advanced by two rival Buddhist schools viz., the sarvastivadins and the Madhyamika sunyavadins. 12 The implication of the above dialogue is the rejection of absolute being and absolute non-being, and acceptance of the synthesis of the two as concrete aspects of an entity. Being and non-being are also explained as possessed of their definite place and value in the above dialogue. The Concomitance of the Permanent and the Impermanent 'Is it true, O Lord!', asked Gautama, 'that the unstable changes while the stable does not change, the unstable breaks whereas the stable does not break?' "Yes, Gautama! This is exactly so.??3 A substance is the co-existence of the unwavering and the wavering, the stable and the unstable. It is immutable and mutable both. The soul is immutable and as such it never changes into non-soul. It is also mutable and as such it passes through various forms of existence. This is explained in the following dialogue between Manditaputra and the Lord. Manditaputra: 'Is it true, O Lord ! that the soul is constantly subject to wavering and as a result it passes through various states ?' Lord : 'Yes, Manditaputra ! This is true.'14 The same has been said to be true of a material atom which has been regarded as an ever-changing entity in Jainism.15 12. Ibid, 7.217. tae nam se bhagavam goyame te annauttthie evam vayasi-no khalu vayam devanuppia ! atthi bhayam natthi tti vadamo, natthi bhavam atthi tti vadamo. amhe nam devanuppiya! savvam atthi bhavam atthi tti vadamo, savvam natthi bhavam natthi tti vadamo. 13. Ibid, 1.440. se nunam bhante ! athire palottai, no thire palottai ? athire bhajjai, no thire bhajjai?-- hanta goyama ! athire palottai, no thire palottai. athire bhajjai, no thire bhajjai---- 14. jive nam bhante ! saya samitam eyati, veyati, calati, phandai, ghattai, khubbhai, udirai, tam tam bhavam parinamai ? hanta mandiaputta! jive nam saya samitam eyati tam tam bhavam parinamai. 15. Ibid, 7. 150.

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12 Anekantavada and Syadvada The permanence of the substance is due to its unwavering character (the attribute of immutability), while its impermanence is due to its wavering character (origination and cessation). This is manifest from the following dialogue:-- Gautama : 'Is the soul permanent or impermanent, O Lord ?' d: The soul is permanent in some respect and impermanent in another respect. It is permanent in respect of its substance (which is eternal) and it is impermanent in respect of modes which originate and vanish.'16 This is true not only of the soul but of all other substances which are neither absolutely permanent nor absolutely impermanent, but both permanent and impermanent. The Concomitance of Identity and Difference of Substance and Modes Knowledge is the defining characteristic of a soul.'17 Here the soul-substance and the knowledge-quality are given from the stand-point of difference. On the other hand, it has also been said that what is designated as the soul is the knower, or conversely what is designated as the knower is the soul.18 Such Agamic texts assert the identity of soul and knowledge. The earth is a substance and a pot is its mode. A pot is made of earth and as it cannot be produced without it, it is identical with the earth. The earth cannot exercise the function of holding water, before it is transformed into a pot which, therefore, is functionally different from earth. A pot is a product and earth is its material cause; in other words earth is the substance of which the pot is a mode. The relation between the substance and its mode is identity-cum-difference. It, therefore, follows that an effect and a cause are related through identity-cum-difference. 16. Ibid, 7. 58-59. jiva nani bhante! kim sasaya? asasaya? goyama! jiva siya sasaya, siya asasaya. se kenatthenam bhante! evani vuccai-jiva siya sa saya, siya asasaya? goyama! davvatthayae sasaya, bhavatthayae asasaya. 17. Uttarajjhayanani, 28. 10. jivo uvaogalakkhano. 18. Ayaro, 5. 104. je aya se vinnaya, je vinnaya se aya. jena vijanati se aya. 19. Sanmatiprakarana, 3. 52. natthi pudhavivisittho ghado ti jam tena jujjai anamo/ jam puna ghado tti puvvam na asi pudhavi tao annoll

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 13 The Concomitance of One and Many There are dialogues which throw light on the concomitance of one and many. The following dialogue is an illustration in point: Somila : 'Are you one or many, O Lord ? Lord : 'I am one in respect of substance, O Somila, However, in respect of knowledge and intuition I am two. In respect of parts (constituents of a substance) I am immutable, eternal and unchanging. I am many in respect of the ever-changing phases of my consciousness. 20 The nature of the substance and modes entails the relationship of one and many, universal and particular , permanent and impermanent. The substance is one while the modes are many. The substance stands for the universal and the modes for the particular. The substance is eternal while the modes are changeable. The universal is two-fold--the horizontal (tiryag) and the vertical (urdhva).21 The proposition 'I am one', refers to the horizontal universal which is the experience of unity (ekatva), pervasiveness (anvaya) and essence (dhruvatva). The proposition 'I am many', in respect of the successive functions of my consciousness represents the vertical universal. There is the experience of before and after in it. The horizontal universal is the essence pervading through the different contemporary states, which establishes their unity. The vertical universal consists in the successive changes that are similar, which establishes a unity running through the past, present and future. We find elaborate investigations into the nature of nonabsolutism and the doctrine of relativism in the Agamic literature. The dictum--no word of the jina is independent of naya (a particular viewpoint) is the reputed principle of Agamic exegesis. Each proposition of the Agama was explained by means of the nayas. The tradition says that the Drstivada, the twelfth text of the basic scripture, contained philosophical discussions based on different viewpoints. By the third century B.C. the main part of the text was lost, leaving behind only a fragment of it. Vacaka Umasvati and Acarya Siddhasena were the 20. Bhagavai, 18. 219-220. ege bhavam? duve bhavam? akkhae bhavam? avvae bhavam? avattie bhavam? anegabhuyabhavabhavie bhavam? somila ege vi aham java anegabhuyabhavabhavie vi aham. se kenatshenam bhante! evam vuccai....? somila ! davvatthayae ege aham, nanadamsanatthayae duvihe aham, paesatthayae ... akkhae vi aham, avvae vi aham) uvayogatthayae anegabhuyabhavabhavie vi aham. 21. Pramananayatattvaloka, 5.3.

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14 Anekantavada and Syadvada pioneers in the application of the nayas to the different philosophical problems of their times and Acarya Samantabhadra carried this process to its consummation by including a good number of new issues that had cropped up by his time. Siddhasena clearly demonstrated that the Samkhya system illustrated the substantial standpoint whereas the Buddhist philosophy is a representive of the modal viewpoint. In this way he made an evaluation of all the systems of thought that were extant, from the relativistic standpoint, with reference to different nayas. The most important treatise of his on the subject is the Sanmati Tarka, while the most significant work of Samantabhadra on this subject is the Apta-Minamsa, in which he has most successfully been able to apply the principle of sevenfold predication to the current problems of universal and particular. identity and difference, existence and non-existence and such other mutually opposed doctrines to establish a synthesis between them. Both these treatises can be regarded as pioneer works of the philosophy of non-absolutism. Non-absolutism : Results and Problems The philosophical speculations based on the non-absolutistic attitude gradually gained in depth. By the eighth century A.D. Acarya Haribhadra and Akalanka further widened its scope. Acarya Haribhadra's Anekantajayapataka bears self-evident testimony to this process. The synthetic approach had also an uninterrupted growth. A serious doubt, however, presented itself. The question arose as to whether Jaina philosophy is a mere syncretistic eclectic movement or it had its own original thinking. Some modern scholars also adopt this line of thinking and are convinced that the Jaina thinkers developed their own philosophy by appropriating alien doctrines. Such thought owes its origin to the synthetic approach of the Jains to philosophical problems. Vacaka Umasvati raises the question whether the nayas are the proponents of alien philosophies or independent upholders of opposition inspired by diverse opinions, and answers that they are only different estimates (literally, concepts derived from different angles of vision) of the object known.22 Yatha va pratyaksanumanopamanaptavacanaih pramanaireko'rthah 22. Tattvarthabhasya, 1.35. kimete tantrantariya vadina ahosvit svatantra eva codakapaksagrahino matibhedena vipradhavita iti. atrocyate, naite tantrantariya napi svatantra matibhedena vipradhavitan. jneyasya tvarthasyadhyavasaya ntaranyetani. yatha va pratyaksanumanopamanaptavacanaih pramanairekorthah prami yate savisayaniyamat, na ca ta vipratipattayo bhavanti, tadvannavavadaiti.

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 15 pramiyate svavisayaniyamat, na ca ta vipratipattayo bhavanti tadvad nayavada iti. It is also asserted in this connection that three is no contradiction between them, just as there is none between different cognitions of the same object by different instruments of knowledge, such as perception, inference, comparison and the words of a reliable person. The Doctrine of Conditional Dialectics and Sevenfold Predication The expression Syadvuda (conditional dialectics) is composed of two words, viz. 'syat' and 'vada'. 'syut' is an indeclinable that appears like a verbal form in the potential mood. It stands for multiplicity, obligation, reasoning etc.. But in the present context it stands for multiplicity or multiple character (anekanta),23 The term is also used to denote particular space and time,24 as well as probability (sambhavana) and doubt. The word syat in the expression syadvada has not been used to mean doubt. It is used to denote multiplicity or multiple character (anekanta). The implication is that Syadvada is the doctrine of the multiple character of real. It is a doctrine that is known as Anekanta or the non-absolutistic estimation of reality in its infinitely multiple character. This non-absolutistic estimation is definite in character and free from all doubts as indicated by the expression syat which is absolutely free from any kind of association, direct or indirect, with the verbal form syat used in the potential mood of Sanskrit conjugation of verbal roots.25 Probability (sambhavana) and relativity. however, are implied by the word 'syat The word 'syat is necessary for the affirmation of the desired attribute to the exclusion of the undesired one. And this is why all the propositions, in order to be precise in meaning, should be accompanied by the use of the word 'syat'. 26 The propositions without such express use of 'syat should be understood to have that word implicitly. The word 'syut' has a double implication: (1) Negation without affirmation or affirmation without negation is 23. Tattvarthavarittika, 4:42. sa ca linanta (tinanta) pratirupako nipatah. tasyanekantavidhivicaradisu bahusvarthesu sambhavatsu iha vivaksavasat anekantartho grhyate. 24. Kasayapahuda, part I. p. 370. siyasaddo nivayattado jadi vi anegesu atthesu vattade, to vi ettha kattha kale dese tti edesu atthesu vattamano ghettavvo. 25. Tattvartha varttika, 1.6. syadvado niscitarthah apeksitayathatathyavastuvaditvat. 26. Nyayakumudacandra, part II, p. 694 syatkaramantarena ist@nistayorvidhinisedhanupapatteh.

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16 Anekantavada and Syadvada not possible. (2) The generic attribute (continuity or the universal) and the specific attribute (origination, cessation or the particular)--both these are relative. We never experience origination-cessation without continuity or the latter without the former. The nature of a real is not omnigenous and so it exists in its own nature and does not exist in the nature of alien things, or, to be more exact, a real exists in its present mode and does not exist in its modes that have passed away or will come in the future. The cycle of origination and cessation goes on uninterrupted. The mode that arises is the affirmation, whereas the mode that has passed away or is yet to arise is the negation of the object. Affirmation and negation are thus simultaneous moments of the real. A sensuous cognition of an object is positive in character and never negative according to some thinkers. The inference (anumana) is. however, positive and negative both. According to the conditional dialectics (syadvada) affirmation and negation are the attributes of the real. We perceive fire and the affirmation in this case means that the fire exists in a particular place. When we try to infer fire from smoke, the existence of smoke proves the existence of fire in a particular place while the existence of a contradictory probans (hetu) proves the non-existence of fire. But the affirmation or the negation in the conditional dialectics is not related to space or time of the object. They are related to the determination of the nature of the object. The fire in a particular place or time exists in its own nature, that is, its affirmation is dependent on its constituents and its denial is dependent on the elements that do not constitute its character. Affirmation and negation are co-existent in an object. On account of its positive character a thing is existent in its own nature, while on account of its negative aspect it is not mixed up with what is other than itself. In other words, the nature of an object is definite on account of its self-affirmation and negation of alien elements. This is indeed the reality of the real.27 The word "syat' defines this definiteness of the nature of an object. The conditional dialectics (syadvada) is also known as the exposition by division (vibhajyavada)28 or the doctrine of alternatives 27. Tattvarthavarttika, 1.6. svaparatmopadanapohanavyavasthapadyam hi vasturo vastutvam. 28. Suyagado, 1. 14. 22. samkejja ya' samkitabhava bhikkhu, vibhajjavayam ca viyagarejja/ bhasadugam dhammasamatthitehim, viyagarejja samaya' supannel

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 17 (bhajanavada)29 This follows from the following exhortation of Lord Mahavira: 'A monk should take resort to the doctrine of exposition by division (vibhajyavada); he should utilise all possible alternatives and should never adhere to an absolutistic attitude in explaining the nature of a thing.' The Lord himself explained many a problem by means of this method of division. Once Jayanti asked the Lord which was better between the states of slumber and awakening. . 'For some souls, O Jayanti! the slumber is commendable, but for * others awakening is wholesome.'30 'Why is it so, O Lord!?' "The slumber is wholesome for those who are engaged in sinful activities, while for the virtuous awakening is commendable.' The exclusive assertion of the wholesomeness of slumber or awakening would be an absolutistic answer which was not approved by Lord Mahavira who explained all the questions by means of divisions of issues avoiding exclusiveness. : If the identity of the substance and the attributes is accepted, both will merge into each other, losing their duality, and as a consequence the proposition the attribute subsists in a substance' would be impossible. If, again, the attribute were absolutely different from the substance, the proposition this attribute belongs to this substance' would be impossible, because in the absence of some sort of identity the proposition would be meaningless. According to the doctrine of alternatives (bhajanavada) the rule of exclusiveness of identity or difference. cannot be acceptable. The doctrine of alternatives (bhajanavada) approves of both identity and difference. The adjective-substantive relationship between the substance and the atrribute would be impossible if there were absolute identity between them. This difficulty is resolved by the relativistic viewpoint of the doctrine of alternatives. In the proposition 'a blue lotus', 'blue' is the adjective while 'lotus' is the substantive. The quality 'blue' is identical with the 'lotus', yet the substantive-adjective relationship substists, between them. 'A man with a beard is coming', in this proposition the expression 'with a beard' is the adjective of the expression 'man' which is the substantive. The adjective must be in some respect different from the substantive, and this is why the substantive-adjective LL 29. Kasayapahuda, part I, p. 281. 30. Bhagavai, 12. 53. 54.

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18 Anekantavada and Syadvada relationship does not offer any logical inconsistency in accepting the relationship of identity-cum-difference between the substance and its attributes. There is no contradiction between the positum and the negatum. This is the implication or pre-supposition of the doctrine of conditional dialectics (syadvada). The duality of apparently contrary attributes enjoys mutual concomitance. It is on this finding that the de non-absolutism (anekantavada) as a synthesis of infinite number of such dualities is established. The conditional dialectic (syadvada) is, in essence, the system of propositions expressing such multiple character of the real. In these propositions affirmation, negation and such other alternatives define the nature of the real. This can be demonstrated by the doctrine of sevenfold predication (saptabhangi) which is as follows: 1. The pot certainly (eva) exists in some respect (syat). 2. The pot certainly (eva) does not exist in some respect (syar). The pot certainly (eva) exists and does not exist in some respect (syat). The pot is certainly (eva) indescribable is some respect (syat). The pot certainly (eva) exists and is indescribable in some respect (syat). The pot certainly (eva) does not exist and is indescribable in some respect (syat). 7. The pot certainly (eva) exists, certainly does not exist and is indescribable in some respect (syat). It represents the existence of the pot, relegating the other attributes to a secondary position by excluding them from the intended area of reference. The expression 'eva' (certainly) in the above propositions indicates the definite character of the assertion or the negation or indescribability or their possible combinations. Sometimes it is suggested that the expression 'also' (api) should be substituted for the expression 'certainly' (eva) in the above propositions. But such substitution would not carry much meaning. Without the use of the expression "certainly' (eva) the intended attributes (existence, nonexistence etc.) would not be definitely determined. In the absence of relativism indicated by the phrase 'in some respect (syat) the use of the expression 'certainly' (eva) would confer an absolutistic import on the propositions. But by the use of the word "syat (in some respect)

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 19 2. The ex indicative of relativism, the expression 'certainly' (eva) loses the absolutistic import and confers definiteness on the intended attributes predicated in the propositions. The expression "eva' (exclusively) is used to serve three purposes1. The exclusion of non-relationship. (ayogavyavaccheda) The exclusion of the relationship with other (anyayogavyavac cheda) 3. The exclusion of absolute non-relationship (atyantayogavyavac cheda) In the proposition the conch is white exclusively there is the exclusion of non-relationship. The expression "eva' (exclusively) is attached to the adjective for excluding the doubt about the existence of the adjective. When the whiteness of the conch is under query, the assertion is made that the conch is white exclusively. In the proposition 'Partha alone is the archer', the exclusion of archership from any person other than Partha (Arjuna) is intended. Nobody is in doubt about the archership of Partha, but the use of the expression 'exclusively' (eva) is used to set at rest the common doubt as to whether there is any other person equal to Partha in the art of archery. In the proposition 'a blue lotus certainly exists', the absolute non-relationship (between a lotus and blueness) is excluded. In this proposition 'certainly' (eva) is attached to the verb 'exists' in order to exclude the doubt about the affirmation of universal existence or absolute non-existence (of blueness in the lotus). In the proposition 'the pot certainly exists in some respect, the word 'pot' is the substantive and the word 'exists' is the adjective. The word 'certainly' (eva) is connected with the adjective (viz. asti) and determines the attribute of existence of the pot. If the phrase 'in some respect' (syat) were not used in the proposition, the admission of absolute existence would be the result, which was not desirable, because there are also attributes other than existence in the pot. The use of the expression "syat' (in some respect) precludes such undesirable consequences. It also widens the limit imposed by the expression 'eva' (certainly). The unambiguous assertion of the intended attribute and the comprehension of many an unmentioned attribute are effected by the joint use of the words 'syat' and 'eva'. In the doctrine of sevenfold predication (saptabhangi) the

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20 Anekantavada and Syadvada affirmation and negation of the predicate are respectively made in the first two propositions, the predominant feature in the first being position and in the second negation. The attribute verbally mentioned is evidently predominant, while the attribute not so mentioned, but only understood, is secondary and subordinate. A thing is not absolutely devoid of its own nature and so it is described by means of affirmation as a predominant character. Nor is it omnigenous and so it is described by means of negation as a predominant factor. Negation is as much an attribute of a thing as affirmation. A pot has existence in respect of its own substance. This is affirmation. The pot has non-existence in respect of an alien substance. This is negation. Apparently thus the negation is a relative mode, that is, a mode with reference to another thing. But truly speaking this is not so. Negation is an intrinsic potency of a thing. A substance, if it were exclusively possessed of the attribute of existence bereft of non-existence, would not be able to preserve its substancehood. Negation is predicated with reference to other things and so it is called relative or 'dependent on others. The negation acts as a protecting shield by not allowing the encroachment of alien existences. A pot exists in respect of its own substance and does not exist in respect of an alien substance--both these propositions reveal the truth that the pot is a relative entity, as much dependent on itself as on others for its definite nature. This relativism falsifies either of the propositions, viz. the moment of existence of a thing is bereft of non-existence or that the moment of non-existence of a thing is bereft of existence. Existence and non-existence (affirmation and negation) are simultaneous. But this simultaneity is incapable of being expressed by a single word at a single moment. This is why a third proposition is requisitioned for expressing the simultaneity of existence and non-existence through the expression 'indescribable' (avaktavya). The implication is that the existence and non-existence are necessarily co-existent, but they are unspeakable simultaneously by a single expression on account of the absence of any linguistic symbol capable of discharging this ambivalent function. It would follow from the above that there are only three fundamental predicables, viz. existent, non-existent and indescribable. The remaining four predicables are but the different combinations of these three taken two or three at a time. In the Agamic period the use of three predicables was mostly in vogue. The use of the seven

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 21 predicables is also found in some cases. 31* Once Gautama asked Lord Mahavira--'O Lord! is a two spaced aggregate self, not-self or indescribable ? Lord replied--O Gautama! a two spaced aggregate is self in some respect, not-self in some respect and indescribable in some respect.' Gautama said-'How is it so, O Lord!?' Mahavira replied--'O Gautama! it is self in respect of its own nature, it is not-self in respect of alien nature and it is indescribable in respect of both.' Four additional predicables follow spontaneously,viz.1. A two-spaced aggregate is selfin some respect, is not-self in some respect. A two-spaced aggregate is self in some respect, is indescribable in some respect. A two-spaced aggreagate is not-self in some respect, is indescribable in some respect. The seventh predicable follows in respect of a three-spaced aggregate 4. A three-spaced aggregate is self in some respect, is not-self in some respect, is indescribable in some respect. A thing is positive and negative rolled into one. The doctrine of sevenfold predication has been framed on the basis of this dual attribute of position and negation. The dualities of universalparticular, permanent-impermanent, describable-indescribable can also constitute this system of sevenfold predication (saptabhangi). 31. Ibid, 12. 2. 9. In the case of the objects that are non-composite (for instance, a monad), the attributes are only three in number, viz. self, not-self and indescribable. Here 'indescribable' means the impossibility of the object being spoken of or described exclusively as 'self' or 'not-self' because of the same object being both (self and not-self) at the same time. These three attributes, however, become six in the case of a dyad (a composite body of two space-points) as follows: (1) self, (2) not-self, (3) indescribable, (4) self and not-self (one attribute for each space-point), (5) self and indescribable (one attribute for each space-point), (6) not-self and indescribable (one attribute for each space-point). These six ways again become seven in case of a triad (a composite body of three space-points) in the following way: (1) to (2) as above, and (3) self, not-self and indescribable (one attribute for each of three spacepoints). Here the fourth, fifth and sixth ways have each two more subdivisions. Thus the fourth, viz. self and not-self, has the following two additional subdivisions. (1) self (for two space-points) and (2) not-self (for the remaining one space-point). The fifth and sixth ways also have similar subdivisions.

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22 Anekantavada and Syadvada Each of these dualties can be used as the predicates of the seven propositions. Three propositions constituted by these duals are given below by way of illustration. It should be noted here that the Jaina philosopher's conception of universal is quite different from that of the Nyaya-Vaisesika school. The Jainas substitute similarity for universal1. The pot certainly is similar in some respect. The pot certainly is different in some respect. The pot certainly is indescribable in some respect. The pot certainly is permament in some respect. The pot certainly is impermanent in some respect. The pot certainly is indescribable in some respect. The pot certainly is speakable in some respect. The pot certainly is unspeakable in some respect. The pot certainly is indescribable in some respect. Each attribute of an object can give rise to a system of sevenfold predication( saptabhangi). Permanence and impermanence being mutually contradictory attributes, how could they qualify the same pot. It is on the basis of relativism that a synthesis is established between these mutually opposed attributes. The Greek poet-philosopher Heraclitus of the 6th-5th century B.C believed in the doctrine of the co-existence of contraries. His relativism is the spur which pricks the side of a sluggish conservatism in all departments of life-taste and morals, politics and societyand it is the absence of relativism that, according to Heraclitus, is responsible for absolutisms and stagnation in philosophical thinking. Heraclitus announced for the first time in Greek thought the principle of relativity of qualities which he pushed forthwith to its extreme consequences in the words 'good and bad are the same', 'we are and we are not'. The movement of life, according to him, is like the back-returning of the bow, to which he compares it, 32 an energy of traction and tension restraining an energy of release, every force of action compensated by a corresponding force of reaction. By the resistance of one to the other all the harmonies of existence are created.* Heraclitus was a fluxist and, therefore, a relativist. In point of fact his doctrine of flux and his doctrine of relativity lead to the same result; the successive states of an object as well as its simultaneous qualities - 32. Pascatya Darsana, pp. 5. 6. * Sri Aurobindo, Birth Centenary Library, Vol. XVI, page 3521.

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 23 frequently both bear the stamp of a far-reaching diversity which amounts at times to complete contradiction. In one aspect, according to him, X is 'good', in another aspect it is 'bad'. He believed in a fundamental law in the natural as well as the spiritual world that contraries were not mutually exclusive, but rather pre-supposed and conditioned, or were even identical with each other. His theory of relativity contained like a folded flower the correct doctrine of sense-perception with its recognition of the subjective factor, and it taught Greek thinkers the lesson they were bound to acquire if they were to be saved from a bottomless scepticism.* The relativism of Heraclitus is based on fluxism. But the basis of relativism of the Jaina philosopher is quite different, according to whom the momentariness is as much dependent on permanence as the latter is dependent on the former. Momentariness and permanence both together constitute the nature of the real. They do not occur in succession but are co-existent and inseparable. Change or momentariness is only one aspect of the thing and is meaningless without its co-ordinate, viz. the permanence. Relativity, in fact, is understandable on the interdependence of the two aspects, viz. momentariness and permanence, in the absence of which it is unthinkable. It is only on the simultaneous existence of the two contrary aspects or attributes that relativity acquires a meaning Sri Aurobindo thinks that Heraclitus seems to recognise the inextricable unity of the eternal and the transitory. that which is for ever and yet seems to exist only in this strife and change which is a continual dying. If this estimate is acceptable, the philosophy of Haraclitus would be nearer to the Jaina standpoint.But even then the Jaina philosopher would disagree because the transitoriness and eternality are coordinate factors, neither being sub-ordinate to the other. Aurobindo or the Vedantists would like to believe. Acarya Amstacandra33 has brought out the equipollence of the two contrary attributes by the examples of churning by a milkmaid, who moves her left and right arm alternately in opposite directions to make butter, thus exercising both the arms in succession. In the doctrine of conditional dialectics (syadvada), similarly, of the two contrary attributes one is Sri * T. Gomperz, op. cit. pages 66-70. 33. Purusaithasiddhyupaya, verse 225. ekena karsanti slathayanti vastutattvamitarena/ antena jayati jajni nitirmanthananetramiva gopill

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24 Anekantavada and Syadvada assigned prominence by relegating the other to the background at a time. This explains the nature of relativism or relativity of the Jaina philosopher. None of the attributes is subordinate to the other, both being active in their own way to discharge their respective functions and constitute the nature of the real. The doctrine of conditional dialectics (syadvada) and its results 1. In the science of logic causality is a universal postulate. But in the conditional dialectic causality is not a universally applicable principle which is active only in the gross world. The subtle or the micro-cosmic world is governed by its own rules where the cause effect relationship becomes too thin to be recognised. The succession of cause and effect becomes meaningless at that stage. Momentariness changes into smooth passing from one state to another without any gap. Origination and cessation become meaningless. In the language of the traditional karma doctrine the causal concatenation can be detected in the phenomena of the fruition or disappearance of Karma. The changes taking place in the gross atomic aggregates also appear as subject to causality. However, in the changes that are spontaneous and intrinsic, the principle of causality is not applicable in the ordinary sense of the term. In Jaina ontology it is averred that the colour of an atom definitely changes after the lapse of a definite period, the cause of such change being undefined. An atom is here governed by its own intrinsic nature. The instantaneous modality (artha paryaya) of an atom is beyond the range of the principle of causality. A substance undergoes change every moment. The reality of the present moment can remain intact in the succeding moment provided the former could mould itself in consonance with the latter. The nature of the instantaneous mode (artha paryaya) has found expression in the following traditional verse Anadinidhane loke, svaparyayah pratiksanam/ Utpadyante vipadyante, jalakallolavajjalell 'In the substance, which is without beginning and without end, the modes arise and vanish by themselves every moment like the waves that emerge and merge in the ocean without interruption.' The doctrine of causality stands exposed in the light of the doctrine of viewpoints (nayas) thus--- The doctrine of causality finds its proper place and exposition in

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The Axioms of Non-absolutisi 25 the pantoscopic, analytic and momentary viewpoints (that take note of the prolonged mode.). The doctrine of causality assumes quite a different meaning that is tantamount to its abrogation in the verbal, etymological and functional viewpoints. An effect arises by its own nature spontaneously according to these viewpoints. An effect cannot depend on anything else for its origination. It is meaningless to say that a self-created object has a cause that is something other than itself. When the cause and effect are identical, it is redundant to assert a relationship tertium quid between the two. It follows, therefore, that an effect arises spontaneously and intrinsically from and by itself independent of anything outside it. 34 2. The existence of mode is made subordinate and ignored in the purely substantial viewpoint (suddha-dravyarthika-naya), and, therefore, the divisions of time into the past, future and present do not exist. The three verbal viewpoints (sabda-nayas), being concerned with becoming', accept modes and, therefore, three divisions of time are real according to them. The implication is that the unchanging aspect of the substance is timeless, the instantaneous mode being just momentary is also virtually timeless. It is only the verbal or conceptual mode (vyanjana-paryaya) that depends on the divisions of time, being a sort of prolonged existence. The substance in its three aspects virtually represents three different systems of philosophy, viz. the monistic Vedanta that believes in absolutely unchanging Brahma, the Buddhist fluxism that adumbrates unceasing change and the Nyaya-Vaisesika that believes in both permanence and change. 3. The substance consists in modes that are successive and non-successive. Such modes exist in the present in the aspects as intendent or known by the cogniser, but do not exist in those aspects in the other divisions of time. This differentiation of aspects owing to the condition of time is matched by a similar differentiation on account of 34. Kasayapahuda, part I, p. 319. edan negama-samgaha-vavahara-ujusudanam, tattha kajjakaranabhavasambhavado. tinham saddanayanam na kena vi kasao, tattha karamena vina kajjuppattie. ahava odaiena bhavena kasao. edan negamadicaunham nayanani, tinham saddanayanam parinamiena bhavena kasao. karanena vina kajjuppattido. 35. Ibid, part 1, p. 260. appahanikayaparinamesu suddhadavvatthiesu nadida nagayavattamanakalavibhago atthi. naesu naos

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26 Anekantavade and Syadvada other causes and conditions as well. A novel system of sevenfold predication of the conditional dialectic (syadvada) can be conceived on this variety of causes and conditions, viz. 1. The substance is one. 2. It exists in some respect. It has an originating condition. It has also a source of origin. 5. It is also related to something else. 6. It has also a location. 7. It has also a time. Among the modes that occur in succession it is only the present one that is definite, whereas the modes that are to come are not regulated by any rule regarding their probability and indefinite occurrence. It is not possible to predict definitely that such a mode could necessarily occur in succession of a particular mode. In this connection one should note Heisenberg's uncertainty principle in quantum mechanics according to which it is impossible to assert in terms of the ordinary conventions of geometrical position and of motion that a particle (as an electron) is at the same time at a specified point and moving with a specified velocity, for the more accurately either factor can be measured, the less accurately the other can be asserted. 4. The doctrine of conditional dialectic (syadvada) is applicable not only for the explanation of spatial, temporal and quantitative relative modes, but it can be validly applied for ascertaining the intrinsic modes of the substance. Permanence and impermanence are the intrinsic modes which appear as contraries in the gross world. are not contrary in essence and, therefore, their contrariety can be solved by relativity. 5. In the context of the doctrine of conditional dialectic (syadvada) a study of the relativity of the modern science is very valuable. ! Some expert statisticians have studied this sevenfold predication of the doctrine of conditional dialectic in the light of the principles of statistics. We quote here an excerpt from an article of Prof. P.C. Mahalanobis. 'I should now like to make some brief observations of my own 36. Ibid, part I, p 309 (quoted from Jayadhavala) kathancit kenacit kascit kutascit kasyacit kvacit/ kadacicceti paryayat syadvadah saptabhangabhr//

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 27 on the connection between Indian-Jaina views and the foundations of statistical theory. I have already pointed out that the fourth category of syadvada, namely avaktavya or the 'indeterminate' is a synthesis of three earlier categories of (1) assertion ('it is'), (2) negation ('it is not'), and (3) assertion and negation in succession. The fourth category of syodvadu, therefore, seems to me to be in essence the qualitative (but not quantitative) aspect of the modern concept of probability. Used in a purely qualitative sense, the fourth category of predication in Jaina logic corresponds precisely to the meaning of probability which covers the possibility of (a) something existing. (6) something not-existing, and (c) sometimes existing and sometimes not existing. The difference between Jaina avaktavya' and probability lies in the fact that the latter (that is, the concept of probability) has definite quantitative implications, namely, the recognition of numerical frequencies of occurrence of (1) 'it is', or (2) 'it is not, and hence in the recognition of relative numerical frequencies of the first two categories of 'it is' and 'it is not in a synthetic form. It is the explicit recognition of (and emphasis on) the concept of numerical frequency ratios which distinguishes modern statistical theory from the Jaina theory of syadvada. At the same time it is of interest to note that 1500 or 2500 years ago syadvada seems to have given the logical background of statistical theory in a qualititive form. Secondly, I should like to draw attention to the Jaina view that 'a real is a particular which possesses a generic attributes.' This is very close to the concept of an individual in relation to the population to which it belongs. The Jaina view, in fact, denies the possibility of making any predication about a single and unique individual which would be also true in modern statistical theory. The third point to be noted is the emphasis given in Jaina philosophy on the relatedness of things and on the multiform aspects of reals which appear to be similar (again in a purely qualitative sense) to the basic ideas underlying the concepts of association, correlation and concomitant variation in modern statistics. The Jaina view of existence, persistence and cessatior' as the fundamental characteristics of all that is real necessarily leads to a view of reality as something relatively permanent and relatively changing which has a flavour of statistical reasoning. "A real changes every moment and at the same time continues' is a view which is somewhat sympathetic to the underlying idea of stochastic processes.

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28 Anekantavada and Syadvada Fifthly, the most important feature of Jaina logic is its insistence on the impossibility of absolutely certain predication and its emphasis on non-absolutist and relativist predication. In syadvada the qualification 'syat' that is, 'may be or perhaps' must be attached to every predication without any exception. All predication, according to syadvada, thus, has a margin of uncertainty which is somewhat similar to the concept of 'uncertain inference in modern statistical theory. The Jaina view, however, is essentially qualitative in this matter (while the great characteristic of modern statistical theory is its insistence on the possibility and significance of determining the margin of uncertainty in a meaningful way). The rejection of absolutely certain predication naturally leads Jaina philosophy continually to emphasize the inadequacy of 'pure' or 'formal' logic, and hence to stress the need of making inferences on the basis of data supplied by experience. I should also like to point out that the Jaina view of causality as a relation of determination based on the observation of 'concomitance in agreement and in difference' has dual reference to an internal condition 'in the developed state of our mind' which would seem to correspond to the state of organized knowledge in any given context and also to an external condition based on 'the repeated observation of the sequence of the two events' which is suggestive of a statistical approach. Finally, I should draw attention to the realist and pluralist views of Jaina philosophy and the continuing emphasis on the multiform and infinitely diversified aspects of reality which amounts to the acceptance of an 'open' view of the universe with scope for unending change and discovery. For reasons explained above, it seems to me that the ancient Indian Jaina philosophy has certain interesting resemblances to the probabilistic and statistical view of reality in modern times.' * Dialogue Question 1. How can syat mean "in some respect'? Is it not a verbal form in the potential mood? Answer. Just as the expression 'asti' in the sentence 'the world is inhabited by the heroes' (astivira vasundhara), is an indeclinable (niputa), exactly so in the expression 'syadvada' the word 'syat' is an * P.C. Mahalanobi's article **The Foundations of Statistics'', published in Switzerland in Dialectica, Part VIII, No. 2, June 15, 1954.

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 29 indeclinable. It is not used to denote the potential mood. It is possessed of many senses, one of them being 'in some respect.' Question 2. Both the sentient and the non-sentient are possessed of infinite number of attributes. What, then, is the line of demarcation between them, when it has been virtually asserted that everything has the nature of everything--a proposition which expresses the universal property of a real (both sentient and nonsentient)? Answer. The attributes are of two kinds--generic and specific. By the specific attributes a substance is defined in its independent and discrete aspect. Sentience is one such specific attribute which belongs to the substance that is sentient and not to what is nonsentient. From the viewpoint of the attribute 'sentience there is absolute difference between the sentient and the non-sentient. And this is why the sentient and the non-sentient are absolutely different substances. Every substance is possessed of intinite number of attributes. All the substances have their own separate identities due to their uncommon properties and so the Samkhya-Yoga dicium that every things is possessed of the nature of everything (sarvam sarvatmakam)' is not acceptable to Jainas, who do not admit the evolution of the physical cosmos from the single principle of Prakrti (primordial matter). The existence of sentience in a sentient being is natural and independent of anything else. In the non-sentient material particle or body there are attributes that are natural and intrinsic, viz. colour, smell, taste and touch. All attributes, momentary or durable, originating from the combination of soul and matter, are dependent on extraneous conditions and factors. A substance is possessed of infinite number of attributes on account of the combination of modes that are intrinsic as well as extrinsic. Question 3. The Naiyayikas and others also define the nature of an object by means of a determining characteristic, just as in the system of conditional dialectic (syadvada) the nature of the real is determined by a specific attribute. What, then, is the difference between the two philosophies, as both of them admit a real as independent of anything else so far as its own nature is concerned ? There must be a point of departure between the two which should characterise the Jaina thinker's standpoint as the proponent of relativity as implied in the conditional dialectic (syadvada). Answer. In the proposition the soul certainly exists in some respect', that is, in its aspect of sentience, the existence of sentience

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30 Anekantavada and Syadvada is affirmed; that does not mean that existence alone is its own characteristic, but that non-existence also is an equally valid aspect of it. Here the question may arise that if the extraneous nonexistence is a nature of the soul, then the colour etc. of physical objects should also be considered as the nature of the latter. The solution is obvious. That both existence and non-existence constitute the nature of a thing is attested by experience, just as smoke and fire exist in the same locus, say a kitchen. Existence and non-existence are similarly concomitant attributes, there being a natural relationship (svabhava-sambandha) between the two. This in essence is the principle of relativity propounded by the doctrine of conditional dialectic (syadvada). The nature of the substance does not follow from the doctrine of conditional dialectic. The substance is as it is by nature. One cannot explain why that is so. Philosophy does not create a real. It only explains it. And exactly this is the aim and purpose of conditional dialectic. The Jaina philosopher admits five special qualities on the basis of experience which are responsible for the postulation of five substances Quality Substance 1. Motion Dharmastikaya (the substance which is the medium of motion) Rest Adharmastikaya (the substance which is the medium of rest). 3. Accommodation Akasastikaya - Space (the substance which is the medium of accommodation). 4. Colour, smell, taste Matter and touch 5. Consciousness Soul. (We have not translated the word 'astikaya' in the above renderings. The above substances are called 'astikaya' because they have extension and are conceived as consisting of space-points, countable, countless or infinite.) All the qualities other than the above five are generic attributes. The distinction between them is explained by means of conditional dialectic (syadvada). Question 4. It has been said that the sevenfold predication can be applicable with respect to each and every attribute of a substance. If so, is the non-absolutism (relativism) itself available to the system of

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The Axioms of Non-absolutism 31 sevenfold predication ? If the reply is in the affirmative, the predication of negation (that is, the second among the seven propositions) would be a kind of absolutism. And in this way non-absolutism(relativism) would not be a universally applicable doctrine. Answer. Acarya Samantabhadra has explained non-absolutism (relativism) from the non-absolutistic standpoint itself. When the system of conditional dialectic is applied for the knowledge and exposition of an object in its entirety, non-absolutism (relativism) is proper and genuine. And when only a particular attribute is cognised and explained, the services of a particular naya (viewpoint) is requisitioned and that is a sort of absolutism, ekanta (singular viewpoint). The propounder of non-absolutism (relativism) admits both non-absolutism and absolutism in their proper perspective. This is why the system of sevenfold predication (sapatabhangi) is applicable to non-absolutism (relativism) itself in the following manner. 1. There is absolutism in some respect. 2. There is non-absolutism in some respect. There are both absolutism and non-absolutism in some respect. There is indescribability in some respect. There is absolutism and indescribability in some respect. There is non-absolutism and indescribability in some respect. There is absolutism, non-absolutism and indescribability in some respect. There is rio contradiction in absolutism by itself. What is denied is only the absolutism that refutes the contrary viewpoint. Absolutism thus is twofold, viz. right and wrong. The absolutism that is right is naya, while the wrong one is pseudo-naya. Non-absolutism is not an obstinate and rigid doctrine because the admission of the co-existence of contrary attributes not attested by any valid source of knowledge does not fall within the purview of genuine non-absolutism. Thus non-absolutism is of two kinds, viz. right and wrong. The former is valid knowledge, while the latter is a sham simulation of it. The right non-absolutism has a universal application.37 Acarya Akalanka has subjected the substance 'jiva'to the system of sevenfold predication as follows 37. Tattvartha varttika, 1.6. anekanto'pi dvividah:-samyaganekanto mithyanekanta iti. tatra samyagekantohetuvisesasamarthyapeksah pramanah prarupitarthaikadesadesah. ekatmavadharanena anyasesanirakaranapravanapraaidhirmithyaikantah. ekatra sapratipaksanekadharmasvarupanirupano yuktyagama bhyama viruddhah

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32 Anekantavada and Syadvada *The soul exists (in its aspeci of consciousness) in some respect. *The soul does not exist in its aspect of consciousness) in some respect. The implication of the above two propositions is that the soul is a conscious substance only so far as its activity of consciousness is concerned. But it has also other aspects, such as the aspect of being a cognitum or an agent of will, and so on, which are the attributes quite apart from consciousness. In this way all such attributes that are not opposed to reason and logic are the subject matter of the doctrine of non-abolutism.38 Question 5. Is relativity itself subject to the system of sevenfold predication ? If so, the admission of an absolutistic truth would be inevitable. Answer. An object is relative in some respect and non-relative (absolute) in another. Both these alternatives may be acceptable. From the standpoint of the instantaneous or spontaneous mode (artha-paryaya) a thing is absolutely independent of anything else. The substance of space is nothing but space from the standpoint of its instantaneous mode (artha-paryaya). A thing is a relative reality from the standpoint of extraneous and alien modes. Viewed from the standpoint of relativity the same substance of space is perceived as circumscribed by a jar or a canvas, etc. All the prolonged modes (vyanjana-paryaya) are relative aspects. There is not a single element in the cosmos that may be described as independent of anything else. But every substance is a synthesis of the absolute and the relative, which can never be absolutely disconnected. Such disconnection itself can be effected only relatively. The modes are intertwined and can never be disentangled, though the instantaneous mode (artha-paryaya) can be called independent in contradistinction to the prolonged modes (vyanjana-paryana) that are relative. samyaganekantah. tadatatsvabhavavastusunyam parikalpitanekatmakani kevalam vagvijnanam mithya'nekantah. tatra samyagekanto naya it yucyate. samyaganekantah pramanam. nayarpanadekanto bhavati ekaniscayapravanatvat, pramanarpanadanekanto bhavati anekaniscayadhikaranatvat. 38. Saptabhangitarangini, p. 79. evamayain syajjiva iti mulabhangadvayam. tatropayogatmana jivah, prameyatvadyatmana' jiva iti tadarthah. taduktan Bhattakalankadevaihprameyatvadibhirdharmairacidatma cidatmakah/ jnanadarsanatastasmaccetana' cetanatmakah// iti. ajivatvam ca prakrte' jivavsttiprameyatvadi dharmavattvam, jivatvam ca jnanadarsanadimattvamiti drastavyam.

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Anekantavada : The Principal Jaina Contribution of Logic SUKHLALJI SANGHVI The first and the foremost of the contributions one that is the key to the rest-made by the Jaina savants to Indian Logic (pramana sastra) is the systematic exposition (sastriya-nirupana) of Anekantavada or the Doctrine of Non-Absolutism and (its corollary) Nayavada or the Doctrine of Partial Truths. There are two mutually distinct, fundamental standpoints (drsti) for looking at the universe-one is that which tends towards generalization (samanya-gamini), the other that which tends towards particularization (visesa-gamini). The former starts with the observation of the similarities (samanata), but it is gradually inclined to emphasize non-distinction (abheda) and finally views the universe as rooted in something one and single; hence it arrives at the conclusion that whatever is an object of awareness (pratiti) is, really speaking, some one single element (tattva). Thus passing beyond the initial stage (prathamika bhumika) of viewing similarities, the standpoint in question culminates in viewing essential identity (tattvika ekata). Whatever element is here asserted to be the sole object of awareness is also declared to be the sole reality (sat). Owing to its excessive preoccupation with the one ultimate real. this standpoint either fails to take note of diversities or it takes note of them but dismisses them as empirical (vyavaharika) or non-ultimate (aparamarthika) because according to it they are unreal (avastavika). This applies to all diversity we are aware of, be it diversity in respect of time (kalakrta ; as, for example, that between the antecedent seed and the subsequent sprout), or diversity in respect of space (de'sakrta :

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34 Anekantavada and Syadvada as, for example, that between the simultaneously existing prakstika, i.e. physical, modifications like jars and cloths, etc.), or innate diversity irrespective of space and time (desa-kala-nirapeksa sahajika : as, for example, that between prakrti, i.e. the root physical element, and a, i.e. the root conscious element, or that between one purusa and another). As against this, the second standpoint sees dissimilarity (asamanata) everywhere, and gradually searching for the root of this dissimilarity it finally reaches that stage of analysis (vislesanabhumika) where even similarity, (samanata), nothing to say about identity (ekata), appears to be something artificial (krtrima, unreal); hence it arrives at the conclusion that the universe is but a conglomeration (punja) of several discrete existents (bheda) utterly dissimilar from one another. According to it, there really exists no single element (at the root of diversities), nor does there obtain any real similarity (between one existent and another). This applies to single elements like prakrti which (allegedly) pervade all space and persist for all time, as also to single elements like atoms which (allegedly) are mutually different substances (occupying different points in space) but ones that persist for all time. The above stated two standpoints are fundamentally different one another, for one of them is based exclusively on synthesis, the other exclusively on analysis. These two fundamental lines of thought (vicara-sarani) and the derivative lines of thought developing out of the two give rise to a number of mutually conflicting views on a number of topics. We thus see that the first standpoint with its tendency to generalization led to the formulation of the doctrine of 'one, non-dual Brahman (Brahmadvaita)-the sole real element-occupying all space and time (samagra-desa-kala-vyapin) and free from the limitations of space and time (desa-kala-vinirmukta)'. This doctrine, on the one hand, dubbed as unreal (mithya) all diversity and all organs of knowledge taking note of this diversity, while, on the other hand, it asserted that the real-element (sat-tattva) lies beyond the reach (pravrtti) of speech (vani) and logic (tarka) and is amenable lo bare experience (i.e. experience untrammelled by speech and logic) (matra anubhava-gamya). Likewise, the second standpoint with its tendency to particularization led to the foundation of the doctrine of an infinite number of discrete existents, each different from the rest not only as to its spatio-temporal location but as to its very nature'. This doctrine too, on the one hand, dubbed all non-distinction (abheda) as unreal while,

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Anekantavada : The Principal Jaina Contribution of Logic 35 on the other hand, asserted that the ultimate existents lie beyond the reach of speech and logic and are amenable to bare experience. Thus both the doctrines in question did ultimately arrive at one common conclusion, viz. that whatever is revealed by speech and logic is a nullity (sunya) while the ultimate reality is amenable to bare experience; but their ultimate objectives (laksya) being utterly different the two came in headlong clash and emerged as rivals to each other. There also came into existence a number of lines of thought that either sprang from or were related to these two fundamental lines. Some of them accepted non-distinction (abheda) but only in respect of space and time or in respect of mere time, that is, not in respect of essential or substantial nature. Thus one line of thought did posit multiplicity of substances but regarded them all as eternal from the point of view of time and ubiquitous from that of space ; the Sankhya doctrine of prakrti and purusa (prakrtipurusavada) is an instance in point. Another line of thought came to attribute a comparatively greater extension to the sphere of diversity. Thus even while positing entities that are eternal and ubiquitous this line also posited a multiplicity of entities that are physical hy nature (and hence occupying different points in space); the (Nyaya-Vaisesika) doctrine of atomic-as-well-asubiquitous-substances (paramanu-vibhu-dravya- vada) is an instance in point. It was but natural that the standpoint of exclusive non-dualism (advaita-matra) and exclusive monism (san-matra)--a standpoint tolerant of no diversity in any respect--should lead to the formulation of numerous doctrines based on the acceptance of non-distinction (abheda-mulaka-vada). And this is what actually happened. Thus the standpoint gave rise to the doctrine of satkaryavada, according to which there is a non-distinction between a cause and its effect; similarly, it gave rise to the doctrine of non-distinction between an attribute (dharma) and that which possesses this attribute (dharmin), a quality (guna), and that which possesses this quality (gunin), a substratum (adhara) and that which is supported by this substratum (adheya), and so on and so forth. One the other hand, the standpoint of exclusive pluralism (dvaita-matra)' and exclusive distinction (bheda-matra) led to the formulation of numerous doctrines based on the acceptance of distinction (bheda-mulaka-vada). Thus it gave rise to the doctrine of asatkaryavada, according to which there is absolute distinction between a cause and its effect; simila-ly, it gave rise to the 1. Here 'dvi' stands not for 'two but for 'more than two'. Tr.

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36 Anekantavada and Syadvada doctrine of absolute distinction between an attribute and that which possesses this quality, a substratum and that which is supported by this substratum, and so on and so forth. Thus we find that in the field of Indian philosophical speculation a number of mutually antagonistic views (mata) and systems (darsana) arose out of the fundamental standpoint of generality (along with its derivative standpoints) and the fundamental standpoint of particularity (along with its derivative standpoints). These views and systems, without caring for the element of truth that might underlie a rival view or system, made it their prime concern to attack one another. The doctrine of pre-existence (sad-vada)-be it non-dualistic (as in Vedanta) or dualistic as in Sankhya--cannot achieve its basic aim without accepting satkaryavada, according to which there is a non-distinction between a cause and its effect; on the other hand, the doctrine of pre-nonexistence (asad-vada)--be it applied to momentary entities as in Buddhism or to static and eternal entities as in Vaisesika etc.--cannot achieve its basic aim without accepting asatkaryavada (according to which there is absolute distinction between a cause and its effect). Hence satkaryavada came in clash with asatkaryavada. Similarly, the theory of permanence-without-change (i.e eternity : Kutasthaia, kalika nityata) and all-pervadedness (i.e. ubiquity: vibhuta, daisika vyapakata)--a theory resulting from the doctrine of pre-existence dualistic or non-dualistic-came in clash with the theory of spatially, as well temporally impartite, ultiinate elements (de'sa-kala-krta-niramsa-amsa-vada) that is, with the theory of impartite moments) niramsa-ksana-vada)--a theory resulting from the doctrine rival to the doctrine of pre-existence. Now those who regard the entire universe as some single (eka), continuous (akhanda) element (tattva) as also those who regard it as a mere conglomeration (punja) of impartite (niramsa) ultimate elements could achieve their respective aims only by maintaining that the ultimate real posited in their respective systems is incapable of definition and description through words (anirvacaniya, anabhilapya, sabdagocara); for if the real is capable of definition through words it can be neither some single, continuous element nor a multiplicity of impartite, ultimate elements, and this, in turn, is because definition puts an end as it were 2. By sadvada or the doctrine of pre-existence we mean the doctrine that an entity exists always (or it is not a real entity) : by asadvada or the doctrine of pre-nonexistence we mean the doctrine that a real entity-at least in case it happens to be a produced entity--exists only for an interval of time (possible for one moment). Tr.

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Anekantavada : The Principal Jaina Contribution of Logic 37 to continuity ( in one single form) as well as impartibility. Thus the theory of indefinability (anirvacaniyatvavada) arose as a natural corollary to the doctrine of one continuous real as also to the doctrine of impartite distinct reals. But this theory was taken exception to by the Vaisesika logicians and others who averred that to describe every real entity (vastumatra) is not only a possibility but an accomplished fact. Thus arose the theory of definability (nirvacaniyatvavada) that came in clash with the rival theory of indefinability (aninacaniyaivavada). In a like manner, some people upheld the view that it is dangerous to arrive at a final conclusion by means of an organ of knowledge--of whatever sort-unaided by reason (hetu) or logic (tarka); others, on the contrary, maintained that logic possesses no independent force, and that the Scripture, inasmuch as it does possess an independent force, is the senior most (murdhanya) of all organs of knowledge. Hence the clash between these two viewpoints. Again, the fatalist (daiva-vadhin) would say that everything depends on fate (daiva) and the human endeavour (purusartha) is independently of no avail, the protagonist of human endeavour would maintain just the opposite view that man's endeavour is independently capable of delivering the goods (karyakara). Thus each thought that the other was in the wrong. Likewise, one-sided view (naya) emphasized the importances of the denoted entity (ariha) at the cost of denoting word (sabda), the other that of the denoting word at the cost of the denoted entity; and the two argued against each other. Similarly, some thought that absence (abhava) is an independent entity alongside of the positive one (bhava) while others that it is but of the nature of the positive entity, and thus developed the attitude of hostility between them. Furthermore, some thought that an organ of knowledge (pramana) and the resulting piece of knowledge (pramniti) are utterly distinct (aryanta bhinna) from the knower (pramata) concerned, while others that they are non-distinct (abhinna) from the later. Lastly, some emphasized that the sole means for attaining the desired (ultimate) result is action performed in conformity with the Varna-Asrama rules, others insisted that knowledge alone will lead to absolute) bliss, while still others maintained that devotion (bhakti) is the only instrument for realizing the summum bonum. Thus on a number of major or minor problems pertaining to metaphysics and ethics several such views had been vogue as were extremist (ekanta) and wholly antagonistic to one another

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38 Anekantavada and Syadvada On noticing this debating sport (vada-tila) indulged in by the advocates of the extremist doctrines (ekanta), the following question occurred to the teachers who were inheritors of the non-absolutist (anekanta; non-extremist) standpoint : Why are these doctrines-each claiming to be true-So much in conflict with one another ? Is it that none of them contains any element of truth, or that each of them contains some element of truth, or that some of them contains some element of truth, or that each of them contains the whole truth ? The cognition over this question furnished these teachers with a clue that would put an end to all conflict and reveal the whole truth; the clue was the non-absolutist standpoint that forms the ground (bhumika) of the doctrine called Anekantavada. This standpoint enabled our teachers to see that all particular theory based on logic (sayuktika) is true to a certain extent and from a certain point of view. However, when a particular theory, refusing to take into account the line of thought and the sphere of application (sima) of the rival theory, imagines that everything lies within the sphere covered by its own standpoint it turns blind to the truth contained in this rival theory. And the same thing happens with this rival theory (that is to say, it too imagines that everything lies within the sphere covered by its own standpoint). Under these circumstances, justice demands that a theory be tested keeping in view its specific line of thought and its specific sphere of application, and in case it passes the test it should be treated as an aspect (bhaga) of truth; subsequently, a sort of necklace ought to be prepared with the various aspects of truth-uncontradictory of one another-acting as diamonds (satyamsarupa-mani) and the idea of whole truth acting as the running thread (purna-satya-rupa-vicara-sutra). These considerations impelled the Jaina teachers to synthesize (samanvaya , harmonize), on the basis of their non-absolutist standpoint, all the theories that were then prevalent. And this is how their thought ran. When certain pure (suddha) and selfless (ninsvartha) minds are cognizant of similarity culminating in identity and when certain other minds (no less pure and selfless) are cognizant of (diversity culminating in) impartite ultimate elements, how can we say that one of these cognitions (pratiti) is valid and the other not? If one of these cognitions is somehow treated as invalid the same logic will compel you to treat the other as equally so. Moreover, granting that one of these cognitions is valid and the other not, you will have to offer a logical explanation (upapatti) of what in our everyday dealings (sarvajanika vyavahara) is taken as forming the

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Anekantavada : The Principal Jaina Contribution of Logic 39 object of the cognition of identity or of diversity as the case may be-dismissed as invalid. Certainly, a mere assertion to the effect that one of these cognitions is valid and the other will not mean a logical explanation of our everyday dealings, empirical (laukika) or sastric (sasriya). Nor can you leave these dealings unexplained. So the monistic Brahmavadin's explanation of the phenomena in question will lie in treating as a product of ignorance (avidya-mulaka) all diversity and our cognition thereof, while the momentarist's explanation will lie in treating as a product of ignorance all similarity or identity and our cognition thereof. These thoughts led advocates of Anekantavada to realize, in the light of their non-absolutist standpoint, that all cognition--be it cognition of identity or that of diversity--is after all valid (vastavika). A cognition is valid in relation to its own object, but when it arrogates to itself the right to demonstrate the unreality of the object another cognition seemingly contradictory of itself it turns invalid. The cognition of identity and the cognition of diversity seem to be contradictory of each other simply because one of them is mistaken to be the whole truth (purna-pramana). As a matter of fact, both these cognitions are valid so far as they go, but neither is the whole truth though each is a part (amsa) thereof. The total nature of reality ought to be such that these seemingly contradictory cognitions might reveal it in their respective ways but without contradicting one another and might both be treated as valid insofar as both go to reveal the total nature of reality. This synthesis, that is, the idea that the two cognitions in question have two different spheres to operate in (vyavastha-garbhita vicara), enabled the advocates of Anekantavada as to see that there is no real conflict between monism (sad-advaita) and pluralism (sad-dvaita), for the total nature of reality comprises identity as well as diversity, generality as well as particularity. For example, when we think of that huge mass of water and disregard its place, time, colour, taste, dimension, etc. it appears before us in the form of one single entity called ocean. On the other hand, when we take into account the place, time, etc. of this very mass of water we begin to see a number of oceans-small and big-instead of one gradually, we do not even perceive even a single drop of water but certain impartite elements like colour, taste, etc., and, eventually, they too appear as nought (sunya). Cognition of the mass of water as one single ocean is valid, and so also is its cognition as (a conglommeration of) ultimate elements.

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40 Anekantavada and Syadvada The cognition of one (single ocean) is valid because it views diversities (bheda) not as standing out separately from one another but as together exhibiting one common form ; likewise, the cognition of diversities-as-to-spatio-temporal-location-etc.--diversities which totally demarcate (vyavstta) the elements concerned from one another--is valid because these diversities are actually there. Inasmuch as the mass of water is in fact one as well as a multiplicity, our cognition of it as one single ocean is as much valid as our cognition of it as a multiplicity of ultimate elements; but since neither of these cognitions grasps the total nature of reality, neither of them is the whole truth, though the two together do constitute the whole truth. Analogously, when we view the entire universe as one single real, in other words, when we take note of "existence" (satta) which is common (anugamaka) to all diverse existents, we say that all reality is one and single ; for while taking note of the all-comprehensive (sarvavyapaka) "existence" we are aware of no diversities demarcated from one another, and that, in turn, is because all diversities are here revealed as exhibiting one collective and common form. viz. 'existence''. Hence the epithet "Monism" or "Doctrine of Non-dual Reality' (sad-advaita) attributed to this viewpoint. When we confine our attention to what is common to all existents and call the universe '(one single) real' (sat) the denotation of the word "real" becomes so wide as to exclude nothing (i.e. no existing entity) whatsoever. However, when we view the universe as possessed of the mutually demarcated diversities of qualities and attributes, it no more appears in the form of one real (sat) but becomes a multiplicity of reals. In that case, the denotation of the word "real" undergoes corresponding limitation (for now we do not at all speak of real in general but only of this or that type of real). Thus we say that some reals are physical while some conscious; going further in the direction of noticing diversities we say that there are a number of physical reals and a number of conscious reals. Thus when we view the one all-comprehensive real as divided into mutually demarcated diversities, it appears before us as a multiplicity of reals. This is the viewpoint of Pluralism" or the "Doctrine of Diverse Reals" (sad-dvaita). Thus the monistic and pluralistic viewpoints are valid in their respective spheres, but they will go to constitute the whole truth when they are combined together as complementary to each other (sapeksa-bhavena). This then is the synthesis, arrived at from the non-absolutist standpoint of monism and pluralism which are

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Anekantavada : The Principal Jaina Contribution of Logic 41 generally supposed to be mutually antagonistic. The same idea can be elucidated with the help of the illustration of trees and the forest. When the several, mutually different, particular trees are viewed not in the form of this or that particular tree but in a collective, general form designated 'forest" the particular features of these different trees do not cease to exist but they are so much absorbed (lina) in the general feature-observed for the time being of these trees as to appear to be non-existent. In this case we see the forest and it alone and our outlook may be characterised as monistic. Again, sometimes we take note of these trees one by one, that is, in the form of particular entities. Here we see the particular entities and them alone, and the general feature of these entities is so much absorbed in their particular features-observed for the time being-as to appear to be non-existent. Now an analysis of these two cognitions (anubhava) will suggest that neither can be regarded as solely true, i.e. true at the cost of the other. Both are true within their respective spheres but neither represents the whole truth; for the whole truth lies in a proper synthesis of these two cognitions. Only such a synthesis can do justice to the two cognitions, viz. cognition of the forest in general and cognition of each, single, particular tree, both of which are uncontradicted (abadhita). The same holds good of the monistic and pluralistic world-views (that is to say, they do represent the whole truth only when properly synthesized). The above was an account of the monism versus pluralism controversy in regard to features that might be spatial (daisika). temporal (kalika), or non-spatio-temporal (de'sa-kalatita): there is a special controversy between the doctrine of temporal generality (kalika samanya) or eternalism (nitvatvavada) .and the doctrine of temporal particularity (kalika visesa) or momentarism (ksanikatvavada). These two octrines too seem to be mutually antagonistic, but the non-absolutist standpoint suggests that there is no real conflict between the two. Thus when an element (tativa) is viewed as being continuous (akhanda) throughtout the three periods of time, that is, as beginningless and endless, it is certainly eternal (nitya), for in that case it is of the form of a continuous flow (akhanda pravaha) that has no beginning and no end. But when the same element- undergoing that continuous flow-is viewed as divided in terms of relatively large or small temporal units (kala-bheda) it appears as having assumed a limited (simita) form which lasts for this or that interval and which therefore has a beginning as well as an end. And in case the interval in

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42 Anekuntavada and Syadvada question is too brief to admit of further dissection by means of intellectual weapons (buddhi-sastra), that portion of the element-in-continous-flow which occupies this interval is called momentary (ksanika) because it is the smallest possible. The words eternal and momentary are considered to be each other's antonyms (viruddharthaka); for the connotation of one includes lack of a beginning and of an end (anadianantata). However, viewing from the non-absolutist stand-point, we can see that the same element which is called 'eternal' insofar as it is of the form of continuous flow may also be called 'momentary' insofar as it undergoes a change (parivartana) or a new modification (paryaya) every moment. The basis of one viewpoint is the observation of beginninglessness and endlessness, that of the other the observation of beginnings and ends. But the total nature of a real entity comprises the lack of beginning and of an end as also the possession of a beginning and of an end. Hence the viewpoints in question, though true within their respective spheres, will yield the whole truth only when properly synthesized. This synthesis, too, can be elucidated with the help of an illustration. The total life-activity of a tree-right from the beginning uptil the time of fructification--completes its course only by flowing through the successive stages represented by the seed, the root, the sprout, the trunk, the branches and twigs, the leaves , the flowers, the fruits, etc. So when we view an entity as a 'true' we have in mind the total life-activity continuously flowing through these various stages. On the other hand, when we grasp, one by one, the successively emerging elements-like root, sprout, trunk, etc.--of this life-activity we have in mind but these various elements, each possessing a limited duration. Thus our mind takes note of the life-activity in question sometimes in one continuous form and sometimes in a discontinuous form, that is, element by element. On closer investigation it becomes evident that neither is the continuous life-activity either the whole truth or but a product of imagination, nor are the discontinuous elements either the whole truth or but a product of imagination." Even granting that the continuous life-activity absorbs within itself the totality of discontinuous elements or that the discontinuous elements absorb within themselves the total continuous life-activity, the fact remains 3. That the continuous life activity is the whole truth and discontinuous elements but a product of imagination is the eternalist's position, that the discontinuous elements are the whole truth and the continuous life-activity but a product of imagination is the momentarist's position. Tr.

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Anekantavada : The Principal Jaina Contribution of Logic 43 that a real entity, viewed in its total nature, is continuous as well as discontinuous, and that therefore it is grasped only when both these aspects of its nature are (separately) taken note of. These two aspects are both real so far as each of them goes, but they become totally real only when synthesized. To view the tree as a beginningless and endless flow in time is to indicate it as an eternal entity, to view the tree as made up of (the successively emerging) elements is to indicate it as a transient or momentary entity. The transient constituent elements (ghataka) are inconceivable without a substratum in the form of an eternal flow, and this eternal flow is inconceivable without those transient constituent elements. Thus the view that eternity is real while transience unreal and the view that transience is real while eternity unreal give rise to the eternalism versus momentarism controversy which, however, is eliminable from the non absolutist standpoint. The non-absolutist standpoint also eliminates the controversy between the doctrine of definability and the doctrine of indefinability. For according to it, only that aspect of an entity's nature is amenable to description (pratipadya) which can be made an object of convention (i.e. conventional attribution of words: sanketa). Now even though a convention is established by buddhi (i.e. intellect) which is subtle in the extreme (suksmatama), aspect of the nature of an entity; for there are innumerable (subtle) aspects of an entity's nature which are inherently incapable of description through words. It is in this sense that the one continuous real (akhanda sat) as well as the impartite moment (i.e ultimate element) (niramsa ksana) are indefinable, while the gross entities of medium duration (and extension) are capable of definition. Thus the doctrine of definability and the doctrine of indefinability-applied to the entire universe or to an element thereof--are true within their respective spheres and wholly true when taken together. Nor is it self-contradictory to view a thing as a positive entity and also as an 'absence'. For a thing is never cognized either solely through its positive traits (matra-vidhimukhena) or solely through its negative traits (matra nisedhamukhena). E.g. the milk is cognized as milk and also as not-curd, i.e. something different from curd. This means that the milk is of a positive-cum-negative nature (bhava-abhava-ubhayarupa). Thus it is not self-contradictory to maintain that a thing is a positive entity and also an 'absence', for two different cognitions take note of these two aspects of the thing's nature. Similarly, the non

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44 Anekantavaga and Syadvada absolutist standpoint resolves the controversy as to whether the members of other similar pairs (dvandva)-e.g. "attribute and the possessor of the attribute' (dharma-dharmin), 'quality and the possessor of the quality' (guna-gunin), 'cause and effect (karya-karana), 'substratum and superstratum' (adhara-adheya)--are identical with one another or different from one another. When the authoritativeness (aptatva) and the validity-source (mula-pramanya) (of a verbal testimony) are in doubt, it is always well to decide an issue after examining (pariksa) the matter ratiocinatively (hetuvada-dvara); but in case the authoritativeness (of the testimony in question) is beyond doubt, resort to ratiocination only leads to an infinite regress and is to be discarded. In this latter case reliance on the Scripture (agamavada) has to be our sole guide. Thus both ratiocination and reliance-on-the-Scripture have a scope, but they apply to different subject-matters (visaya) or to different sorts of exposition (pratipadana) of the same subjectmatter. In one word, there is no conflict between the two. The same is the case with the doctrine of Fate (daivavada) and the doctrine of Human Endeavour (paurusavada), for there is no conflict between them either. In those cases where endeavour based on rational calculation (huddhi-purvaka paurusa) is an impossibility, problems can be solved only by the doctrine of Fate, but where endeavour of this type is possible, the doctrine of Human Endeavour succeeds. Thus the doctrine of Fate and the doctrine of Endeavour can be reconciled harmoniously, provided one keeps in view that the two cover different aspects of life. The non-absolutist standpoint easily succeeds also in eliminating the opposition between the doctrine of absolute presence of the effect in the cause and the 'doctrine of absolute absence of the effect in the cause. For according to it, the effect (karya) is present as well as absent in the material cause (upadana). E.g. even before it is actually turned into a bangle, a piece of gold has the capacity (sakti), to turn into a bangle; thus viewed in the form of a 'capacity' (sakti), that is, in the form of something non-distinct from the cause, the effect can be said to be present even before it is actually produced. However, even though present in the form of a capacity, this effect is not there to be seen (upalabdha), because the absence of necessary accessories (utpadana. samagri) has prevented it from emerging into being, i.e. from being produced ; in this sense the effect is absent (before it is actually produced). Again, after the bangle has disappeared and the material concerned turned into an earring, the bangle is doubtless not there to

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Anekantavada : The Principal Jaina Contribution of Logic 45 papirite be seen, but since even the gold turned-into-an-earring possesses the capacity to turn into a bangle, the actually absent bangle can be said to be potentially present in this gold. The Buddhist's doctrine of mere conglomeration of atoms' (kevala-paramanupunja-vada) and the Naivayika's "doctrine of an altogether novel composition' (apurva-avayavi-vada) come in conflict with one another. But the non-absolutist standpoint with its acceptance of skandha, which is neither a more conglomeration of atoms nor something so contradictory of experience (badhita) as a composite standing over and above its component-parts, properly resolves the conflict and works out a flawless synthesis of the two doctrines. Thus the non-absolutist standpoint has impartially synthesized, on so many questions, the current doctrines that were clashing with each other. And in the course of its doing so, the doctrine of Nayas (nayavada) and the dotrine of Bhangas (bhangavada) follow as a natural corollary, for a proper formulation of non-absolutism requires as its preliminary an analysis of the different stands and view-points, a demarcation of their respective subject matters, and a determination of their roles concerning one and the same subject-matter. No one corner of a house makes the whole house, nor do the different corners of this house lie in one particular direction. The view (avalokana) had of the house from one of the two opposite directions-like south and north, or east and west--is certainly not full but nor is it false. It is the lotality (samuccaya) of the views had of the house from different possible angles which may be called a full view of the house. Thus the view had of the house from one particular angle is a necessary part of the total view of the house. Analogously, the formulation of thoughts and views (cintana-darsana) concerning the nature of an entity or of the entire universe is accomplished from various stands (apeksa). And a stand is determined by a multiplicity of factors like the innate constitution (sahaja racana) of the mind, the impressions (sanskara) received from outside, the nature of the object thought about, etc. Such stands---for thinking about the nature of things--are many in number. And since these stands form the basis or the starting point of the viewing process (vicara ; lit, thought-process) they are also called 'angles of vision (drstikona) or 'points of view' (drstibindu). The harmonious totality (sara-samuccaya) of the thoughts and views concerning a thing formed from different stands-however contradictory of each other in appearance--is called

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46 Anekantavada and Syadvada the total view or the non-absolutist view of this thing. The view formed from a particular stand is a part of this total view, and though the different such views (i.e. the views formed from different particular stands) are (seemingly) contradictory of one another, they are really uncontradictory of one another inasmuch as they all find synthesis in the total view. When a mind ignores and takes no account of diversities--qualitative (guna-dharmakrta) or essential (svarupa- krta) as well as numerical (vyaktitva-krta)--while confining its attention to mere continuity (akhandata) the universe appears to it as one and continuous. Understood from this standpoint of non-distinction (abheda), the word 'real' means something one and continuo othing more), and this type of partially true understanding of things is nically called sangraha-naya (where 'naya'stand for a partially true understanding of things). The view taken of the universe from the standpoint of diversities--qualitative as well as numerical-- is technically called vyavahara-naya, for here special importance is assigned to the diversities on which is grounded our everyday experience (loka-siddha vyavahara). On this view, the word 'real' denotes not something one and continuous but things different and discontinuous. When this tendency to take note of diversities confines its attention to mere temporal diversities, and concludes that the present alone is real because it alone is capable of performing a function (karyakara), that is to say, when the past and the future are excluded from the denotation of the word 'real', there results a partially true understanding of things which is technically called rjusutra-naya. It is so called because it seeks to avoid the labyrinth (cakravyuha) of the past and the future while sliding along the straight line (rju-rekha) representing the present. The above stated three attitudes consider the nature of things without basing themselves on (the consideration of) words and their qualities and attributes. Hence the three resulting understandings are designed arth-naya. But there are also possible attitudes which consider the nature of things basing themselves on (the consideration of) words and their qualities and attributes. The understandings resulting from these attitudes are designated sabda-naya. Grammarians are the chief advocates of the various sabda-nayas, for it is on account of the divergent standpoints upheld by grammarians that one sabda-nyaya differs from others. Those grammarians who regard all words as impartite (akhanda)

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Anekantavada : The Principal Jaina Contribution of Logic 47 or etymologically underived (avyutpanna), certainly, do not base on etymology their distinction of the meaning of one word from that of another, but they too hold that words mean different things according as they possess different attributes (dharma) in the form of gender, person, tense, etc. This type of distinguishing the meaning of one word from that of another is called sabda-naya or samprata-naya. On the other hand, those grammarians who regard all words as etymologically derived (vyutpanna) posit distinction between the meanings of even such words as are generally admitted to be synonymous ; this view, according to which (for example) the synonyms like "sakra', 'indra', etc. have different meanings, is called samabhirudha-naya. Lastly, there is a view according to which a word applies to a thing not in case this thing sometimes satisfies the etymology of the word in question, but only in case this thing is for the time being satisfying this etymology. This view is called evambhuta-naya. Apart from these six logical nayas there is a seventh called naigama-naya. 'Nigama' literally means local convention (desa-rudhi), and this seventh naya stands for the view which includes in accordance with local conventions--all kinds of doctrines of distinction and the doctrines of non-distinction. These are the seven chief, (not all) nayas, and, really and generally speaking, whatever understanding of things results from the adoption of one particular standpoint rather than any other is the naya corresponding to that standpoint. The Jaina texts also speak of the two nayas called dravyarthika-naya and paryayarthika-naya ; however, these are not something over and above the abovementioned seven nayas but a mere broad classification (samksipta vargikarana) of and an introductory ground (bhumika) to these very seven nayas. Dravyarthika-naya is that line of thought which takes 'substance' (dravya) into account, that is, which takes into account what is general (samanya), common (anvaya), non-distinctive (abheda) or unitary (ekatva) about things. The nayas called naigama, samgraha and vyavahara are comprised with dravyarthika-naya. Of these, samgraha-naya, inasmuch as it takes note of pure non-distinction, is 4. E.g. 'go'--the Sanskrit word for cow-means that which moves'. Hence on this view, a cow cannot be called 'go' when it is not actually in motion. Tr. 5. More literally, 'naigama-naya' may mean understanding based on the convention of the market-place. Really speaking, it is not a considered conviction concerning the nature of things but just an uncritical acceptance of whatever views are offered as and when occasion arises. There is also another interpretation of the word *naigama-naya', but that is not relevant in the present context. Tr.

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48 Anekantavada and Syadvada the pure (suddha) or basic (mula) dravyarthika-naya : but even vyavahara-naya and naigama-naya, which no doubt take note of certain distinctions, are invariably cognizant also of non-distinction of some type or other. Hence it is that these latter two nayas are also classed under dravyarthika-naya, but they are dravyarthika-nayas an impure (asuddha) or mixed (misrita) type (and not of the pure basic type as in samgraha-naya). Paryayarthika-naya is the name for that line of thought which takes 'modes (paryaya) into account, that is, which takes into account what is particular (vi'sesa), exclusive (vyavstti) or distinctive (bheda) about things. The remaining four nayas-i.e. rjusutra etc.-are comprised within paryayarthika-naya. Consideration of distinctions by a neglect of non-distinctions starts with rjusutra-naya, and hen texts call this naya the prakrti or root-basis (mula) of paryayarthika-naya. The remaining three nayas-ie. sabda-naya (samprata-naya) etc.-are in a way the amplifications of this basic sort of paryayarthika-naya. Similarly, the line of thought which attaches sole utility to knowledge will be called jnana-naya while that which attaches sole utility to action will be called kriya-naya. In short, the total - i.e. non-absolutistic-view of the universe is unlimited (nihsina) because the nayas that form the basis of this view are unlimited (in number). The multifarious views concerning one and the same entity that result from the adoption of the various stands (apeksa), angles of vision (drstikona), and approaches (manovrtti) constitute the found Bhangavada or the Doctrine of Manifold Judgment. When two views whose subject-matters are diametrically opposite of each other are sought to be synthesized, and with this end in view such (simple) judgments are formed as given expression to the positive as well as negative aspects of the (two) subject-matters in question, the result is a (complex) sevenfold judgement (saptabhangi). The Doctrine of Partial Truths (nayavada) is the basis of the Doctrine of Sevenfold judgment (saptabhangi) and the latter doctrine aims at an all-comprehensive (vyapaka) harmoniously synthesized-i.e. nonabsolutistic- understanding of things. Just as inference-for-the-sakeof-others (pararthanumana)--i.e, inference expressed in the form of verbal/propositions--is resorted to when one seeks to convey to others a piece of knowledge that he has come to acquire through some particular organ of knowledge, similarly, resort is taken to the

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Anekantavada : The Principal Jaina Contribution of Logic 49 simple judgments that go to constitute a complex sevenfold judgment when one seeks to convey to others how certain mutually contradictory traits are harmoniously synthesized in one single whole. Thus the Doctrine of Partial truths (nayavada) and the Doctrine of Manifold Judgment (bhangavada) are natural corollaries to the non-absolutistic standpoint. True, in the Vedicist philosophical systems like Nyaya-Vaisesika, Vedanta, etc. and so also in the philosophy of Buddhism, we often come across a tendency (drsti) to view the same thing from different standpoints and thus synthesize its various aspects ;6 but the utmost insistence (atyaniika agraha) that every aspect of everything must be viewed from every possible standpoint, and the unflinching faith that the consummation of all thought-process lies only in a synthesis of all possible standpoints, are to be found nowhere except in the Jaina system of philosophy. It was as a result of this insistence (and this faith) that the Jainas gave birth to those independent (svatantra), systematic disciplines (vyavasthita sastra) called 'Doctrine of Non-Absolutism' (anekantavada), "Doctrine of Partial Truths' (nayavada), and "Doctrine of Sevenfold Judgment (saptabhangi), disciplines which became a part and parcel of their treatment of Logic (pramana-sastra) and on which no other school produced even a single or even a minor text. Though an advocate of Vibhajyavada (Doctrine of the Avoidance of Extremes) and Madhyamamarga (Middle Path), the Buddhist system, remained blind to the element of permanence exhibited by a reai entity, and hence declared everything to be but momentary. Similarly, though actually employing the word "anekanta" to characterize their own standpoint, the Naiyayikas could not help harping on the thesis that atoms, souls, etc. are absolutely unchanging (sarvatha aparinamin). Again, the Vedantists, even while taking recourse to the various standpoints called 'empirical' (vyavaharika) 'ultimte' (paramarthika), etc., could not help insisting that all standpoints except the standpoint of Brahman (Brahma-drsti) are of an inferior--or even utterly false--sort. The only reason for this anomaly seems to be that these systems did not imbibe the spirit of non-absolutism to the same extent as did the Jaina. Thus the Jaina synthesizes all the standpoints and, at the same time, grants that all these standpoints are equally competent and true so far as their 6. See Sankhya-pravacana-bhasya, p. 2: Siddhanta-bindu, p. 119 seq.;Vedantasutra, p. 25; Tarkasamgrahadipika, p. 175; Mahavagga, p. 6, 31. 7. Nyaya-bhasya, 2.1.18.

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50 Anekantavada and Syadvada respective spheres are concerned, Since the Jaina's non-absolutistic standpoint and the systematic treatises composed by him on the subject, concern themselves exclusively with the time-honoured philosophical controversies like identity versus difference, generality versus particularity, eternity versus transience, etc., it might appear, at first sight, that all this is repetitive, hackneyed, and something lacking in originality ; but the spirit of accepting (nothing save) the total (akhanda), living (sajiva), and all-sided (sarvamsa) truth-a spirit reflected in the standpoint and the treatises in question--which is so characteristic of the Jaina and which found entrance in Logic through him, is capable of successful employment in all the fields of life, and may on that account be regarded, not unduly, as a contribution made to (Indian) Logic by the Jaina savants.

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The Anekantavada of the Jainas* H.M. BHATTACHARYA Anekantavada or the Doctrine of Many-sidedness of Reality of the Jainas is a distinctive contribution to Indian thought in so far as Realistic Metaphysics and Epistemology are concerned. The Jainas are direct realists and they depend for knowledge of the objective world on commonsense and experience. They believe that the universe is divided into two hemispheres as it were, one, the world of jivas and the other, the world of ajivas, or more generally speaking, the world of souls and the world of non-souls. The constitution of the soul is such that it must know the world or non-soul and the constitution of the non-soul is such that it must be known by the soul. The two worlds are self-existent and independent of one another but at the same time they must have, by their very constitution, inter-communication, making knowledge of the outside world on the one hand and bondage and release of the soul on the other possible. As realists the Jainas, like other realists, are pledged to this distinctness of soul and non-soul. Here, as elsewhere, they are guided by commonsense and experience which reveal unmistakably this dualism between the soul and the non-soul. With this commonsense and realistic attitude the Jainas attempt to interpret the problems of knowledge and of the objective world ; and such attempt of theirs has given rise to the famous Anekantavada. The Jainas have come to the doctrine that the object of our knowledge has inexhaustible facets or aspects and any attempt to understand and interpret it from any one particular point of view is an epistemological blunder. They have come to this conclusion by a * Indo-Asian Culture, January 1958

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52 Anekantavada and Syadvada thorough and careful examination of the other Indian systems of thought, each of which, according to the Jainas, reveals but one aspect of the objective reality. Historically speaking, Anekantavada arose as a reaction against the two diametrically opposed views, namely the view of reality of the Vedantists which makes it to be purely unchangeable, immutable and static, and the view of the Buddhists which takes the view of reality as change, movement, phenomena following one another without any noumenal background. The Vedantist makes the Soul, immutable and all-pervading, as the sole reality admitting of no change, action and quality, and this is according to the Jainas one extreme in which only the pure satta or Being is posited. The Buddhists take the other extreme which negates satta and makes reality to be constituted of change, action, movement and phenomena. The Jainas criticise the Nyaya and the Vaisesika as only one-sided views of the nature of reality as these philosophers consider objects separately either in terms of generality or in terms of particularity while the true nature of the object reveals that it is at the same time both general and particular. Generality grows out of the discovery of a common feature of the particulars which thus help us to derive the idea of generality and each of the particulars also shares in the generality to which they jointly contribute. In this way the Jainas make it clear to us that the proper understanding of a Real can never be acquired from any one viewpoint which confines itself to any one or other of the innumerable aspects it is capable of. The Vastu or Real according to the Jainas has many aspects ; so to do justice to the true nature of a Real, we must always avoid any one-sided representation of it. The Jainas have come to this view by a deep analysis of the Nature of a Real. The Real is something permanent in the midst of changes. It is descrided as having two aspects. In one aspect it is something permanent and in the other aspect it is changeful, evolving qualities yet losing and replenishing them. A Real, therefore, by nature is what may be called substance-cum-attribute and permanence- cum-change. The Jainas further state that in considering a real we must take note of the fourfold condition which determines its Nature. These four conditions are substance, place, time and state, which again fall under two heads : its own nature and the nature other than its own. Each real will be an existent under its own nature i.e. it will exist in its own substance, in its own place, in

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The Anekantavada of the Jainas 53 its own moment and in its own state. But it will be non-existent in substance other than its own, in place other than its own, in moment other than its own and in state other than its own. The Jainas have taken meticulous care in considering reals under these conditions both as their own and as foreign and concluded that applying these two opposite sets of conditions to reals, they may be regarded as of one character as well as of another character. Without going into further details of application of these conditions we might say that the general conclusion with regard to reals which the Jainas have arrived at is that reals necessarily are of manifold character. So any categorical statement in which we predicate only one quality of a subject in a judgment will represent only one aspect of the real to the exclusion of innumerable ones of which it is capable. Such a statement will thus be an expression of a merely partial truth. Such a one-sided categorical expression of only one aspect of a real, the Jainas have termed naya. Anaya is thus a categorical judgment made with regard to an object by one who, in order to satisfy one's own particular purpose, makes such a judgment without removing the possibility of other judgments with regard to it. From what has been said it is not unnatural to suppose an infinite number of nayas corresponding to the infinite aspects, of which the real is capable. But the Jainas are wise enough to classify under the two heads, the permanent and the changeful aspects, in which they tell us, reals are capable of being represented. These two are comprehensive enough to include all possible aspects of reals. Thus if the facts and phenomena of the world are understood in terms of their permanent and changeful aspects, then and then only we have fulfilment of our practical life. Similarly our practical life is served rightly only when we learn to look at things of the world as both general and particular and not as general or particular. The Jaina is of opinion that our knowledge of the Real can be valid only when such knowledge is consistent with and favours practice. From the analysis of the different nayas as given by the Jainas, it is found that reals are possessed of an infinite variety of qualities, and the nayas are only so many different ways of expressing the relations of the infinite qualities with the real, though each of them is expressive of a partial truth of the matter. The nayas then are infinite, corresponding to infinite qualities of objects and to the infinite variety of relations in which these qualities stand to the reals.

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54 Anekantavada and Syadvada So apparently a complete knowledge of things and their qualities is an impossible feat for an ordinary enquirer. According to the Jaina, complete knowledge is possible only by a Jina or Kevalin who has attained perfection in knowledge, faith and character by long and arduous self-culture. The Jaina thinks that different philosophers claiming complete knowledge with the help of their different nayas have given us a semblance of naya and not a valid naya. They have however dispelled the despair of an ordinary intellect as against that of the Sarvajna or All-knower by insisting that if we have recourse to the following seven-fold judgment or saptabhangi by following each naya, then even we may hope to attain valid knowledge. But at the same time the Jainas point out that since no one judgment at best can give complete truth but only a partial one allowing for other partial truths, therefore they are in favour not of categorical but always of hypothetical judgments. And this they have provided for by adding syat or 'may be' before every judgment. Following each naya, there will always be seven judgments and each of them will be prefixed with the term syat. This is known as saptabhangi-naya or Syadvada. It appears that Syadvada is the epistemic counterpart of the Jaina metaphysical standpoint of Anekantavada. This to my mind is the real picture of Syadvada and Anekantavada. They are distinguishable but not separable. They go together but may not be indentical. But many jaina authorities identified the two. Now the sevenfold judgment runs thus : (1) may be it is existent (2) may be it is non-existent (3) may be it is existent and non-existent may be it is indefinable may be it is existent and indefinable (6) may be it is non-existent and indefinable (7) may be it is existent, non-existent and indefinable. In this sevenfold judgment of Syadvada what we must specially note is the significance of existent, non-existent and indefinable. The Jainas maintain as we have already stated, that every real is an existent in its own nature and a non-existent when considered not in its own nature but in a nature other than its own. So when we predicate the existence of a real, it includes the possibility of its non-existence being predicated of it. Its position and negation become thus necessary alternative predications. Then again,

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The Anekantavada of the Jainas 55 position and negation may be predicated of a real either in succession or with simultaneity. It is easy to understand that in the first two judgments there is no question of succession or of simultaneity. The third judgment becomes possible when we predicate position and negation in succession because we can very well understand how a thing can be considered as existent in its own nature and then we can predicate negation of it afterwards when considered in its nature other than its own. But the more important question arises when we predicate position and negation not in succession but in simultaneity. If a real is both existent and non-existent at the same time, then we fail to determine its nature i.e. the real then becomes indeterminable or indefinable. So in the fourth form of the judgment where position and negation are simultaneous i.e. the real becomes both existent and non-existent at the same time, our positive and negative determinations cancel each other and the real becomes indefinable. But in the fifth form of judgment we find that the Jaina makes further determination of the indeterminate because it predicates existence of the indeterminate. It is interesting to note that in the Vedanta as well as in the Buddhist systems of thought we come across the indefinable form when the Vedanta speaks of anirvacaniya and the Buddhist speaks of catuskotivinirmukta. The anirvacaniya of the Vedantist is mayu and the catuskotivinirmukta of the Buddhist is Nirvana. The indefinable of the Jainas as it occurs in the fourth form of judgment explains the nature of a real because in the explanation of a real the Jaina contends that it is a form in which every real appears to us under certain circumstances. From this analysis of the term indefinable in the fourth form of predication, it has been regarded by the Jaina as a distinct character of a real. The indefinable is not the result of juxtaposition of existence and non-existence but it stands for a character of the real which is inclusive of existence and non-existence but at the same time transcending them. From this it is further clear that the indefinable as a distinct character of a real must have existence. So the fifth iudgment becomes a necessary form of predication. In other words when it is icated of an object that it is indefinable in the sense of a distinct character, then it must have an existence. In this way the Jaina claims to silence those who may contend that when a thing is indefinable, no further predication is possible. And as we know that

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56 Anekantavada and Syadvada position and negation are applicable both in succession as well as in simultaneity, the sixth and the seventh judgments are perfectly justified. This gives us how the sevenfold predication or Saptabhangi-naya of the Jainas has a sufficient reason for its formation and how it has opened a new line of epistemological approach to Reality. But we should not forget to mention the further question as even and seven only and neither more nor less. Vimaladasa, the author of "Saptabhangi-tarangini", in his refutation of this objection has begun his polemic by reference to a very ingenious example. He asks us to consider the taste of a drink prepared from curd, sugar, chilly, pepper, etc mixed together. Now the taste of the drink is really indefinable in the sense that its taste and flavour are different form those of each of the ingredients, but that indefinable taste is quite a matter of our feeling ard enjoyment. That this indefinbale taste exists is clear from the fact that in it we feel in some from the taste and flavour of the ingredients like curd etc. Similarly in each fact of the indefinble are present the feelings of somewhat existence, somewhat nonexistence, the successive feelings of existence and non-existence and the feeling of simultaneity of existence and non-existence. Then Vimaladasa takes up the question as to why the number of judgments must be seven. The answer which he gives is that any enquiry into the nature of things arises out of doubt about it. Doubt begets enquiry. But doubt arises when generally there are two contradictory ideas. But in the case of doubt as conceived by the Jaina, there are really no rigid contradictories, the apparent contradiction being due to our neglect to see the fourfold conditions of substance, place, time and state, as the case may be. Anyway since there is apparent contradiction, that must be the source of doubt. Now taking existence and non-existence as such, there may be real contradiction between them, but the Jaina always warns us against this absolute contradiction and qualifies the statement of each of the contradictories by prefixing the term "somehow" and the traditional theory of contradiction as the source of doubt cannot arise between "somehow existent'? and "somehow non-existent'' but always between somehow existent and absolutely existent. The Jaina has elaborately shown that any real exists in its own nature and is non-existent in consideraticn of a nature other than its own and this 'somehow character has been

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The Anekantavada of the Jainas 57 indicated by them by the prefixed syat. But a doubt does arise due to con fusion between "somehow existence" and "absolute existence" and in order to remove this doubt the Jainas have formulated the sevenfold judgment. As the doubt of this kind are ultimately seven in number and not more nor less, the judgments also will be seven, no more nor less. So the contention of the Jainas that Syadvada consists of seven judgments only.

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Theory of Anekantavada* . K.C. BHATTACHARYA The Jaina theory of anekantavada or the manifoldness of truth is a form of realism which not only asserts a plurality of determinate truths but also takes each truth to be an indetermination of alternative truths It is interesting as suggesting a criticism of present-day realism and indicating a direction in which its logic might be developed. It is proposed in the present paper to discuss the conception of a plurality of determinate truths to which ordinary realism appears to be committed and to show the necessity of an indeterministic extension such as is presented by the Jaina theory. The truth that we actually know is a plurality of truths and philosophy rightly or wrongly, sets itself the problem of finding the one truth which either denies or in some sense compries the plurality. Whatever differences there have been as to the actual conception of the truth, the rejection of the faith that there is one truth has generally been taken to argue a scepticism about the many truths that we claim to know. Some times however an ultimate plurality of truths has itself been taken as the one truth and the apparent contradiction has been sought to he avoided hy taking it to mean only that there is one cognition of the plurality. Else-where the cognition of a fact is a further fact but here the addition of cognition as a fact to plurality as a fact yields us nothing but the plurality. The realistic or objectivistic equivalent of the unity of a cognitive act is the bare togetherness of the facts know; and the togetherness of cognition as a fact with the fact cognised is the exemplar of this relation. The difficulty is about the objectivity of this bare togetherness. * The Philosophical Quartely, 1/1, 1925.

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Theory of Anekantavada 59 When two objects other than knowing are known together, they are ordinarily taken to be in some kind of whole, specific relation or unity. This cannot be said of object and its cognition as together. Objects also may however be barely together : the relation of a whole to its elements, of a relation to its terms or of a unity to its factors is nothing more specific than togetherness. This then is the fundamental category of realism and whole, relation or unity would be understood as particular cases of it. We propose to show on the lines of the Jaina theory that this category is itself manifold, being only a name for fundamentally different aspects of truth which cannot be subsumed under a universal and do not make a unity in any sense. Togetherness, as ordinarily understood by the realist, means distinction of determinate positive truths. The Jaina category might be formulated as distinction from distinction which as will be shown has a definite range of alternative values, only one of which answers to the distinction or togetherness of the modern realist. Prima facie there is a difference between the relation of a composite fact with its components and the relation of the components themselves. We may overlook for the present the different forms of the composite--whole, relation or unity--which imply varying relations to the components and provisionally admit composite truth as a single entity. Now there is no difference between the togetherness of any one component with the rest and that of any other with the rest : the components in their various combinations are together in exactly the same sense. Taking however the composite on the one hand with the components on the other, we find that the two sides can be only thought alternately: while one side is thought by itself, the other can be thought in reference to it. If the components are taken to be given, the composite can be understood as only their plurality; and if the composite is given as one, the components are known as only its analysis. Each side can be given by itself as objective and so it is not a case of mere correlative thoughts. Neither side need be thought in reference to the other ; but while one is thought as distinct by itself, the other has to be thought as only together with or distinct from it. We have in fact a correlation here between distinct in itself' and 'distinct from the other,' between given position and what is sometimes called the negation of negation. Is the necessity of thinking something as other than its other

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60 Anekantavada and Syadvada merely subjective ? It would appear to be objective in the same sense and on the same grounds as the togetherness or bare distinction of positives admitted by the realist. Realism objectifies the subjective because it is known and is not simply transcendental. The question may be asked, is the distinction of subject and object, of knowing and the known, both taken to be facts-enjoyed' and 'contemplated respectively, to use Professor Alexander's phrase--a fact of the former or of the latter category, subjective or objective ? Now just as knowing is known, the * absolute difference of the two forms of knowing-enjoying and contemplating-is also known ; and if the unity of the knowing act be taken to correspond to objective togetherness, this absolute difference must also be taken to have its objective counterpart. Togetherness or bare distinction is the form of objectivity in general. The counterpart then of the difference of 'subjective' knowing or enjoying' from objective knowing or 'contemplating would be distinction from objectivity i.e. from distinction. Thus both distinction and distinction from distinction taken by the realist as objective. These two however are not ordinarily distinguished : both are called by the same nametogetherness. If however as shown these two forms of togetherness are fundamentally different, what is their further relation ? Now distinction from distinction has sometimes been taken as a determinate relation, as identity or some unique relation. like characterising' or adjectivity, which also for our present purpose we may call a peculiar form of identity. The problem is accordingly about the relation of identity and distinction in the objective. We may consider two forms of identity as presented by the Hegelian and the Nyaya systems respectively. The Nyaya is avowedly a realistic system and the Hegelian theory may also in some sense be taken to be realistic. Realism proper, as we conceive it, has no place for the relation of identity in the objective except in a factitious sense, although it should--what it ordinarily does not-admit distinction from distinction as a specific category. The above two theories however admit both identity and distinction though they do not stress them in the same way. The Hegelian subordinates distinction to identity while the Nyaya assigns priority to distinction. The Jaina theory admits identity only in the sense of indeterminate nondistinction, and it takes the two relations to be coordinate without subordinating any one to the other.

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Theory of Anekantavada 61 In what sense does the Hegelian subordinate distinction to identity ? Now doubt he emphasises distinction to distinguish his concrete identity from abstract or formal identity but he does not admit--what a realist would admit--that an object can be distinct in itself and need not be in a comprising identity. The dialectic movement ends in an absolute identity, not in an absolute distinction. The thesis and antithesis at any stage are said to be reduced to 'ideality in the synthesis, to be not only contained but transformed by it. The identity progresses in concreteness in the sense that it dissolves in itself a deeper and deeper difference; but the absolute in the last resort is taken as the identity of the deepest differences, not as incommensurable bifurcations of an identity. What however is this relation of subordination of distinction to identity ? Distinction is in some sense negated by the identity : it is said to be dissolved or reduced to 'ideality in the identity. Not that it is negated in the sense an illusory percept is said to be negated by a true percept: difference or the rich variety of the universe is not an illusion. If then difference still retains some kind of being. what is the name of the relation between this being and the being of the identity ? Should it be called identity again, as apparently the Hegelian would call it ? Identity then would occupy two positions : the synthesis or the composite as we may call it is the identity of the different factors and is also identical with them, being thus at once a relation and a term. The Hegelian ordinarily understands identity as mutual implication or correlation. If A and B imply one another, each being wholly intelligible by the other, they are said to be identical. In this sense a synthesis would be taken as the identity of its factors. Is the identity of the synthesis with the retained being of the distinction within it also to be understood in the sense of mutual implication ? The two implications that make up mutual implication must be envisaged as substantially different truths and must not be a purposeless repetition of each other in different verbal order only. If a synthesis and its factors be mutually implicatory, the synthesis implying the factors must mean something concretely different from the factors implying the synthesis. It cannot mean simply that the factors are presupposed by the unity; for that means substantially the same thing as that the factors presuppose the unity. The two sides are but the verbal explications of the same fact viz. the thought of identity-in-difference

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62 Anekantavada and Syadvada or synthesis. Synthesis implying the factors should mean then that the unity must break out actually into difference. In the last resort it will amount to saying that the Absolute should be experienced, not merely thought, as necessarily reproducing itself in actuality. But is the actual universe experienced as necessary ? It is only thought to be necessary; and accordingly the implication by the Absolute of actual differences--the necessity of its self- reproduction is not distinct as a substantial truth from the mere presupposition of the Absolute by the universe. The identity then of a synthesis with the retained being of the distinction within it is not an identity in the sense of mutual implication. If the relation be still called identity, it must be taken as simply intuited, as all identity is taken to be in the Nyaya. Apparently then the Hegelian, while subordinating distinction to identity, has to admit two utterly different kinds of identity, corresponding to the difference of thought and intuition, which cannot be reduced to further identity. This however is a contradiction. A similar contradiction may be brought out in the Nyaya view. Here however we start with the priority of distinction to identity and we have to end, as will appear presently, by admitting an identity that is not distinct from any thing at all. Confining ourselves to positives, we have synthetic identity of positives in this system in the form of Samavaya or the relation of inherence. Without going into the subile technicalities of the Nyaya in this connection, we may indicate that Samavaya is understood by it as the relation of attribute to its substratum and of a whole to its part. It is a relation of distinct objects and is regarded as what is presupposed by every other relation of existents. It is not a mere formal relation of identity : the distinction of the terms of this relation is taken to be real and to be in no sense superseded by it. Hence it is not called identity in this theory but it is pointed out that one term of the relation-attribute or whole-exists inseparably from the other substratum or part, the inseparability being eternal although no term may be infinite or permanent. This eternal inseparability may accordingly be regarded as a form of concrete identity. Now this identity is taken as knowable by perception, unlike the implicational identity of Hegel which is supposed to be known only by necessary thought. As a percept it is a distinct among distincts, not as in the Hegelian theory comprehensive of the distincts. Ultimately there are objects like the simple atoms distinct in themselves and not

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Theory of Anekantavada 63 inhering in anything beyond them. Other objects like attributes and wholes exist as distinct but inseparable from their substrata. Finally the relation Samavaya or this concrete identity is also a distinct object. Thus priority is assigned, as has been pointed out, in this system to distinction. The relation of Samavaya implies three grades of distincts--objects that must be in some substratum, the substrata, and the relation itself. The question may be asked if relation is a distinct being in the sense in which the objects of the other two grades are distinct. These objects are distinct as the terms of the relation : objects which do not inhere in anything are still determinate as having attributes and wholes inhering in them. Not that the knowledge of a substance presupposes the knowledge of what inheres in it: it is known as distinct prior to the analysis. But in point of being, every object except relation must either have something inhering in it or itself inhere in something else or be in both these situations. Relation is not itself related to anything beyond, for then there would be a regressus ad infinituin. It is a distinct existent only by self-identity or sva-sanavaya. Self-identity however is not a relation of distincts at all. Granting---what is not admitted by all-that Samavaya is known by perception, this self-identity or Sva-Samavaya is not a perceptible fact but is only an artificial thought-content. Self-related means unrelated in the objective. Samavaya is certainly known along with its terms but as a fact, it is only unrelated and cannot be even said to be definitely different from its terms. Can it then be determinate in itself ? It may indeed be conceded that the determinateness of a related term does not in point of being depend on its relations: the relation of a term presupposes an intrinsic determination in the term. But that need not mean that the term is itself unrelated and has relation only added to it. In point of being the relation of Samavaya is eternal and so the related term is never unrelated, though as a term it is distinguishable from the relation. Relation then as an unrelated term is not even determinate and it is a contradiction to speak of it as self-related or unrelated and yet as determinate. In the two conceptions of indentity-in-difference above considered, the subordination of either relation to the other appears to lead to a contradiction. Shall we then take the relations to be merely coordinate ? We may take one type of such a view as

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64 Anekantavada and Syadvada presented in a recent work on Logic by W.E. Johnson (Vol. I, chapter xii). In the last two views, a term A can be both identical with and other than B. The present view denies it and keeps to the commonsense principle that distincts cannot be also non-distinct. Yet identity as a relation is admitted : a term X, viewed in connexion with the distincts A and B. would be said to be identical as against the distinction of A and B. Identity of X here practically means its self-identity : it is not merely the thing X but a relation in reference to the distinction. Identity of X thus implies a distinction outside X viz. between A and B. not any distinction or plurality within itself. The so called mutual implication of the identity and distinction of two terms M and N means according to this view their identity in one respect a and their distinction in another b; the two relations are presented together, each being known independently. It amounts to saying that M and N are in the two relations the same two terms only in a factitious sense. They are two pairs of terms-Ma, Na, and Mb, Nb-presented together; and the identity of Ma. Na, means that they are only different symbols of P. But what does symbol of P mean, it may be asked. Can we simply say that Ma, Na are P as in connexion' with i.e. as distinct from and together with Mb, Nb respectively? Apparently P has to be thought in two positions. The difference of symbols is not accidentally together with the identity P: it can not be got rid of and cannot in the last resort be taken to be merely outside the identity, like the difference of Mb. Nb. In other words, a new relation-other than the mere coordinateness of distincts--has to be admitted between P and its ultiniate symbols or thought-positions. So far as the identity of P can be distinguished from this relation, it is only P-ness and not P; and the relation itself is but the particularity of P. The identity of a determinate thing then disappears and gives place to a dualism of the abstractions--thinghood and particularity. Ordinary realism starts with the determinate thing and would resist this analysis as artificial. But the alternative would appear to be to take the determinate thing as simply given, as implying no identity and to reject self-identity as only a meaningless phrase. What precisely is meant by 'simply given? It can only mean "independent of all particularising or symbolising thought. It is to assume that the distinct exists apart from distinguishing. If this is justified simply by the circumstannce that the distinction between the subjective and the

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Theory of Anekantavada 65 objective is itself a known object, we come back to the old difficulty about distinction within the objective and distinction from the objective. Distinction from the objective, taken as itself objective, implies that knowing is known as distinct from the known i.e. as as unknown. If this is not a contradiction, knowing can only be understood as the indefinite that is known (i.e. is definite or objective) as the indefinite. The realistic equivalent of the relation of object and subject then is the relation of the definite and indefinite. The objective indefinite has been admitted by some logicians with a realistic tendency e.g. by L.T. Hobhouse in his Theory of Knowledge. The content of simple apprehension which to him is the standard fact is at once definite and indefinite. What is apprehended is a definite with an indefinite background. The indefinite as apprehended is so far definite but it is definite as indefinite, not as superseding the indefinite. Yet to Hobhouse there is knowledge only so far as the content is defined by abstration. The knowledge of the indefinite as such is not regarded as necessitating any modification of the forms of definite knowledge. The difference of the definite and the indefinite is not understood as other than the difference between two definites. There is the other obscure relation approximating to adjectivity or identity indicated by the phrase 'definite indefinite.' But this relation, if not denied, is not considered by him at all. The Jaina recognises both these relations explicitly and obtains from their contrast certain other forms of truth, simpler and more complex. The obscure relation in the content 'definite indefinite' requires elucidation. If the indefinite is definite as such, is this definiteness an objective character ? To the realist, thought only discovers but does not constitute the object. Bare position corresponding to the simple positing act of thinking must then be objective. The indefinite is thought as indefinite and by the same logic the indefiniteness is also objective. The 'definite indefinite' is thus a fact but the two elements of it are incompatible in thought. The factual equivalent of this incompatibility would be disconnexion or no-relation: The elements cannot be said to be related objectively even in the way of distinction. Yet as the elements have to be thought together, their togetherness is to be admitted as objective in the same abstract sense. Here then we have togetherness of unrelated or undifferenced elements. We cannot deny a plularity nor can we affirm

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66 Anekantavada and Syadvada a definite distinction : the relation is a magical alternation. This would be the Jaina equivalent of the relation of identity. We may call it non-difference, distinction from distinction or indeterminate distinction. If the given indefinite is definite as indefinite, the given definite is definite as definite. The given definite thus turns out to be a manifold, in contrast with the given indefinite. If the adjective 'definite' in 'definite indefinite' be objective, it is also objective in 'definite definite' and distinguishable from the substantive 'definite'. We use the terms adjective and substantive only in a provisional way. The adjectival definite is objective thought-position and the substantive definite as contrasted with it is objective given-ness, or existence in general. As they are both distinct, their relation is definite distinction or differenced togetherness. Thus we have two modes of togetherness-differenced and undifferenced. The Jaina calls them kramarpana and saharpana respectively-consecutive presentation and co-presentation, as they might be translated. To him the indeterminism or manifoldness of truth (anekanta) presents itself primarily in these two forms of difference and non-difference. The two definites in the phrase "definite definite' mean thought-position and given-ness. They answer precisely to the elements of the determinate existent-viz. particularity and thinghood--which we obtained from the coordinateness of identity and distinction. In order to avoid the apparently artificial analysis, the realist takes the determinate existent as merely given. It is indeed given but so is the indefinite also given and the contrast of the two brings out the circumstance that the determinate existent is manifold-the very analysis that was sought to be avoided. The determinate existent then implies the distinct elements and is at the same time distinct from them. Such is the logical predicament that is presented everywhere in the Jaina theory. It may be generalised as a principle : the distinction from distinction is other than mere distinction and yet asserts the distinction. It is just the realistic equivalent of the simple statement that the subject is distinct from the object and knows this distinction, or as it may be put more explicitly, that the knowing of knowing is the knowing of knowing as referring to the object. As we have already suggested, the different basal categories of objectivity with which the different forms of realism are bound up answer to the different aspects

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Theory of Anekantavada 67 of the act of knowing. If knowing is a unity, the known is a plurality, the objective category being distinction or togetherness. If knowing is itself a duality of contemplating' and 'enjoying', the known or the contemplated is a duality of distictions and distinction from distinction. If finally knowledge is of the object, refers to the known, the known must present an equivalent of this of-relation or reference. What is this of-relation ? It is the relation of knowing and its content, the knowing or assertive function which is sometimes identified with the function of meaning. It is a relation, not of two contents, but of content and no-content; of being and no-being-something that is neither the one nor the other and is intellitible only by the concept of freedom that can neither be said to be nor not to be. This freedom, stripped of its subjective associations, is but the category of indetermination. Distinction and indentity infact-or as we call them, differenced togetherness and undiferenced togetherness (of particularity and thinghood)are themselves related in the way of indetermination or alternation : particularity and thinghood are in each relation without being in the other relation at the same time. Identity is distinct from distinction and yet implies it i.e. is in alternation with it. There are thus three basal categories--viz. distinction, distinction from distinction as other than distinction, and the indetermination of the two. Ordinary realism is based on the first category, there are forms of realism that admit some kind of definite identity as distinct from distinction, and finally Jaina realism admits both in the form of indetermination, the identity being interpreted as indefinite. The Jaina develops this category of indetermination into seven alternative modes of truth. The indetermination is ultimately of the definite and indefinite. Now this yields two relations definite distinction between them and indefinite distinction. But indefinite distinction between them is to our knowledge nothing other than the indefinite as a term of it ; we do not know more of the indefinite than that it is indefinite. The most complex mode of truth then that we know is the definite distinction between the definite and the indefinite, or as we put it more explicitly, between the definite-definite and the definite-indefinite. Every other aspect of truth, as we shall see presently, is implied by it as distinct from and alternative with it.

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68 Anekantavada and Syadvada Now the definiteness of the given indefinite, as has been shown already, though objective, sits lightly on the indefinite and is a detachable adjective. The conception of detachable definiteness being thus obtained, the given definite turns out to be a manifold, to be a togetherness or distinction of two definites--the detachable definite on the one hand or particular position which has no reference to existence or non-existence and giveness or existence in general on the other which as contrasted with the particular i.e. as characterless may be called its negation. No other negation is admitted by the Jaina to be objective : what is called absolute negation-one form of which is the contradictory--the negation of what it is not possible to affirm at all is to be rejected as not objective, as no truth at all. The definite-definite or the determinate existent may then be said both to be and not to be : particularity or pure position is its being and existence in general is its negation. There is no contradiction if we bear in mind that the being of pure position is not given existence but only what must be thought, what is objective in this sense. The same logic is sometimes expressed by saying that a determinate existent A is in one respect and is not in another respect. This does not simply mean that A is A and is not B: it means that existent A, as existence universal, is distinct from its particularity The determinate existent is, in the sense explained, being and negation as distinguishably together, together by what the Jaina calls kramarpana. The given indefinite--the 'unspeakable' or avaktavya as it has been called--as distinct from the definite existent, presents soemthing other than this consecutive togetherness': it implies saharpanc or co-presentation which amounts to non-distinction or indeterminate distinction of being and negation in the above sense. It is objective as given : it cannot be said to be not a particular position nor io be non-existent. At the same time it is not the definite distinction of position and existence : it represents a category by itself. The commonsense principle implied in its recognition is that what is given cannot be rejected simply because it is not expressible by a single positive concept. A truth has to be admitted if it cannot be got rid of even if it is not understood. So far then we have obtained four modes of truth--being, negation, their distinction and their non-distinction--all implied by the distinction between the definite given and the indefinite

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Theory of Anekantavada 69 given. Now this distinction is itself a mode of truth : and as the definite given is taken to be being and negation or particularity and existence together, the indefinite may be considered as together with or distinct from each of these elements taken singly. It may be taken to be a particular i.e. to be together with position, and it may be taken to be many indistinguishable negations, to be the universal - existence as itself a confusion of the negations of many particulars, as not-A, not-B, not-C..... indefinitely together. Thus we have altogether seven modes of truth--bhangas as they have been called viz. particular position or being, its negation or the universal- existence, position and negation as distinguishably together or determinate existent, these as indistinguishably together or the indefinite, this indefinite as itself a being or particular position, as many negations together, and finally as distinct from the determinate existent. If there be an eighth mode, it would be non-distinction of the definite and indefinite, which however is but the indefinite, nothing more specific than the fourth mode. The value of these modes of truth for logic cannot be fully discussed within the limits of this paper. We may conclude by pointing out that these modes of truth are not merely many truths but alternative truths. The last mode may be regarded as implying the other modes but is not therefore in any sense a comprising unity. What is implied by a mode is a different mode. The implying relation in objective terms is but indetermination. The implying mode and the implied mode are at once distinct and indefinitely non-distinct. Truth as an indetermination or alternation of truths is but manifold possibility. Each mode of truth as alternative with the others is a possible though it has to be taken as objective. There is the conception of indeterministic will to which there are many possibles, any of which can be really chosen by it. Here we have already the notion of manifold possibility as objective to the will. But the logic of this notion has not been sufficiently investigated, though the relations of objective possibles cannot be adequately expressed by the categories of ordinary logic. The Jaina theory elaborates a logic of indetermination--not in reference to the will-but in reference to the knowing though it is a pragmatist theory in some sense. As a realist, the Jaina holds that truth is not constituted by willing though he admits that the knowledge of truth has a necessary reference to willing, His theory of

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70 Anekantavada and Syadvada indeterministic truth is not a form of scepticism. It represents, not doubt, but toleration of may modes of truth. The faith in one truth or even in a plurality of truths, each simply given as determinate, would be rejected by it as a species of intolerance. What is presented and cannot be got rid of has to be accepted as truth even though it is not definitely thinkable or is thinkable in alternative definite modes.

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Metaphysical View of Anekanta* JETHALAL S. ZAVERI Introductory The non-absolutist realism of the Jains neither endorses absolute eternalism nor absolute fluxism, but explains both these extremes as real with reference to different aspects of the same reality. While dealing with the quantum field theory in the first chapter, we had seen that the paradox of wave-particle-duality of light could be explained by the concept of complementarity introduced by Neils Bohr (one of the founders of the quantum theory). This concept states that both the wave-aspect and the particle-aspect of light are necessary to fully understand the nature of light. Light or anything else cannot be both wave-like and particle-like in the same context. This precisely is the Jain position with regard to any two opposites. Neils Bohr visited China in 1937 and was deeply impressed by ancient Chinese notion of the polar opposites. Some other physicists o visited Far Eastern countries and India and were no doubt deeply impressed by Vedanta, and Buddhist philosophies. In the following discussion, we shall see that the Jain theory of Non-absolutism (anekantavada) offers the best explanation of wave-particle paradox. Unfortunately, however, the eminent physicists could not contact the Jain scholars who could have shown to them the excellent merits of anekantavada. In the last fifteen years, a number of books on modern physics have revealed the most striking parallels between some schools * Microcosmology : Atom in the Jain Philosophy and Modern Science, J.V.B.I. Ladnun, 1991.

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72 Anekantavada and Syadvada of Eastern mysticism and scientific concepts of space and time, cause and effect, etc. In such books, we find the mention of Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism, etc., but hardly anything about Jain philosophy. Through the brief discussion in the following pages, we hope to convince the scienctists in general and the physicists in particular, that the study of Jain Philosophy deserves much more attention than it has received so far. What is Anekantavada ? Anekantavada is basic to the structure of Jain metaphysics. It seeks to reorient our logical attitude and asks us to accept the unification of contradictions as the true measure of reality. It is the key to unlock the mystery of the paradoxical Reality The law of anekanta affirms that there is no opposition between the unity of being and plurality of aspects. The identity of a real is not contradicted by the possession of varying attributes. No one can deny that light, for instance, produces multiple effects, viz., the expulsion of darkness, the illumination of the field of perception, radiation of heat and energy and so on. If a plurality of the energies can be possessed by a self-identical entity without offence to logic, why should the spectre of logical incompatibility be raised in the case of a permanent cause possessing diverse powers (i.e producing diverse effects) ? The law of anekanta affirms the possibility of diverse and even contradictory attributes in a unitary entity, i.e., a thing is neither an absolute unity nor a split-up into a irreconcilable plurality. A thing is one and many at the same time--a unity and a plurality rolled into one. Anekantavada also asserts that there is no contradiction between identity and otherness, as they are not absolute characteristics. The contradiction would be unsurmountable if the two opposites were affirmed to be identical in an absolute reference (i.e. same context). But the identity and otherness asserted by the law of anekanta are only partial and limited, and not complete and unqualified. Thus Anekantavada--non-absolutism-is the law of the multiple nature of Reality. It corrects the partiality of philosophers of supplementing the other side of Reality which escaped them. Non-absolutism pleads for soberness and insists that the nature of Reality is to be determined in conformity with the evidence of experience undeterred by the considerations of abstract logic. Loyalty to experience and to fundamental concepts of philosophy alike make the conclusion inevitable that absolutism is to be surrendered. A thing

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Metaphysical View of Anekanta 73 is neither eternal nor non-eternal, neither permanent nor perishable in the absolute sense but partakes of both the characteristics, and this does not mean any offence to the canons of logic. Experience Vs. Pure (a priori) Logic The Jains who are noted for their firmness and sobriety of outlook, maintain that if the nature of reality is allowed to be determined by a priori logic, in defiance of experience, the results would be fatal. Certainly logic is not competent to tell us whether anything exists at all. It is only perception which can assure us that anything exists. Thus, the position that is adopted by the Jains is this : Pure logic, prior to and independent of experience is a blind guide to the determination of Truth. Logic is to rationlize and systematize what experience offers. All our knowledge is ultimately derived from experience. Even the knowledge that something exists is not capable of being derived from any other source. The existence and behaviour of things and their mutual relationship can be ascertained only on the basis of experience and the function of reason or pure logic is only to reduce the data of experience to order and system. To allow logic to work in vacuo and to dictate term to the data of experience to behave in a way different from their own is neither a sound philosophical procedure nor a safe course of thought. The unfettered exercise of logic in defiance of the testimony of experience, has been responsible for the hopelessly chaotic results achieved by metaphysical speculations. That philosophy has not made progress commensurate with the progress of science is due to the illegitimate freedom usurped by reason by de-position of empirical evidence. The laws of thought, if they are to be the laws of being and becoming must be propounded in a fashion that they may be really helpful to the progress of knowledge. Mutation (parinama) Non-absolutism being the foundation of Jain Philosophy, mutation (change) is as much real as permanence. A substance is a substratum of infinite qualities. Nothing can exist without being in some determinate way' and the qualities of a substance means its existence in a 'determinate mode of being'. Thus, assert Jains, the qualities (gunak) and modes (paryayas) cannot be absolutely different from the substance nor can they be absolutely identical with it. Change or modification is a fundamental characteristic of all that is real. The problem presented by unceasing mutability of existence is

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74 Anekantavada and Syadvada one of the earliest as well as one of most persistent ones in the whole range and history of Eastern as well as Western Philosophy. There is an omnious hint of the central paradox implied in all mutabilitynamely, that only the identical and permanent can change. This paradoxical thought has affected philosophy in different ways at different periods of its history. In the West, at the very dawn of Greek Philosophy, it was the guiding principle of the ''Ionian physicists."' Later on, Parmenides and his Eleatic successors swung to the extreme view that change, being impossible in a permanent homogeneous substance, must be a mere illusion of our deceptive senses. Later again, Empidocles sought to reconcile the apparent mutability of things with the criticism of Parmenides by the theory of regrouping of atom in space. At a more developed stage of Greek thought, Plato drew the momentous distinction between two worlds or orders of being--the real, with its eternal unvarying self-identity, and the merely apparent, where all is change, confusion, and instability. In the Orient also, there have not been wanting attempts to get rid of the paradox by denying its truth. Vedantists, like the Eleastics, sought to escape it by reducing change itself to a baseless illusion. On the other hand, Buddhists (fluxists), like the disciples of Heraclitus, have evaded it by refusing to admit any permanent identity in the changeable, and they have not been entirely without imitators in the modern world. Incessant change without underlying unity has had its defenders in the history of Metaphysics. The argument in favour of the doctrine that only incessant change is real seems to be the appeal to direct experience. In any actual experience, it is contended, we are always presented with the fact of change and transition, we never apprehend an absolutely unchanging content. can, of course, be no gainsaying these facts of experience, but the conclusion based on them evidently goes much farther than the premises warrant. Experience never gives us mere persistence of an unchanging content. Nor does it ever give us mere change without persistence. What we actually experience always exhibits the two aspects of identity and transition together. Usually there will be, side by side with the elements which sensibly change others which remain sensibly constant. And even the successive states of the changing content are not merely momentary, each has its own sensible duration through which it retains its character without perceptible changes. Experience, thus, entirely fails to substantiate the

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Metaphysical View of Anekanta 75 notion of mere change apart from a background of permanent identity. he positive disproof of the notion must, however, be found in its own inherent absurdity. Change by itself, apart from a background of identity, is impossible for the reason that where there is no underlying identity, there is nothing of change. All change must be change of and something. And where you have not merely a change of perception but an actual perception of change, the case is even clearer. What we perceive in such a case is the two successive states being held together by the fact that they are successive states of some more permanent unity. Mostly you have not merely a change of perception, but an actual perception of change. What we perceive is the two successive states being held together by the fact that they are successive states of some more permanent unity. Change, therefore, is a succession within an identity, the identity being as essential to the character of the object as the succession. In what way, then, must we think of this identity which is present throughout the whole succession of changes ? This question-how that which changes can be permanent ?--is similar to the old problem of quality and substance, how the many states can belong to one thing, considered with special reference to the case of states which form a succession in time. Thus, whatever is the true nature of the unity to which the many states of one thing belong, will also be the true nature of the identity which connects the successive stages of a process of change. A group of states is the embodiment of coherent structure. The earlier and later stages of the process are differences in an identity precisely because they constitute one process. The succession of stages is thus welded into a unity which we express by saying that whatever changes possesses an underlying permanent identity of character. Triple Characteristics of Real In order to fully grasp the significance of Jain view regarding physical existence in the context of new physics, we think it is necessary to allow a little more space to discuss the character of Reality as asserted by the Jain philosophy of Non-absolutism. We, therefore, apologize to the readers for being repetitive to some extent. We have seen in the previous sub-section that the Jain conception of Reality avoids the Scylla of fluxism and the Charybdis of illusionism. One cannot conceive of any other philosophy which can maintain realism against the onslaughts of idealists without endorsing the Jain conception. Existence, cessation and persistence are the

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76 Anekantavada and Syadvada fundamental characteristics of all that is real. This concept of Reality is the only one which can avoid the conclusion that the world of plurality, which is the world of experience, is an illusion. Either the world is to be accepted as real or dismissed as an unreal appearance. The affirmation of origination, cessation and persistence as the triple characteristics in the constitution of reals has to be substantiated. We have seen that change presupposes the persistence of an underlying permanence. So permanence is to be accounted as an element in a real together with change. But change means the cessation of a previous mode or attribute and the coming into being of a new mode. The affirmation of the triple characteristics has, therefore, nothing paradoxical about it. They are a natural deduction from the reality of change. The Jains believe in the dynamic nature of reals and in deference to the demands of reason and experience alike, they sum up the triple characteristics as the component factors of the constitution of Reality. One can avoid this triple characteristic only by the declaration of change as appearance, which is the position of the Vedanta. One must offer one's allegiance either to Vedantic monism or affirm the multiple nature of Reality, which is the teaching of Jaina anekantavada (non-absolutism). Viewed from the Jaina standpoint, a real is a continuun through the infinite variation of its modes at every moment of its being. The continuum is a reality as much as the variation. Thus, there is unity as well as multiplicty in perfect harmony. The real viewed as identical with the changing modes is thus coming into being every moment and perishing every moment. That it comes to evolve a new mode implies that the previous mode has ceased to exist. So a real qua its modes is becoming something new by ceasing to be its old self. The birth of the new is thus the logical concomitant of the death of the old. The affirmation of the three apparently incompatible elements as making up the constitution of a real is thus the result of a logical analysis of a real as it is. Either pure (absolute) negation or pure (absolute) affirmation are the only alternatives left for acceptance. The former is the position of the Buddhist Sunyavadin and the latter is that of Vedanta. Is the paradox greater in the Jain view than in the two other systems ? Is the Sunyavadin who dismisses the whole world of experience as an unfounded illusion, less paradoxical ? Is the Vedantic view, which endorses the Sunyavadin's repudiation of the whole world of pluralities, calculated to satisfy the abhorrence of paradox in a more satisfying manner ? The paradox is only apparent as it alone provides

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Metaphysical View of Anekanta 77 a satisfactory experience and thought. The criterion should be whether or not it succeeds to explain the world as we know it. Again, the Jains assert the non-absolutistic position in respect of he relation of modes with substance. The mode is a mode of the substance because the identity of substance is focussed in it and is not annulled. So a mode is identical with substance in that respect. To take an example, clay is transformed into a jar, and so the former is regarded as the cause of the latter. The jar is different from clay, no doubt, but the jar could not be a jar unless it were the same substance as clay. The mode and the substance may be viewed as identical and also different, as they are both in one. Thus the consequences are not inevitable, as they are based upon exclusive identity and exclusive difference. But the identity is not exclusive of difference and vice versa, as both are the attested traits of Reality. If identity is to be asserted on the evidence of experience, difference also should equally be asserted on the strength of the same evidence. The compartmental way of looking at things leads to the affirmation of one and to the negation of the other. The besetting sin of philosophers has been the habit to put the telescope upon the blind eye and then to deduce that the other aspect is not real. The Jain Philosopher voices the necessity of using both the eyes and of seeing the obverse and reverse of the coin of Reality. The triple characteristics gives out the internal constitution of Reality. A real persists through time and thus has these three-past, present and future--temporal determinations. So a real is real for all time. It was real in the past, is real in the present and will be real in future. A 'real' which has no past and no future is a fiction and a non-entity. Let us sum up the results of our investigation into the nature of Reality. The Jain philosopher has proved that absolute unqualified affirmation of existence is not in conformity with the nature of Reality, He has also proved that absolute negation of existence is self-contradictory. He has further proved that fidelity to experience and thought demands that existence and non-existence both are to be accepted as equally valid traits in the make-up of a real. In other to guard against the absolutist habit of believing existence and non-existence as whole-characteristics excluding each other from their respective orbit, the Jain philosopher prefaces each proposition by the limiting phrase 'in some respect' or 'in one particular aspect' (syat). The insertion of this phrase is a warning against reading an absolutist sense into the predicates. It is true that the

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78 Anekantavada and Syadvada two characteristics--'is' and 'is not'-are not capable of being expressed by one word at a time. The co-existence of these two predicables is sought to be implied by the phrase 'inexpressible' (avacya) by some others. But according to the Jains, the word 'inexpressible', used as a predicate, asserts a real characteristic of a real subject and the possibility of such predication means that a real is not entirely incapable of being described. So the predicate 'inexpressible' cannot be taken in its literal absolute sense. 'In some respect, a real is inexpressible' is the correct proposition. The Jains assert that concepts and conceptual thoughts are not in opposition. It is exceedingly difficult to understand why the concepts should not be of service in the emergence of perceptual intuition. The Jains maintain that perceptual judgments are founded upon reality. Parity of reasoning requires that consciousness, with the aid of sense-organs and concepts, can give us the full knowledge of Reality as it is. The Jains do not regard the concepts as antagonistic to Reality. The concepts are as much the means, as the sense-organs and consciousness are, of gaining an insight into the nature of Reality. Thus, a real is not a particular alone, but particular-cum-universal, the universal as embodied in the particular. The real is, thus, amenable to verbal communication and to judgment alike. Problem of Relation In the previous sub-section, the problem of relation was discussed briefly. We shall now see how the reality of relation between substance and its qualities and modes, has always been an irritating problem in metaphysics, and has been thoroughly discussed by all the schools of Indian philosophy. It has also received serious attention of all Western philosophers too, since the time of Aristotle. The reality of relation between substance and qualities is a fundamental concept for the Jains, and it is 'relation' which introduces order and coherence into the world. But the reality of relation has been denied by the Fluxists and the Vedantists in the Orient. In Western mataphysics, Kant and Bradley condemned 'the thing with its qualities' as self-contradictory. But such a conclusion goes clean against not only commonsense but against science. It is remarkable that the arguments of Kant and Bradley were anticipated by the ancient Indian philosophies several centuries ago. The Buddhist Fluxists' position has been summed up by Bradley in these forceful words :..............a relational way of thought........must give appearance

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Metaphysical View of Anekanta 79 and not truth. It is a make-shift, a practical compromise, most necessary, but in the end most indefensible."] The Jains refuse to be brow-beaten by such a flourish of abstract logic. If our intellect is not to be condemned to bankruptcy and if Reality be not declared to be a unfathomable mystery, an explanation must be found. We have already elucidated the Jain position regarding logic which clearly states that the denial of experience ends in unqualified scepticism, and if we are to believe and value the testimony of our experience, there is no possibility of denying the validity of relation. Unity of cognition, in spite of the numerical difference of contents (as in the cognition of a variegated carpet), is an attested fact and we have no reason to call in question its authenticity. "Why should there be a relation at all ?'' is a question as absurd and equally unanswerable as "why consciousness should be consciousness and not different from it.......". "Reality", assert the Non-absolutist Jains, "is the identity of an infinite multiplicity of aspects and modes. A real is a unity and diversity in one, and the relation involved is neither one of absolute identity nor one of absolute ctherness but something different from both. It is sui generis (jatyantara) which does not permit of being determined by absolute criteria." If 'identity' satisfied a logical necessity, so also should this unique relation. Each is unique and ultimate and there is no reason to condemn it as appearance, when it is equally a given fact with identity or otherness. On the other hand, neither absolute identity, nor absolute otherness has any reality beyond abstractions of thoughts. Jain View Compared with Western Philosophers' and Scientists' View In the previous chapter, we have seen that matter (called pudgalastikaya' by the Jains) is the only substance which can be the object of sensuous cognition. At the same time, we have seen that paramanu, the ultimate atom of pudgala and some kinds of material aggregates cannot be perceived by sense-organs. Nevertheless, all modifications of pudgala-be it a single free ultimate atom (paramanu) or an aggregate composed of infinite number of paramanus-do possess the four qualities of touch, taste, smell and colour. These qualities are also real and their existence does not depend upon the percipient. Besides these four innate qualities, pudgala 1. Bradley, Appearance and Reality, p. 28.

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80 Anekantavada and Syadvada possesses innumerable other qualities which are all subject to incessant series of modes. With these views, it is obvious that Jains will refute all types of philosophical idealism--subjectivism and solipsism. Being non-absolutists, however, Jains will almost always find points of agreement in the views of most schools of thought. We shall, therefore, compare Jain views with those of a few Western philosophers and scientists with particular reference to the existence of physical reality. According to Sir Arthur Eddington, an eminent physicist, who calls his philosophy 'selective subjectivism", though the material world does exist objectively, it does not appear in our experience or observational knowledge. Thus, although he accepts the objective existence of matter in the realm of metaphysics, he denies such status to it in the realm of epistemology because he does not accept that sensory qualities exist objectively in matter. This is in opposition to the Jain view. Jains' argument in rebuttal of Eddington's view is : if it is the consciousness that creates sensory qualities and if the matter itself is devoid of these qualities, how can a single object be perceived identically by different percipients with normal sensory equipments ? Sir James Jeans, another eminent physicist, is also a supporter of philosophical idealism. According to him, "The objective and material universe consist of little more than 'construct' of our own minds. The universe is created by a pure mathematician who does not concern himself with material substance but with pure thought. His creations are not only created by thought but consist of thought. In his views both subjective and objective fall within what is inside our minds." Jeans has accepted the reality of mind (psyche) which, according to him, is a non-physical reality. The Jain philosophy also, asserts that soul is a non-physical reality. Thus 'mind' of Jeans and 'soul' of the Jains being non-physical in nature, describe the same realit Jeans talks of 'Universal Mind' and 'Individual Minds'. The Universal Mind, according to him, is the creator and governor of the realm of matter as well as the individual minds. He believes that atoms out of which our individual minds have grown exist as thought in the Universal Mind. The Jain view does not accept the existence of any such Universal Mind of which the individual minds are units of excrescences. According to the Jain view, all the souls are independent individual entities having real objective existence. Jeans has not given any reason

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Metaphysical View of Anekanta 81 for his belief which is akin to the pantheistic view. Now, as we have already seen, the Jain view concedes that the sensory knowledge of the phenomena of the universe may not be wholly objective, but it does not conform with Jeans' views in considering the phenomena of the universe as wholly subjective. According to Jeans, the objective reality or the real essence of substance is beyond our knowledge. He, thus, seems to accept Kant's transcendentalism in which the thing-in-itself is considered to be transcendental. The Jain philosophy also declares that the ultimate essence of substances cannot be comprehended through the sensory knowledge and hence, at least in this respect, Jeans' view is consistent with the Jain view. Lastly, we shall discuss the concept of substantiality. Jeans defines "substantiality as a 'purely mental concept measuring direct effect of object on our sense of touch'. Now, if it is so, i.e., if substantiality is not inherent in the substances, how do the objects (or substances) exist without substantiality ?' Also Jeans' discussion of the degrees of substantiality is not only equivocal but almost absurd. On the other hand, the Jain philosophy furnishes us with the crystal clear definitions of the terms substance, substantially, etc., and proves objectiveness of substantiality on logical and empirical grounds. Substantiality as a purely mental concept is definitely not acceptable to the Jain philosophy. Thus both views vehemently differ from each other on this point. On the other hand, the eminent philosopher- scientist Sir Albert Einstein asserted the reality of atom and the objective existence of the external world. According to him. "Planck's determination of the true molecular size from the law of radiation (for high temperatures) convinced us of the reality of atoms.?2 The dialectical materialism supports and corroborates the realist view saying the concept of matter epistemologically implies nothing but objective reality existing independently of the human nind... Electrons, ether, etc., exist as objective realities, just as nature existed prior to man and organic matter... The absence of any other kind of mass in the electron except electromagnetic mass...corroborates the objective existence of matter. The electron is to the atom as a full stop is to the size of a building 200 ft. long, 100 ft. broad and 50 ft. high ; it moves with a velocity as high as 270,000 kms. per second, its mass is a function of its velocity, it makes 500 trillon revolutions in a second. 2. Albert Einstein : Philosopher-Scientist, p 103

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82 Anekantavada and Syadvada Human reason has discovered...will discover still more...But this does not mean that nature is the creation of our mind or cf an abstract mind, i.e. of Ward's God.''3 It should not be assumed that all realist views are acceptable to Jains. The materialists and the Jains both agree in accepting the objective realism as well as the sensible qualities of matter, "Matter is a philosophical category designating the objective reality which is given to man by his sensations, and which is copied, photographed and reflected by our sensations, while existing independently of them." This definition of matter given by the materialists comes very close to the Jain definition of pudgala viz., 'pudgala is that which possesses in itself the qualities of touch, taste, colour and odour. Even though the Jain philosophy denies the possibility of direct perception of the ultimate atom (paramanu) of matter through sensory means, it accepts the quality of 'murtatva' being objectively existent even in paramanus. Also both recognise matter as an objective reality. In the words of Lenin "the sole property of matter with whose recognition philosophical materials is bound up is the property of being an objective reality, existing outside our mind." The fundamental difference between the two views is regarding the ultimate reality of consciousness. According to the Jain view, physical order of existence (ajiva) and psychical order of existence (jiva) are entirely different substances. Consciousness is the characteristic of siva (psyche), and, therefore, ujiva is devoid of consciousness. Only jiva is capable of a cognitive experience. Besides, passions, emotions, sensation of pleasure or pain, memory, experience, etc., are various manifestations of consciousness alone. Matter is devoid of consciousness and is therefore ajiva. Mutual transformation within the two orders of existence is, according to Jains, absolutely impossible. Matter, being entirely devoid of consciousness cannot under any conditions, be trasformed into jiva. The Greek atomists believed that psychical order was created and composed of certain types of atoms (spherical, dynamic and smooth). Dialetical materialism does not accept the separate existence of psychical order at all. According to it, the entire existence is transformation of matter. The scientists' views are divided on the subject. Some of them accept the independent existence of two orders, while some of them agree with the views of the dialetical materialism. 3. Materialism and Empirio-criticism, pp. 184-85

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Metaphysical View of Anekanta 83 Motion, Space, Time, Ether(s) Each of the above concepts has been discussed in the preceding chapter. Here, we shall briefly compare the Jain views about these concepts with those of modern science. Having accepted the reality of physical substance, the Jain naturally accepts the reality of motion. It has also obtained a good standing in the field of modern philosophy and modern science has also emphasized the importance and reality of motion in understanding the nature of physical existence. And, in order to accept the reality of motion of physical objects, the reality of space must also be accepted. But motion in Jain doctrine is intimately connected with not only space, but also two other substances-positive ether (dharmastikaya) as medium of motion and negative ether (adharmastikaya) as medium of rest. We shall, therefore, be required to discuss all the three substances together with motion. It may be recalled that we translated the terms dharmastikaya and adharmastikaya as positive and negative ethers respectively, because the classical physics had postulated the existence of medium of motion and called it ether. In the classical physics, the problem of motion was first dealt with by Gallillio and later on by Newton. Before them, Aristotlean tradition of absolute rest was generally believed. But Newton's theory got rid of the idea of absolute rest and introduced conception of a substance called the "ether", that was present everywhere, even in the empty space. Maxwell's electromagnetic theory of light predicted that light waves travel at a certain fixed speed through ether. Light waves travelled through ether as soundwaves travelled through air. Between 1887 and 1905, the fate of ether was hanging in a balance. In the meanwhile, an important experiment carefully performed by Michelson and Morely suggested that there exists no such substance as ether. Finally, in 1905, Albert Einstein established that the whole idea of an ether was unnecessary, provided that one was willing to abandon the idea of absolute time. The discoveries of modern science, the dual nature of matter, the standing wave-patterns of electrons are all associated with the reality of space and its contents. Now the space itself, according to Jains, has infinite extension and only a portion of it is filled in the other real substances. It is this finite portion which is the theatre of all the drama of cosmic dance. And the finiteness of the cosmos is due to the two other substances viz. media of motion and rest. Without these two, the systematic structure of the cosmos would have been a chaos.

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84 Anekantavada and Syadvada Space-time In physics, the concepts of space and time are so basic for the description of natural phenomena that their modification entails an alteration of the whole framework we use in physics to describe nature. The concepts of space and time underwent radical modification from the time of Aristotle to the present time. In Newtonian physics, matter particles moved in a three dimensional absolute space filled with ether (medium of motion). It was an absolute space, always at rest and unchangeable. All changes in the physical world were described in terms of a separate entity called time, which again was absolute, having no connection with the material world and flowing smoothly from the past through the present to the future. These concepts of space, time and ether were the basis of physics for almost three centuries. Both Aristotle and Newton believed in absolute time. That is, one could always measure the interval of time between two events and that it would be the same whoever measured it. Time was completely separate from and independent of space. This commonsense view worked well when dealing with apples or planets that move slowly but they don't work at all for things moving at or near the speed of light. According to Einstein's relativity theory, space was not three dimensional and time was not a separate entity. Both were intimately connected and formed a four-dimensional continuum ''space-time" Furthermore, there was no universal flow of time. Concepts of an absolute space and an absolute time were, thus, abandoned and became merely elements of language for describing observed phenomena. Concept of ether was also given up. Einstein's theory, moreover, says that three-dimensional space is curved and the curvature is caused by the gravitational field of massive bodies. Thus according to this theory, the universe is finite with nothing beyond it.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada* Y.J. PADMARAJIAH Anekantavada Anekantavada is the heart of Jaina metaphysics and Nayavada and Syadvada (or Saptabhangi) are its main arteries. Or, to use a happier mataphor, the bird of anekantavada flies on its two wings of nayavada and syadvada. It is beyond the scope of the present work of give a full exposition, not to mention an ample critical assessment, to even some of the most essential aspects of these three topics. The traditional viewpoints are, of course, presented in the old Prakrta and Sanskrit works. But no sizeable literature, which is commensurate with the magnitude and importance of these problems, and which represents any significant effort for achieving a reorientation of these problems to the trends of modern thought, has yet come into existence although the need of such effort cannot be exaggerated. However, consistently with the aim of the present study that it should confine itself to certain important problems which have received inadequate or little attention, we may discuss, in the present chapter, how anekantavada--the theory of manifoldness or indetermination--manifests itself as the most consistent form of realism in Indian philosophy. A glimpse into some significant implications of nayavada and syadvada will also follow the inquiry into anekantavada. As already shown, while repudiating the idealistic notion of the A comparative study of the Jaina theories of Reality and knowledge, Motilal Banarsidas, Delhi, 1986.

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86 Anekantavada and Syadvada concrete universal, the theory of identity-in-difference, the metaphysical presupposition of anekantavada, animating all the spheres of Jaina philosophical thinking, recognises the objectivity of the material universe. The objectivity of the universe signifies the fact that the universe is independent of the mind of consciousness. This independence, or the duality of consciousness and the material universe, necessarily presupposes the principle of distinction, which exerts a compulsive force until the logical goal of this principle is reached in the form of the development of the Jaina concepts of reality and knowledge into the comprehensive scheme of anekanta realism. In other words, once the initial step is taken, namely the recognition of the principle of distinction as being at the root of the duality of the mind and the world, there is no stopping short of working out, to their logical conclusion, the consequences of the operation of the principle of distinction. The claim that anekantavada is the most consistent form of realism lies in the fact that Jainism has allowed the principle of distinction to run its full course until it reaches its logical terminus, the theory of manifoldness of reality and knowledge. The first significant step to be taken, once the operative principle of distinction is accepted, is the postulation of a multiplicity of ultimate reals constituting the cosmos. The material or the objective world is constituted, according to Jaina ontology, by five ultimate reals : viz., matter (pudgala) space (akasa), time (kala), the medium of motion (dharma) and the medium of rest (adharma); and the mental or the subjective world consists of an infinity of independent minds, or spirits, in their conditioned or free existence. An analysis, on the physical as well as on the mental side, reveals, therefore, a multiple or pluralistic universe. The other step, which along with the corollary to be referred to a little later in this chapter, fulfils the purpose of the ubiquitously operative principle of distinction, and which imparts the name of 'anekantavada', after which the entire Jaina metaphysics is often known, is the postulation of manifoldness, or inherent complexity, within each of the reals in the universe. In other words, reality, according to Jainism, is not merely multiple but each real, in its turn, is manifold or complex to its core. Reality is thus a complex web of manyness (aneka) and manifoldness (anekanta). The central thesis of the Jaina is, according to a modern critic, that there is not only diversity but each real is

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 87 equally diversified''.! The "diversification' or manifoldness--also described as indeterminateness' or 'indefiniteness'--may be illustrated by the two instances of matter and space in the physical universe. Dealing with the atomic theory of matter and space in Jainism Hiriyanna observes : "The atoms, according to it (Jainism) are all of the same kind, but they can yet give rise to the infinite variety of things so that matter as considered here is of quite an indefinite nature. Pudgala has, as we know, certain inalienable features, but within the limits imposed by them it can hecome anything through qualitative differentiations. The transmutation of elements is quite possible in this view and is not a mere dream of the alchemist.??2 The material world evolves from the diversification of these homogeneous atoms into aggregates of earth, water, fire and air. It is pointed out that "Jainism also, like Upanisads, does not stop in the analysis of the physical universe at the elements of prthvi, etc. It pushes it further back where qualitative differentiation has not yet taken place. But while in the latter the ultimate stage is represented by the monistic principle of Brahman, here it is taken by an infinity of atoms." ? Indicating that the character of indefiniteness or indeterminateness is extended to the sphere of quality also the same writer further observes : "It is not qualitatively only that matter is indefinite. Quantitatively also it is regarded as undetermined. It may increase or decrease in volume without addition or loss.''4 A further treatment of the notion of manifoldness of matter has been offered in the chapter on Relations, in connection with the problem whether an atom has, and if so in what sense it has, an infinite part (arsa), despite the fact it is impartite (niravayava) in its nature. In the course of the treatment of the problem we have met with an occasion to discuss the light which is shed on it by three thinkers, viz., Prabhacandra and McTaggart on the one hand and Abhayadeva on the other. Again, in the present instance of matter, the brief hints hitherto given of the Jaina atomic theory sufficiently indicate the nature of indeterminateness 1. JPNM, p. 70 2. OIP, p. 212 1. 3. Ibid, The phrase "an infinity of atoms' may be substituted, without being incorrect, 'an infinity of diversified atoms'. 4. Ibid. Cf. the following fragment of Empedocles in Greek philosophy : "Earth increases its own mass and Air swells the bulk of Air." Burnet's Early Greek philosophy, the edn. Adam & Charles Black, London, 1952, p. 212. For a somewhat clearer view of the problem, this account of the indeterminateness of matter may be read in conjunction with the controversy regarding the savayavatva or otherwise of an atom in an earlier chapter (ch. VII).

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88 Anekantavada and Syadvada or manifoldness in reality. Space or akasa is another example of a manifold real. Its manifoldness is connoted, as in the case of matter, by its possession of parts.7 According to Abhayadeva as well as Prabhacandra even an incorporeal or formless real may contain parts or divisions, as evidenced by the obvious instance of atman, which contains cognitive and other powers. Abhayadeva points out further that to be divisible does not necesssarily mean that the parts should be put together at some point of time prior to division. In other words the divisibility of space is a spontaneous feature. The entire argument on the manifoldness of space, as well as of other reals, is developed by Abhayadeva in his polemic against the Naiyayika view of akasa. According to the Naiyayika akasa or 'ether10 is one (eka)ll or partless (na nana or niravayavi) and, consequently, it is all-pervading (vibhu)l2 and eternal (nitya)13--the distinctions, therefore, like ghatakasa and mathakasa are, like the concepts 'bere' and 'there', a superimposition (upadhi)l4 upon that eternally unchanging medium. But the Jaina believes in the genuine divisions of infinite 6. Cf. nanvanarabdhamirtimaddravyavayavatve gaganadinam niravayavatva prasakter anekantatva ekatvavyaghatah, na... TBV, p. 641, For an explanation of the term anarabdha, occurring in this quotation, see infra, f.n. 9. akasasya...savayavatvam ghatader ivopapannam savayavamakasain himavat vindhyavaruddhavibhinnades atvat/Ibid. 8. Ibid., p. 642, lines 9-11; cp. amartasyapyatmano jnanadyadhikaranatvapratiteh PKM. p. 563. The term for the state in which the parts need not be put together prior to division is anarabdha. 10. Besides akdsa or 'ether the Naiyayika recognises another entity, viz., dik, which is translated as 'space'. But in actual fact it is akasa, not dik, which corresponds to the Jaina conception of space'. 11. nanvaka samapi kim prthivyadivannana/netyaha--taccaikamiti/nhede pramana bhavadityarthah/Tarkadipika on the su. 14 of TS (text, p. 11) which runs as : 'sabdagunamakasan taccaikam vibhu nityam call 12. ekatvadeva sarvatropalabdher vibhutvamangikartavyanatyaha-vibhviti/Ibid. 13. vibhutvadevatmavan nityumityaha--nityam cetil Ibid. 14. Cf. "The epithet one inplies that the mention of numerous akusas such as ghota kasa and mathakasa in common parlance is due to upadhi and cannot be real". Ibid., Notes, pp. 127-128. Akalanka's term for 'upadhi' is 'aupacuriki' or 'adhyaropa'. Calling the person 'Manavaka alion' because of the former's fierceness (kraurya) and bravery (saurya) etc., is cited as an example of upacara. Similarly, the attribution of prade'sas or parts to the partless medium of akasa is from the point of view of the Naiyayika, a case of upadhi, or upacara : prade'sa-kalpana niravayavatvadaupacarikt simhavat//TRAG. p. 202, ka. 9.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvuda 89 pradesas which are as much objectively existent as the medium of which they are divisions. Were it not so, the two towns, say, Pataliputra and Mathura which , like the two mountains, the Himavat and the Vindhya,'' occupy different locations of space (nanakasapradesah), would, he affirms, tend to be at one location (taddesabhavinyeva) which is an absured proposition. But the Naiyayika may advance a more ingenious argument?7 by stating that the savayavatva of akasa is like a monkey in relation to a tree (kapivrksasamyogavat). That is, the statement that 'the monkey is sitting on the tree' denotes that the monkey in question is sitting on the branch of the tree (sakhavacchedena) but not on the tree itself, or rather on the root of the tree (mulavacchedena). This analogical argument indicates the truth that just as the idea of the tree in its relation to the idea of the monkey does not pervade the latter fully (vyapyavrttitvam or samastyavrttitvam)" but does so, if at all, only partiaily, so also does akasa pervade its socalled avayavas at best only partially. This partial pervasion of the tree in the monkey, or of the akasa in the parts, is described as avyapyavrttitvam or avyapyavrtti. This relation of avyapyavrtti aims at suggesting that, eventually, akasa does not directly possess the avayavas, or if it does possess any at all, it does so only in a remcte and superficial way so that it would not be ong to say that the parts are almost unreal. The Jaina would, of course, turn the tables on the Naiyayika by rejoining that all the latter's verbal subieties have not succeeded in ruling out a reference in the latter's argument-however indirectly it might be to the avayavas with regard to akasa. It is, as a matter of fact, quite obvious that the Naiyayika's analogy of the tree and the monkey would fall to the ground if the essential element of the branch of the tree is removed from it. Another important consideration which undermines the Naiyayika's thesis of indivisibility (niravayavatva) of akasa in the above argument of kapivrksasamyoga hinges on the relation of 15. Vide TBV, p. 642. 16. Commenting on his own ka (16), viz., dravyanain pratiniyatpradesavasthanat, Akalanka observes : Ihanyesu akasapradesesu pataliputram sthitam anyesu ca mathura ato nanakasupradesah/yasyaikantenapradesam akasam tasya yauddes e pataliputram taddesa-bhavinyeva mathurapi syat/Ibid., p. 203. 17. This argument and the supplementary argument on samyoga as described in the following paragraph are elaborated on the basis of suggestive hints thrown in by Abhayadeva in the course of his commentary, See TBV, p. 602. 18. vyapyavittitvam tu samastyavrttitvam/Ibid.

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90 Anekantavada and Syadvada samyoga figuring in it. The sitting monkey is conjoined to the branch of the trees by way of sainyoga or external relation. Samyoga is admitted by the Naiyayika himself as a guna, and a guna in turn is admitted to need a dravya for its asraya,' or suppori. The support in the analogy under consideration is the tree and, correspondingly, the support for the avayavas of akasa, is evidently akasa itself. This means that the avayavas of akasa are not a case of either upadhi or avyapyavrtti as is evidenced by the grounds admitted by the Naiyayika himself. Thus this as well as the previous argument as advanced by the Nyaya school presupposes, at any rate indirectly, the Jaina thesis of the savayavatva of akasa. Akalanka also does not see eye to eye with the Naiyayika on the question of impartite akasa. He is inclined to feel that the divisibility of akasa would be incompatible with the divisibility of a material object. In other words, the indivisible akasa is not a favourable receptacle of the divisibility of air object like a jar20 (dravyavibhagabhavat). The last significant argument which is brought by Abhayadeva to bear upon the present issue concerns the Nyaya view of sound (sabda) as the special quality (visesa guna) of akasa. It is a common place universal experience that a particular sound prevails only at a particular place (ekadese eva) but not everywhere (na sarvatra) and that the sound conseguertly fades away (vinasvati) from where it is heard. If the Nyaya thesis of the partless--or unitary and, consequently, of the eternal_akasa were right, then every sound, for that matter even the distant word uttered by the divine Brahman (brahmabhasitam) would be straightaway heard by us21 everywhere (sarvagatatvam sydi), and would remain everlasting (nityani).22 In point of fact even the usage (vyapudesa) that "a particular sound prevails only at a particular place but not everywhere"' would be evidently impossible under the conception of a 19. samyogasya gunatvena dravyas ritatvat ladabhave ca tadabhavad/Ibid. See also TS, Su. 4. 20. Commenting on his own ka.(5), niravayavatvanupapattiriti cen na dravyavibhag abhavatl, Akalanka observes : yatha ghato dravyato vibhagavan savayavah na ca tathaisam dravyavibhagostiti niravavatvam pravujyatell TRAG, p. 202. 21. Cf. yadi ca savayavain nabho na bhavet tada srotrakasasamavetasya 'sabdasya brahmabhasitasyapyupalambho'smadader bhavet niraviyavaikakas rotras amavetatvat/TBV, p. 641. 22. yadi ca savayavam akasam na bhavet, subdasya nityatvam sarvayatatvam ca syat/Ibid.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 91 partless akasa.23 Besides even the established fact of the transitoriness of sabda would militate against the Nyaya conception of an all-pervasive (vibhu) akasa. Nor does the Nyaya belief in what might be described as the wave theory of sound24--that is, the theory according to which sound is transmitted by waves-work without presupposing a divisible akasa. Hence the Nyaya view of akasa25 points, according to Abhayadeva, to the Jaina thesis of the savayava nature of akasa. Thus the Jaina view of akasa is that it is an objective real having infinite parts26 or pradesas27 ('space-points') which signify its anekanta nature (nanatvam ityanekantah).28 Lastly the soul or atman, an individual centre of experience among an infinity of similar centres in the realm of consciousness, is the subjectivistic instance of manifoldness in Jainism. It is needless 23. na hi niravayavatva 'tasyai kade'se eva 'sabdo vartate na sarvatra' iti vyapadesah sangacchate/Ibid. 24. Cf. na ca niravavavatve aka sasya santanavrttya agatasya sabdasya s rotrenapvupalahdhih sambhavati anyanyakasades oipattidvarena tasya s rotrawamavetas yanupapatteh jalataranganyayenaparaparaka sadesadavaparaparasabdotpattiprakalpanayam katham nakasasya savayavatvam/TBV, p. 642. 25. For a further reference to a few other consequences resulting from the Nyaya view of akasa, see ihid., pp. 641-642. 26. anontabhagapramitam akas adravyuml Brahmadeva's Dravyasangrahavitti (Davva-samgaha by Nemicandra S. Chakravarti, ed. S.C. Ghosal, Anah, 1917), p. 24. 27. A paradesa or 'space-point' is 'the space occupied by an atom'. PrSKU. p. 17 (E. Tr.), f.n. 4. The pradesas are, however, limited to 'physical space' (lokakasa) only, the other part of akasa being a 'non-physical space' (alokakasa). Ibid. 28. Vide TRAG, p. 203,, ga. 19 and the com. thereon. The manifoldness of time is indicated not merely by an infinity of intrinsically real (paramarthika) units called kalanus or 'time-atoms' which form the basis of the conventionally temporal (vyavaharika) distinctions like the minute, the hour, the day, the year and so on, but also by the diverse effects which are brought about by the instrumentality of the kalanus which permeate the events in the universe. Cf. so'nantasamayah/TSVJ, V. 40., "The Jaina Theory of Time", Y.G. Padmarajiah (a paper read in the Indian Philosophical Congress Trivandram, 1947) and TRAG, V. sa. 22, especially the ka. 14, and the comm. on both. For further light on the manifoldness in various senses, of akasa as well as on dharma and adharma, the medium of motion and that of rest respectively, see TRAG, p. 210 ff., sa. 12, ka. 27 and its comm. It is, however, necessary to observe that the nature of manifoldness in the case of dharma and dharma has not been very clearly developed, although their conformity to the supreme law of the entire reality as expressed in the celebrated formula of Umasvati, viz. utpadavyayadhrauvyayuktam sat, has been clearly stressed. Vide TB on ST, p. 641 f., ga. 33.

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92 Anekantavada and Syadvada to enlarge upon the manifold nature of an atman since it is evident in every one of the infinite states (anantabhavas or parinamas) as well as in the multiple powers which are attributed to atman.29 There are at least two considerations which indicate the manifoldness of atman : First, an atman, like the Liebnizian entelechy, mirrors the the entire universe within itself as a unique centre of experience. The universe it mirrors, or comprehends, is an infinitely complex one. Hence its experiential powers must be manifold, or commensurate with the complexity of the experienced universe. This is an implication of Vadideva's idea that difference in the cognised (visaya) signifies a (corresponding) difference in the cognition (vikalpa) concerned 30 as well as of the characteristically Jaina idea of relativity of knowledge, which signifies that "the full knowledge of everything is inextricably bound up with the full knowledge of everything and (vice versa)" Secondly atman, as conceived by the Jaina thinkers, is the exact antithesis of the Advaitic Brahman. The Advaitic Brahman, as pointed out on several occasions in the course of this work, is a monolithic conception, or an unredeemed identity. Being antithetical to this extreme Advaitic conception the Jaina notion of atman is that of an infinitely diversified centre of experience. The significance of manifoldness characterising the consciousness in the latter's function of apprehending the many-faceted universe has crystallized itself into the twofold dialectic of the nayavada and the syadvada to which reference will be made in the course of this section. In our endeavour to trace the logical steps which have led the Jaina conception of reality to the most consistent form of realism in Indian philosophy, we have been able to observe that in consequence of recognising the force of the principle of distinction inherent in all realistic procedure, the Jaina has postulated an independent objective world as against the world of consciousness, and has proceeded to posit manyness in reality and manifoldness in each real. The progress from multiplicity of reals to manifoldness of each such real consists chiefly in advancing from the number to the nature of the reals. The last step, which completes the logical picture of this realistic procedure, is an implicit recognition of what may be called, after Kant, the Principle of Reciprocity', or of 'Interaction', or of Community', among the reals in the universe. 29. Cf. the Vivyti and Prabhacandra's comm. thereon-NKC, Vol. II, p.686 and p. 689 respectively. 30. visayabhede hi siddhe vikalpabhedah sidhyati/SRK, p. 755.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 93 Except for an occasional hint here and there the principle of Reciprocity or Interaction is more implied than expressly stated or developed in Jainism. Nevertheless its necessity and importance are undoubtedly clear. It would not, therefore, be inappropriate if we approach Kant for an explicit formulation of this idea which is germane to the fundamental notion of Anekanta in Jainism. . It has been observed earlier that the Anekantavadin postulates the interrelatedness of all reals in the universe, and, therefore, that one who has a total cognisance of one thing would have a total cognisance of everything and vice versa. The interrelatedness or relativity of nature evidently involves, at any rate in its narrow sense, the permeation of the relational factor in reality, but does not explicity specify the dynamical element of interaction among the reals. It is this dynamical or active element which is provided for by the principle of 'reciprocity' or 'interaction', or 'community":31 (commercium).32 Without the reciprocity of the manifold' the interrelatedness, therefore, becomes 'merely an ideal relation', whereas with it the inter-relatedness becomes a real one'. This is the significance of the description of reciprocity as the action and reaction of quite different substances, of which each determines the other's state." Prichard's instance of the reciprocal influence 33 between "a lump of ice and 'fire' clearly illustrates this idea of interaction.34 Describing reciprocity as a 'double refraction....of objects upon each other', Caird refers to it, in Kant's own words, as the condition of the possibility of the things themselves as objects of experience" 35 In Kantianism, as in Jainism, the principle of reciprocity goes beyond the 'co-existence' or the interrelatedness of the substances, and explains the dynamical community' among them. This is in sharp contrast with the 'isolation of the individual substances' as found in the 31. Kant formulates this principle under his 'Third Analogy', as : "All substances, so far as they coexist, stand in thorough-going community, that is, in mutual interaction." In his earlier formulation (first edition) Kant uses 'reciprocity' in place of 'community'. KCPR. P. 233. 32. This is one of the two Latin meanings of the original German 'Gemeinschaft'. See KCPR (1923), p. 381, f.n. 5. 33. For the slight difference in the meaning between 'influence' and community or reciprocity', see KCPR, p. 234. 34. KJKP. p. 303 t. The last sentence, in the description of the illustration (p. 304) refers to the determination of the unobserved states coexists with the observed states". 35. CPKE (Vol. I), p. 535.

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94 Anekantavada and Syadvada individualism of Leibniz or the momentariness of Hume and Buddhism. The terms like anyonyatmakatva.36 (mutuality) or anyonyavyaptibhava? (mutual pervasiveness), used by Abhayadeva and Haribhadra in the somewhat limited context of concrete real, correspond, at least in a limited degree, to the Kantian idea of 'reciprocity' or 'dynamical community' among the reals in Jainism. When we consider, however, the Jaina view of the universe as a fully interrelated or relativistic38 (sapeksa) system of reals, which in turn are causally efficient39 (arthakriyakari) it is not difficult to see that the feature of Kantian 'reciprocity' is implicitly contained in the structure of reality as envisaged by Jainism.40 In course of this brief enquiry into, and the illustration of, the steps in the development of the spirit of distinction involved in the theory of the Anekanta (the manifold or indeterminate) nature of reality we have observed that the notion of manifoldness not merely presupposes the notion of manyness or pluralism, but also contains the activistic implication of reciprocity or interaction among the reals in the universe. Although manifoldness is the most significant step in the dialectical analysis of the Jaina conception of reality, it comprehends and presupposes the other steps within its scope as a logical necessity. That is, independence of consciousness and the world), pluralism, interrelatedness and reciprocity or dynamism are component factors in the amplitude of the ontological as well as the epistemological significance of the relativistic notion of manifoldness or indetermination with which the entire reality is, according to Jainism, stamped (Syaavaa 1 (syadvadamudrankitam). Before proceeding, finally, to consider the theories of standpoints (nayavada) and of the Conditional Predication (syadvada) or the Sevenfold Dialectic (saptabhangivada, as syadvada is otherwise called), it is necessary to point out that the whole above account of the nature of anekantavada, has aimed at progressively demonstrating the 36. TBV, p. 645. 37. AJP. Vol. I, p. 132. 38. It has been dealt with elsewhere. 39. It has been described elsewhere. 40. The notion of a mere interrelated universe has an idealistic flavour. The Jaina is a thoroughgoing realist. This realistic spirit cannot, therefore, remain satisfied with a mere interrelatedness, but demands an impact or a double refraction', among the dynamic reals which influence or impinge upon one another proximately or remotely.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 95 fact the anekantavada is the most consistent form of realism in Indian philosophy. The claim that Anekantavada is the most consistent form of realism in Indian philosophy hinges mainly on the fact that it has allowed the maximum scope for distinction to play its role. It will take us far afield if we go closely into the problem of elucidating how the analytical function of distinction is inherent in any realistic procedure. This problem deserves to be specifically brought within the focus of the discussion of comparative Indian philosophical thought although some broader questions--like how the notion of anekanta is found, in some measure and form, even in some non-anekantal schools of 41. The reconciliatory spirit (samanvayadrsti) which consists in an endeavour to harmonise, by various methods, different or appearently conflicting views in a new synthesis, is found, in however imperfect a manner it may be from the Jaina point of view, aniong the several non-Jaina schools of philosophy. Some of the notable instances are : (a) the Ajnanavada (agnosticism) of Sanjaya (vide B.M. Barua's A History of Pre-Buddhistic Indian Philosophy, Calcutta Univ., 1925), pp. 328-330: and JSJ, Pt. II, Intro. p. XXVIII-IX, (b) the Vibhaj yavada ('the Critical Method of Investigation' as contrasted with what the Buddha himself describes as the Ekantavada, or the one-sided method, in Majjhimanikaya, sutta 99, vide NVVS, Prastavana, p. 11) of the Madhyamapratipada (sanyutta, vide PMHS, Bhasauppanani, p. 621 of the Buddha which induced him 'to treat prevalent opinions with all due consideration' (JSJ, Pt. II, Intro., p. XXIX); (c) the celebrated four-fold (catuskoti) antinomial method of the Madhyamika founder, Nagarjuna (cf. atastattavam sadasadubhayanubhavatmakacatuskotivinirmuktam sunyameva/Sarva-darsana-sangraha, Ed. V.S. Abhyankar, Govt. Oriental (Hindu) Series, Poona, 1924; see also pp. 572-3 in Nagarjuna's Milamadhyamikakarika, Ed. la Vallee Poussin, Bib. Bud., St. Petersbourg, 1913); and (d) the critique, on the eight doctrines, of Gautama (vide ch. IV, Ahnika, satras 14-43 in Gautama's Nyayasutras, E.T. Ganganatha Jha, Poona Oriental Series, Poona, 1939). Despite the fact that these methods are treated in the respective systems with which they are severally associated, in the spirit and form resembling the Anekantavada, they have not been considered to be so fundamental and pervasive (vyapaka) as they have been in Jainism. It is, therefore, no surprise that the early critics of Anekantavada like Dharmakirti (see PVD, ch. III, kas. 180-] and MV thereon, and f.n. 30, and Sankara, the earliest commentator on the Brahmasatras of Bandarayana, make Jainism the target of their polemic against Anekantavada. This is done on an even more elaborate scale by Arcata also (HBT, pp. 104-107). Furthermore, some schools like the Bhedabhedavada, especially of Bhartrprapanca whose system is even referred to as anekanta' (vide PMHS, Bhasatippanani, p. 62. f.n. 3); the Bhatta-Mimansa and the Sankhya have an anekanta bias with respect to some of their methods and ideas. While criticising the concept of 'vaicitrya' which is so vital to Anekantavada, Santaraksita significantly attributes it to the Mimanisa (Vipra) as well as the Samkhya (Kapila) systems also

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96 Anekantavada and Syadvada philosophy, a conscious, balanced and systamatic treatment of it being a special feature of Jainism--have been noticed with some degree of attention by a few old writers 42 and contemporary critics.13 A brief attempt has, however, been made in the immediately preceding pages to show how the impelling logic of distinction, inherent in all realistic metaphysics, has led to the evolution of the Jaina conception of reality from the simple notion of dualism to the complex one of manifoldness or indetermination. All that is necessary for our purpose now is to indicate how this notion of manifoldness or indetermination is the most consistent and inevitable manifestation of the realistic spirit in Indian philosophy. This fact, that the theory of manifold or indeterminate reality is the most significant form of realism in Indian philosophy, could be adduced from the following two considerations : First, that the Jaina conception of reality admits of the principle of distinction which is the universal and basic axiom of all realistic metaphysics. Having admitted it the Jaina view allows this principle to exercise its full logical function so that every detail of the universe, physical and mental, becomes an infinitely diversified fact of nature. Secondly, the Advaita absolute, which is the exact logical antithesis to the Jaina conception of the diversified real, does not admit of distinction in any form in its ultimate nature of pure being (sat), and, therefore, develops itself, inevitably, into a spiritualistic ekantavada par excellence. This fact proves, indirectly, that once the initial (kalpanaracitas yaiva vaicitryasyopavarnanel ko namatis ayah prokto vipranirgranthakapila//TSS, Ka. 1776). Arcata, who also chiefly attributes it to Jainism and criticises, describes it as 'vaicitryam' or 'vicitram'as : vicitram hi rupam sabalamucyate; or, vicitrata ca nanasvabhavata (HBT. p.: 104). These considerations indicate the influence which the notion of anekanta has, unwittingly or otherwise, in various forms and degrees, on the systems other than Jainism in Indian philosophy. For two further references bearing on this thesis see the next two footnotes. For a brief treatment (with occasional references to, and quotations from the texts) of this topic with regard to the non-Jaina systems see PMHS, Bhasatippanani, pp. 61-63, NVVS, Prastavana, p.11., ff.: and ST, Intro. 150-2. 42. For instance, by Siddhasena Divakara, at several places in his STP, Ch. III; by Mallisena in his SM, pp. 16-17 (the systems referred to are those of the Svayambhuvas and the Prakrantavadins, or the Vai'sesikas. See the Editor's explanations of these terms in his Notes, pp. 45-58); and, by Gunaratna in his TRD, pp. 237-244 (the systems referred to are those of Buddhism in general, as well as the Vaisesikas and the Sauntrantikas in particular, the Naiyayikas, the Vai'sesikas, the Samkhyas and the Mimamkas). 43. See the end off.n. 1, and AGAM, Prastavana, p. 90

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 97 assumption of distinction is allowed to operate as it should be, since distinction is an irrefutable fact of reality-it leads to the Jaina view, as a logical necessity, of an indeterminate reality. In other words, the developments of the two contrasting conceptions of reality, the Jaina and the Advaita, reveal the truth that if we follow a strictly monistic hypothesis of Advaitism we must inevitably accept some kind of mentalism or spiritualism which asserts the identity of the knower and the known, or rather the reality of the knower and the falsity of the known which, consequently, is treated as a projection of the knower. It is, therefore, not a surprise that Advaitism in India, like its Hegelian counterpart in the West, received the characteristically subjectivistic interpretation of the drstisrstivada of Prakasananda, which has its counterpart in the Berkeleyan theory of esse est percipi. Alternatively, in order to avoid a mentalistic or subjectivistic orientation in our approach to reality, if distinction or objectvity is admitted to be real, anekantavada represents the most logical form which such a realistic procedure can take. Owing to the decisive significance of this issue the two considerations just outlined deserve a soine-what closer notice here. We may start with the second one first : 1. The Advaitic absolute is what may be described as a monolithic conception. It is also driven home to us, repeatedly, that its nature, like that of the Hegelian absolute is mentalistic or epistemic (pralitikasattvain).44 Nothing eise than it is real.45 This pan-psychic reality cannot, in the nature of the case, admit of objectivity or an independent non-mental principle. Hence the question of distinction cannot arise in it. If it does, we have to find something which is to be distinguished from the absolute. There is nothing answering such a description. It is not possible to speak of a distinction in a real where there is no possibility of an actual separableness in some genuine sense. This is the story of all idealism. viz., that the real therein stages its duel with itself, or at best, its shadow; it enacts a play in which the dramatis personae consist of one character only; or it constitutes a mus 44. Pratttikasattvam sarvasyeti siddham/ p. 537. Advaitasiddhi of Madhusu danasarasvati (with three commentaries, etc. N.S. Ananta Krishna Sastri, Bombay, 1917). avidyayonayo bhavah sarve'mi budbhuda iva/ksanamudhhaya gacchanti jnanaikajaladhau layam//Ibid. (quoted by the author from Sruti). etai sarvam mana eval (quoted in Gaudabrahmanandi, a com. on the above work Ibid., p. 537). jagato manahparinamatvamuktam Ibid. Lastly, asmadatmanah sarve pranah sarve lokah sarve vedah sarvani bhatani/ (quoted by Nyaya motakara) Ibid., p. 538. 45. See the above f.n, particularly the second quotation.

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98 Anekantavada and Syadvada which consists of one note only_namely, itself. Not merely this, it is also the duel as well as the participant in it; the play as well as the player; and the music as well as the musician. Hegel at least tries to integrate difference in the ascending order of his triadic dialectic but, eventually, with the same result as his Indian counterpart. It may, however, be argued that Sankara does recognise some kind of objectivity at the so-called empirical level of existence (vyavaharikasatta). But he does so only as a mere epistemic' phenomenon which is not of the substance of the real in a straightforward way. His grand tour de force only proves the obstinacy of objectivity, which cannot be explained away even by his logical genius. Hence the term 'objective' in the so-called Objective Idealism is a misnomer. It attributes objectivism' to a philosophy of objectless reality. Further, the mental realm, the realm of souls which are the centres of experience, should and does command its legitimate place and importance in any reasonable scheme of reality, but the total mentalization of the objective world by the schools of idealism imports into their scheme a kind of anthropomorphism. Had it not been for this Alexander would not have proclaimed his mission to "de-anthropomorphise" philosophy. Despite its length his statement on this question bears reproducing here. Writing under "The Spirit of Realism" he observes: "The temper of realism is to de-anthropomorphise : to order man and mind to their proper place among the world of finite things: on the one hand to divest physical things of the colouring which they have received from the vanity or arrogance of mind, and on the other to assign them along with minds their due measure of self-existence. But so deeply is the self-flattering habit of supposing that mind, in its distinctive character of mind, is in special sense the superior of physical things, so that in the absence of mind there would be no physical existence at all, that Realism in questioning its prerogative appears to some to degrade mind and rob it of its richness and value.':46 The mere magnification of the mental principle into a cosmic one and the description of its function as an act of objectivisation does not make the real either any the less mental or the more objective. The ghost of objectivity or independence cannot be laid by the magic of verbal trickery. It comes back in some kind of awkward form as an . 46. "The Basis of Realism" (p. 1), an Address by S. Alexander to the British Academy in 1914.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 99 'empirical' or 'epistemic' phenomenon or an 'antithesis'. There is, therefore, nothing strange in the fact that the mind-ridden Absolute Idealism gave rise to the curious doctrine of Drstisrstivada or Jnatasattavada of Prakasananda and others, which affirms that a thing exists only when it is perceived. In this view the "blue", for instance, and its awareness are one, and there is no external object apart from its cognition.":47 Alluding to this view an Indian critic observes : "The whole world is thus only a psychic modification and has no reality outside the mind."'48 Prakasan anda himself observes : The wise maintain the psychological ideality of the world, the ignorant its objective reality.'' 49 This view, in which 'spirit greets the spirit', or drsti is srsti, has its close parallel in the well-known Berkeleyan view esse is percipi. Referring to the relation of the 'unthinking things' of the objective world to this 'intuitive or self-evident' principle Berkeley observes : "Their esse is percipi; nor is it possible they should have any existence out of the minds or thinking things which perceive them."50 Drstisrstivada and its close Western parallel have been mentioned here, not merely because they are a particular school of idealism but 47. P.N. Srinivasachari's Aspects of Advaita (Sri Krishna Library series, Madras, 1949), p. 16. 48. Ibid. See also pp. 97-98. 49. Jnanasvarupamevahur jagadetadvicaksanah / arthasvarupam bhramyantah pasyanteti kudrstayah // The following line also expresses the same idea more pithily: drstireva bhavet srstirdrstimate.. These lines have been quoted in M.N. Sircar's The System of Vedantic Thought and Culture (published by University of Calcutta, 1925), p. 126, footnotes 1 and 2. See also pp. 125-26 (the text). Madhusudana also observes :imameva ca drstis rstivadamacaksate asmins ca pakse jiva eva svajnanavasajjagadupadananimittam ca / dravyam ca sarvam pratitikam/Siddhantabindu (of Madhusudana with a Com. by Puru'sottama, ed. P.E. Divan' GOS, Baroda, 1933), p. 29. See also Advaitasiddhi and Prakasananda's Siddhantamuktavali (E.T. by Arthur Venis, Reprint from the Pandit, Benares, 1890), p. 25 ff. (text). Even the so-called 'opposite view' to this (drstis rstivada) viz., srstidrstivada, also retains the character of mentalism in so far as it maintains that the world is "creation or emanation" from Brahman (see Siddhantamuktavali, Pref. p. II, f.n. 1). The difference, if there is any at all, is that in srstidrstivada, the world is supposed to 'precede' our knowledge of it, while in drstisrstivada it is said to be concurrent with (because it is also the creation of) our knowledge. The difference, however, is not material owing to the fact that Brahman is only an extension of the individual psychic principle, 50. Of the Principles of Human Knowledge (Vol. I of The Works of George Berkeley, in 4 Vols., ed. A.C. Fraser, Oxford, 1901), p. 259.

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100 Anekantavada and Syadvada because they represent the tendency of all idealism towards subjectivism.51 As a critic observes : "the forms of idealism like objective idealism and absolute idealism are only attenuated forms of subjective idealism and the true subject transcends the subjectobject relation.''52 In his celebrated essay "The Reputation of Idealism", G.E. Moore also is in full accord with this criticism. He characterises the notion of esse is percipi-conceding generously to the idealist that percipi need not mean 'sensation' only but "thought' also, both of course being 'forms' of consciousness --as the "ultimate premise of Idealism' in general. ** Confirming his attitude to the same notion, he further observes : "I believe that Idealists all hold this important falsehood.':54 His choice of this notion as the most vulnerable point for attack in idealism has considerably strengthened the realistic stand for objectivity or independence in the analysis of the nature of reality.55 51. Cf Russell's observation that "...very many philosophers, perhaps a majority, have held that there is nothing except minds and their ideas. Such philosophers are called 'idealists" etc. Problems, p. 14: see also p. 37. 52. Srinivasachari in Aspects of Advaita, pp. 14-15 (the italics are mine). L.T. Hobhouse demonstrates this truth in a lucid and critical note wherein he analyses the positions of T.H. Green and B Bosanquet. See his The Theory of Knowledge (third ed. London, 1921), p. 537 f., f. n. 2. 53. Philosophical Studies (The International Library of Psychology, Philosophy, and Scientific Method, 1951 (reprinted), London, pp. 7-8. 54. Ibid., p. 12. 55. The following witticisms make an interesting reading : It would be more appropriate, in this context, to substitute 'percept' wherever the term 'idea' occurs. So Beattie told Hume that the idea (or image) of roaring lion is not a roaring idea, and that the image of an ass is not a long-eared sluggish idea, and he put some 'clownish questions' to Berkeley in the same spirit, "Where," he asked, "is the harm of my believing that if I were to fall down yonder precipice and break my neck, I should be no more a man of this world ? My neck, Sir, may be an idea to you, but to me it is a reality and an important one too. Where is the harm of my believing that if, in this severe weather, I were to neglect to throw (what you call) the idea of a coat over the ideas of my shoulders, the idea of cold would produce the idea of such pain and disorder that might possibly terminate in my real death ?''A Study in Realism (John Laird, C.U.P., 1920, Combridge), p. 63. Repudiating the claim that the Modern Einsteinian Theory of Relativity supports idealism, Russell writes under the heading "Realism in Relativity'; 'It is a mistake to suppose that relativity adopts an idealistic picture of the world--using 'idealism' in the technical sense, in which it implies that there can be nothing which is not experience. The observer who is often mentioned in expositions of relativity need not be a mind, but may be a photographic plate or any kind of recording instrument. The fundamental assumption of relativity is realistic, namely, that these

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 101 II. Thus the Advaitic attempt at building up a structure of reality from which the independence of the objective world is explained away has been revealed, in our analysis so far, to tend towards some form of mentalism. Even if any other school of idealism attempts to bring anything in ab extra into the being of its ultimate realm the attempt would be foredoomed to failure in the same measure as its denial of self-existence to the objective universe. Nothing short of a forthright recognition of the independent and intrinsic nature of reality will ever succeed in avoiding the mentalization or spiritualization of the non-spiritual realm of reality. Once the claim of independence as an integral part of reality is initially conceded, then, it becomes the thin edge of the wedge; that is, the operative force of the principle of distinction thus respects in which all observers agree when they record a given phenomenon may be regarded as objective, and not as contributed by the observers." Bertrand Russell on "Relativity', Encyclopaedia Britannica Inc., The Univ. of Chicago, 1950. See also his The A.B. C. of Relativity (London, 1925), pp-219-20. Max Born, the great theoretical physicist, also offers a similar vindication of the 'reality of the pre-existing external mateial world. Thus is done in answer to Herbert Dingle's thesis. Dingle puts to himself the fundamental question, viz. "What exactly is it that physicists are doing?'' The answer : "That can be answered satisfactorily only in terms of experience, not of the external world." In his reply to Dingle, Max Born describes the former's viewpoint as "a standpoint of extreme subjectivism" or "physical solipsismi'' and endeavours to restore, by means of several technical and lay arguments, common sense to the relativistic, quantum, (for an unequivocal support of Max Plank to an external world which is 'independent of ourselves', something absolute that we are facing..." see Albert Einstein: Philosopher-scientist, 2nd ed., ed. P.A. Schilpp, New York, 1951, p. 136f) and other theories of science and, thereby, to philosophy. (Vide H. Dingle's lecture to the British Association, 1951, on Philosophy and Physics", 1850-1950, in Nature (London), Vol. 168. pp. 630-36, especially p. 634, para 2, and Max Born's article on **Physical Reality'' in the Philosophical Quarterly (ed. T.M. Knox), Vol. III No. 11 for April 1953, pp. 139-149.) A.P. Ushenko is another fierce critic who joins issue with Dingle: "If I am asked to mention," he observed, "some particular metaphysics which clearly does not fit in with the theory of relativity, I should name solipsism." Albert Einstein, p. 613. Yet anothe writer of today to whose views on the present problem Einstein himself has paid a serious attention is Henry Margenau. Margenau's argument for the reality or objectivity of the universe, under Einstein's theory, cannot be cited here, but merits our attention. Vide his article on "Einstein's Conception of Relativity" in Albert Einstein (see 4, pp. 252-57), and his recent work, The Nature of Physical Reality, The Graw-Hill Book Co Inc., New York, the sections on the Reality of Data, Other Selves, pp. 297-9, and the Real World, pp. 299-305; and the entire chap. (21) on The Contours of Reality, pp. 448-67.

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102 Anekantavada and Syadvada introduced in the real will work itself out, through various stages of increasing approximation like duality, plurality and reciprocity towards the anekanta view of reality. The dialectical evolution of these approximations or stages has been already traced out earlier in course of this section. According to the Jaina dialecticians the several schools which do recognise the independent objectivity of the world have inevitably, though often unwittingly, been confronted with the necessity of acknowledging the anekanta view, at least in some aspect of their conception of reality as well as of knowledge. The instances, which, among others include the Mimamsa, the Sankhya, and the Vaisesika schools, have already been mentioned elsewhere. He feels that they all have stopped short of consciously allowing the principle of distinction to reach its logical conclusion in an indeterminate approach to the problem. If the compulsive force of the spirit of anekanta is allowed to have its sway, then, according to him, reality would be infinitely diversified. 36 The optimum point of the restless force of distinction is repiesented in the inexhaustible diversification of every detail in the physical and the mental universe consistenly, of course, with the equally enduring identities in nature. The theory of manifoldness is therefore the story of the gradual unfoldment of the implications of distinction which is at the heart of everything. If this cardinal truth is disproved, then the entire structure of the anekanta philosophy will collapse like a house of cards. To summarise the entire argument : The essence of realism is the principle of objectivity, independence, or distinction. The alternative to the non-acceptance of this principle in reality is some form of idealism which is generically inadequate and has a tendency towards subjectivism. Acceptance of the intrinsic objectivity of the world marks the starting point of the functioning of distinction whcih progressively develops until the point of culmination is reached in the fact of the indeterminate and manifold nature of reality. It is in the logical necessity of the development from the initial simple state of distinction to that of infinite diversification of everything real, physical or mental, that the justification of the claim of Anekantavada as the most consistent form of realism lies. 56. The Vai'sesika comes nearest, paticularly with respect to his atomism, to anekavada, but he stops at the level of what may be described as mechanical pluralism, rather than in determinate relativism of the Jainas. Cf. supra, ch. on Arthakriyakaritvam and the Vaisesika's Ubhayavada.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 103 Nayavada Anekantavada as a theory of reality, according to which reality is infinitely manifold, or relativistic in its determinations, has been observed to be inherent in the co-ordinate conception of identity-in-difference. It has also been pointed out, at the beginning of our treatment of anekantavada that the nayavada, or the method of standpoints, and syadvada, or the method of dialectical predications, are the two main wings of anekantavada. A brief attempt may be made, in this part, to bring out how the two theories, viz., nayavada and syadvada, bring out and sustain the relativistic character of reality, Logically, nayavada and syadvada are two complementary processes forming a natural and inevitable development of the relativistic presupposition of the Jaina metaphysics. They form a scheme which is pre-eminently one of correlative methods $7 rather than of theories of reality although they both presuppose and explain the primordial notion that all reality is relativistic. Nayavada is principally an analytical method investigating a particular standpoint of a factual situation according to the purpose and the level of equipment of the experient (jnats). The particular standpoint thus investigated is one among a multitude of different viewpoints which, in their totality, reflect the full nature of the situation. Syadvada, or Saptabhangi, is, essentially, a synthetical method designed to harmonise the different viewpoints arrived at by nayavada.58 Making a further distinction between nayavada and syadvada 57. While dealing principally, with nayavada Rao characterises 'Jainism' as follows : **It is essentially a method and an attitude." The Half-Yearly Journal of the Mysore University, New Series, Section A-An, March 1942, p. 79. 58. Cf. "...each of the nayas comprehends things from only one particular standpoint, knowledge derived from a naya therefore is partial and incomplete. To comprehend things in all their aspects, therefore, a special mode or form must be found. This, according to the Jains, is their Syadvada or the doctrine of many possibilities."' The Nyayavatara (Ed. by P.L. Vaidya, Bombay, 1928), Intro. p. XL. 1. "The nayas refer to the parts of the things, whereas the saptabhangi refers to the things as a whole; nayas have relation to analysis, whereas saptabhangi relates to synthesis; nayavada is the analytical method of knowledge, whereas saptabhangi is the synthetical method of knowing thing." H.L. Jhaveri's The First Principles of the Jaina Philosophy, London, 1910. p. 42. See also NKV, Intro. pp. 21-22. Also, nayanamekanisthanam pravrtteh sstavartmani/ sampu marthaviniscayi syaavadas rutamucyatell The Nyayavatara, ka. 30. See also Siddharsi's Comun. thereon.

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104 Anekantavada and Syadvada Upadhyes maintains that the former is "primarily conceptual" and the latter "mainly verbal". Although not quite incorrect, this distinction is apt to be somewhat misunderstood if we are not aware of the background against which it is made. This is because the so-called 'primarily conceptual' method is also verbal, in asmuch as it not merely requires the aid of words for the expression of its various standpoints but also has as many as three, among its seven, standpoints which are exclusively concerned with the verbal problems, and are therefore designated as sabdanayas. Similarly, in contradistinction to the verbal elements of the conceptual'nayavada, the 'mainly verbal' method of syadvada is so much charged with the epistemological character that we might say that its verbal side is more intrumental than intrinsic in value. The term 'conceptual may, however, be applied to the four druvyanayas, under nayavada, with relatively greater propriety. But under syadvada no distinctions, such as the verbal modes of syadvada and the non-verbal or the epistemological modes of syadvada, can be made since all modes are both verbal and epistemological. This is so in spite of the fact that much care and exactitude are needed in the verbal formulation and manipulation of the modal judgments. Leaving aside the epistemological content of the modal judgments for the moment, the description of all the modes of syadvada as verbal also may give rise to a possible objection that such a description should not be applied to the mode which contains the 'inexpressible' (avaktavya) as its predicate. For the 'inexpressible' is, ex hypothesi, a verbal failure insofar as it is incapable of a 'co-presentation' or a simultaneous expression of the positive and the negative traits of a real in a single attempt. Describing a mode as verbal when a signal verbal failure is inscribed on it would, therefore, be, according to the possible objector, paradoxically objectionable. Defferring a discussion of the modal predicate, the 'inexpressible', to the next chapter, we may briefly indicate here the line of argument the Jaina would take in answering the present objection. The Jaina answer to this objection, it may be noted, necessarily entails a reference to the third mode of syadvada also : 59. He observes: "Syadvada is a corollary of Nayavada : the latter is analytical and primarily conceptual and the former is synthetical and mainly verbal". PrSKU, Intro. p. LXXXV. Incidentally (see SII, p. 17 and p. 52), it would be more correct to say, with Jacobi, the syadvada is a 'logical complement than a 'corollary' of nayavada.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 105 The predicate the inexpressible' does indeed record a signal verbal failure in expressing, at once, the great amplitude of the variegated reality as embodied in every factual event. But this failure is not due to the inherent unknowability, and, consequently, of the inexpressibility of reality, as in the case of the theories underlying the formulae like "sa esa neti neti" or "catuskotivinirmuktatvam" or "anirvacaniyata". It is, on the contrary, due to the bewildering wealth of impressions directly pouring into the human mind whose limitations of powers are such that it cannot at once grapple with all the impressions by way of all-comprehending attention and precise expression. Hence the postulation of the predicate in question. The only verbal feature of the predicate is the symbol (samjna) 'avaktavya' employed in designating the predicate. This symbol declares the inadequacy of the verbal machinery when confronted with such cognitive situations. But this does not mean that avaktavya is the last word in our cognitive venture and, consequently, that we are inescapably condemned to be cognitively overwhelemed and verbally dumb. What is not simultaneously expressible can be expressed by a gradual process in the order of the attention severally paid to the manifold features in the situation concerned. This fact introduces a sequential outlet (kramarpana) for what would otherwise remain a "paradoxically objectionabie' position. In other words, if the mode of avaktavya were an absolute position (sarvathaikantadrsti) it would certainly be 'a paradoxically objectionable position, but since the mode represents a relative position (kathancidekantadrsti) it leaves room for a sequential alternative which guarantees a gradual unfoldment of the entire complex structure of the factual situation in hand. Words have a vital role to play in the process of unfoldment of the complex or the simple meanings of reality in spite of their limitations as noticed under the 'inexpressible' (uzvaktavya) mode. Communication of the meanings of reality either to us (svarthah) or from us to others 60. Referring to this sakt:h or yogvata Prabhacandra observes : yogyata hi sabdar thayoh pratipadya pratipadukas aktih, jnanajne vayor jnapyajnapakasaktivat/NKC, Vol. II, p. 538. See also PKM, p. 428, where also he writes to the same effect when commenting on the following Pariksa nukha sutra : sahajayogyatasankotavasaddhi sabdadayah vastupratipattinetavah/Ibid., p. 427. (Here 'sabdadayah', or words etc., means words, gestures made by figures etc. (angulyadivakya) and any similar sigas.) In NKC, Vol. II, p. 541, the same writer agaiu observes : Saktis tu svabhaviki yatha rupaprakasane caksuradeh tatha arthaprakasane sabdasyapi/Vadideva also makes similar observations on this question. See SRK, on pp. 702-3. A brief cornment of Kumarila also is of interest in this connection : sarvo hi s'abdo'rthapratyayanartham prayujyate (Tantravartika, I. 3.8).

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106 Anekantavada and Syadvada (pararthah) is said to inherent power (svabhaviki saktih) in words. Devabhadra, for instance, observes that every specific meaning is resident in a particular word.61 Siddharsi supports this idea from another angle by remarking that there are no objects (artha) without names.62 Maladhari Hemacandra believes that everything cognisable is also expressible in some way 63 The Jaina is, however, cautious in not stretching this belief in the natural power of words to the extent of advocating the identity (tadatmya) of essence between the word and its meaning. Had it not been so he would find himself an ally of Bhartrhari and the other grammarian philosophers who maintain the doctrine of sabdadvuitavada. According to the Jaina words are only expressive (vacaka) or, as Yasovijaya puts it, suggestive (jnapaka) symbols rather than productive (karaka)64 entities of meanings. In other words, what is meant by the remark that a meaning resides in a word is nothing more than forcefully stating that the word has the natural power of expressing the meaning which is not produced by, or derived from it. The meaning is eventually rooted in the nature of things in reality, but is conveyed to us through the natural expressive capacity of words. The main purpose of introducing here the above brief discussion on the linguistic aspect of syadvada has been to show how far syadvada can be described as "mainly verbal', or, for that matter, a 'verbal method at all. The discussion indicates the undoubted necessity for a precise scheme of linguistic symbols (vacanavinyasa). But the scheme of linguistic symbols is only the grab of the 'modal judgments which represent a system of alternative and exhaustive aspects of truth of a particular factual situation investigated by svadvada. The content being such judgments syadvada is essentially an epistemological method. This pre-eminently epistemological character of it becomes more evident when we remember that the knowledge obtained by its use is conceived to be the human analogue of the perfect knowledge (kevalajnana) attained by the perfect souls (kevalins), the difference between the two being that the one is mediate (asuksut) and the other immediate (saksat).63 61. pratyartham sabdanivasad itil Nyayavatura (of Siddhasena Divakara, with Siddharsi's Vivrti and Devabhadra's Tuppana, ed. P.L. Vaidya, 1928, Bombay), p. 81. 62. nirabhidhanarthavat/ Ibid., p. 80. 63. kascit tu gamyataya sarvo'bhilapyah../SHM, on gu. 143, VBI. 64. sabdanam ca athajnapakatvam na tu karakatvam/skl, p. 250. 65. Cf. syadvadokevalajnane sarvatattvaprakasane/bheduh saksadasaksac ca....d/ AMS, ka. 105.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 107 The purport of the entire argument is that the distinction between 'conceptual' and 'verbal' is a relative one, and therefore that when it is associated with the two methods under consideration, it should be done subject to the consideration outlined in course of argument. The logical justification for the formulation of these two methods of nayavada and syadvada consists in the fact that the immense complexity of the relativistic universe is too baffling for the human mind, with its limited range of preceptual and other capacities, to penetrate at once, into its full secrets. In the process of grasping the bewildering universe analysis, or nayavada, naturally precedes synthesis, or syadvada, and the two methods together offer an articulated knowledge of the universe. After this comparative estimate of the two methods we may now proceed to consider them in their natural order. The Definition of Nayavada A naya is defined as a particular opinion or (abhipraya or abhimata) or a viewpoint (apeksa)--a viewpoint which does not rule out other different viewpoints and is, thereby, expressive of a partial truth (vastvamsagrahi) about an object (vastu)-as entertained by a knowing agent (jnatr).67 A naya is a particular viewpoint about an object or an event, there being many other viewpoints which do not enter into, or interfere with the particular viewpoint under discussion. Although the other viewpoints do not enter into the perspectives of the particular 66. This is the general definition (samanya laksana) of a naya. The specific feature (visesa laksana) of each particular naya will be noticed later on. 67. To express the nature of a naya, in the words of Prabhachandra : anirakrtapr atipakso vastvamsagrahi nayah/PKM, p.676. There are numerous variant forms of the definition of a naya. But they all express substantially, but often more elaborately, the whole, or a part, of the connotation so briefly indicated by Prabhachandra's defintion. See, for instance, NKC, Vol. II, p. 606 f., f.n. 1, in which the editor has enumerated about as many as thirty such variant forms. In AGAM, pp. 142-3 (tippanani)] under 'naya' the same editor has made a few editions to the forms. The following, not necessary found in the above-mentioned two-places, may, however, be cited here : arthasyanekarupasya dhik pramanam tadansudhih/ nayo dharmantarapeksi dumayas tannirakrtih/ ASA on AMS, 1.47. pramanaparicchinnasya anantadharmatmakasya vastuna ekadesa-grahinah taditaramsapratiksepino adhyavasayavid esa nayah/. JTBY, P. 21 (CF. PNTA, VII. 1, and SRK thereon, in SRK, p. 1044), nayantiti nayah.anekadharmatmakam vastu ekadharmena nityarnevedam anityameveti va nirupayanti/ See NKC, Vol. II, p. 606 f., f.n. 1. 68. Cf. audasinyaparayanas tadapare camse bhaveyur nayah/ABHI, p. 1853.

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108 Anekantavada and Syadvada viewpoints under dicussion they constantly, as it were, attack its frontiers, and await its reconciliation with them in the sphere of a fuller and more69 valid knowledge which is the sphere of pramana. Theoratically the viewpoints from which an object or an event could be perceived are not merely numerous" (anekavikalpa) but infinite?l in number (anantaprakaram) because even the humblest fact of existence is infinitely manifold and therefore can be an object of various modes of analysis. But this way of looking at the subject is too broad (vyasa or vistara72) or gross (sthula) and, therefore, does not vouchsafe to us a compact view of reality ca the basis of which we can develop a practicable analytical method by means of which we may 69. This phrase "more valid" is advisedly used here. This becomes clear when we notice the controversy, met with in Jaina works, as to whether the partial truth conveyed by a naya is as valid as the full truth conveyed by pramana. Vidyananda attempts an anwser to this by employing an analogical argument, often repeated by writers since, in which he compares naya to a part of a sea which is prumana (TSU, p. 118, ka. 5 and the lika thereon). See also SRK, pp. 1044-7. Insofar as the part is identical with the whole--it is identical since it is a legitimate part of the whole-a naya shares the validity, at any rate in some measure, of pramana. But, insofar as it is different from the whole-it is different from the whole, in some sense, otherwise the part and the whole become indistinguishable--a naya is invalid. The conclusion implied is a simple one, viz., that a part (naya) is not eschewed by the whole (pramana); that the whole itself would not be but for the combination of such parts; that the part is valid (manarmako nayah; napyasatyo nayah) so far as it goes, and that is becomes invalid when its partial truth is taken to be the whole truth when it is called a nayabhasa, or kunaya, or durnaya, The above conclusion is generally agreed to in spirit if not in letter also, but most writers including Vidyananda, Jinabhadra and his commentator Maladhari Hemachandra, however, do not seem to accede to this conclusion whole-heartedly, although they do not eventually disagree with it (see VBJ, ga. 2277 and SHM thereon). For some of expressions with which they describe the nature of rayas are more appropriate to the description of the nature of nayabhasas or durnayas. For instance, nayas are said to be incapable of being vastuno gamakah (pratyekavasthayam tudagamakatvat). Further, they are said to be heretical (mithyatmadrstitvat), contradictory (virodhato, or virodhitval), inimical (vairivat) in their character. Another factor which seems to confirm the attitude of Jinabhadra, more especially of his great commentator, is the quotation, by the latter, of a devotional verse, the second line of which is in tune with the view suggested by the two writers: udadhaviva sarvasindhavah samudirnastvayi natha drstayah / na ca tasu bhavan pradrsyate pravibhaktasu saritsvivodadhih // See VB), ga. 2266 and SHM, on 2265-6. 70. javaiya vayanavaha tavaiya honti nayavaya / STP, III. 47. Javanto vayanapaha tavanto va nayavi sahavo/ VBJ, ga. 2265. vyasato' nekavikalpa iti / PNTA, VII. 4 and the SRK thereon in SRK, p. 1047. 71. nayas canantah/SM (text), p. 161. 72. See PNTA, VII. 4 and the SRK thereon.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 109 tackle reality piecemeal and obtain partial glimpses of its truth. The view of reality, conceived under the great division consisting of two inclusive categories, viz., dravyarthikanaya or the substantive view, and paryayarthikanaya or the modal (or the modificational) view, is however, considered to be an answer to the demand.73 The categories are also called, briefly, as dravyanaya and paryayanaya respectively. The view of reality conceived under the division is described as the concise (sanksepa or samasa) 4 one in contrast to the other (the broad) one. By a process of further analysis the Jaina thinkers have been led to the formulation of the methodological scheme consisting of seven ways of looking at reality. They are enumerated in the following order of decreasing denotation75 : naigama, sangraha, vyavahara, rjusutra, sabda, samabhirudha, and evambhuta.76 Generally among these the first three are considered to be dravyanayas or substantive standpoints and the other four paryayanayas or modal standpoints." Reserving to a later stage78 the consideration of the question whether the number of these seven ways of viewpoints can be reduced to six, or five, or even less, either by elimination of any of them, or by subsumption of some of them under the one or the other of the seven viewpoints, we may now proceed to point out, with illustrations, the nature and function of these seven viewpoints. Naigamanaya (the teleological or the universal-particular standpoint) Naigamanaya relates to the purpose (sankalpa)? or the end of a certain continuous series of actions which are represented by one or a few of their number. For instance, a person carrying fuel, water and rice, when asked "What are you doing?" says "I am cooking" instead of saying "I 73. Cf. dravyaparyayarupasya sakalasyapi vastunah / nayavamcena netarau sakalas yapi vastunah // Tattvarthasara, ka. 38. Vadideva brings out very clearly and elaborately, the progressive descrease in denotation, from every preceding naya to its succeeding one, in the course of as many as seven sutras and his own comm. thereon, See ONTA, VII. 46-52 and the SRK thereon. 74. See PNTA, VII. 5 and the SRK thereon. 75. Cf. purvah purvanayo bhumavisayah karanatmakah / parah parah punah suksmagocaro hetumaniha // Nayavivarana, ka. 98. 76. See TSUJ, I. 33. 77. dravyartho vyavaharantah paryayarthas tatoparah/TSV, p. 268. 78. See infra. 79. arthasankalpamatragrahi naigamah / TRAG, p. 65, ka. 2. anispannarthasankalpamatrarahi naigama iti nigamo hi sankalpah tatrabhavah tatprayojano va raigamah/SRK, p. 1052.

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110 Anekantavada and Syadvada am carrying fuel" and so forth. This means that the general purpose of cooking controls the entire series of actions which are represented by one or more of them such as carrying the materials or drawing water enabling us thereby to grasp the purpose which governs the individual factors relating to it. This is the aim or function of the naigama80 standpoint. According to another interpretation naigamanaya is described as the standpoint of the 'non-distinguished'.81 By the 'non-distinguished' is meant the absence of distinction or discrimination between the universal or the generic and the particular or the specific elements of the object under review. Accordingly, the meaning of the term naigama is analysed as 'not' (na) 'one' (eko) 'understanding' (gamah), that is, not understanding or distinguishing either the generic element alone, or the specific element alone, but taking the object in its concrete unity. 82 One of the instances given in illustration of this non-distinction is that of the term 'bamboo'. When we use this term in a statement such as "Bamboo grows here in plenty", from the 'non-distinguished' point of view, the distinction between the generic and the specific features of the bamboo is not within the focus of our attention, although it is undoutedly at the back of our minds. This truth, namely, that some aspect of concrete situation in reality is in the foreground of our attention the other aspects recede into the background, is one of the cardinal principles of the modern Gestalt, or Configurationist, school of psychology. Also, it holds good of not merely the 'non-distinguished standpoint, but also of all the others under the present method. Although the two interpretations of naigamanaya, the one emphasising its teleological character and the other its 'non-distinguished' character, are mentioned to be different, the difference between them does not seem to be always sharp and material. This is evident when we notice that the principle of non-distinction between the universal and the particular is inherent in, or, at any rate, is not repugnant to, the purpose governing the actions in the relevant context such as the above-mentioned instance of cooking. It must, however, be admitted that when a 'non-distinguished' instance like "the bamboo grows here in plenty" is viewed from the angle of the first interpretation the teleological element is not so 80. Cf. SRK, p. 1053 f. See also Tattbarthvasarah, ka 44. 81, yadva naikam gamo yo'tra sa satam naigamo matah/TSV, p. 269. 82. NKC, Ka 5.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 111 evident, although it would not be an impossible idea to think of some instances wherein the two elements could go together. Taking both sides of the argument into consideration we may safely conclude that atleast in a considerable number of instances, the difference between the elements of teleology and non-distinction is a matter of difference in emphasis. This view does not, however, bar the possibility of even a radical difference between the two interpretations in a certain number of situations considered under the present standpoint. The non-distinction of the naigama standpoint is not, as just indicated, absolute. It does imply distinction but in a relative sense only. If the distinction is asserted absolutely, then arises the fallacy called naigamabhasa, of which the Nyaya-Vaisesika83 system, which maintains an absolute distinction ((atyantabhinnatva) between its categories, is an illustration. . Sangrahanaya (the class view) This standpoint concerns itself with the general84 or the class character of a factual situation, unlike the naigama standpoint which includes the specific character as well. Just as naigamanaya is not hostile to the intermingled character of concrete existence, so also sangrahanaya is not repugnants to the complementary feature of visesa which is not included in it. Sangrahanaya marks a step further from naigamanaya in that it differentiates, in its analytical process, the common character from the universal-cum-particular complex which every real is. For instance, when, pointing to a tree at some distance from you, you observe to a stranger asking for direction, "turn left near the tree there", ". it is not relevant to ihe occasion to mention whether "the tree there" is mango, banyan, or any other, although "the tree" must be one of these. For there can be no universal without a particular, 86 or a genus without species, although in a particular context the mention of the former will serve the purpose in hand. Similarly, when we state that everything is sar87 (being) it makes a perfectly understandable proposition, although it provisionally shuts out its necessary complement of asat (non-being). 83. See PNTA, VII. 12 and the SRK thereon. See also Nayapradipa, p. 101, and Nyayavatara (P.L. Vaidya's edn.), p. 82. 84. samanyamatragrahi paramarsah sangraha iti / PNTA, VII. 13. See also the SRK thereon, as well as TSV, p. 270, ka 51. 85. See NKV, ka. 6. 86. Ibid. 87. visvamekam sadavisesaditi / PNTA, VII. 16.

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112 Anekantavada and Syadvada Laying such an exaggerated emphasis88 on the universal as to leave no room at all for the particular leads to sangrahabhusa, a fallacy of which the Sankhya and the Advaita schools of philosophy are notable instances.89 Vyavaharanayao (the standpoint of the particular) In contrast with the sangraha standpoint the vyavahara standpoint specialises itseif in being concerned with the specific features of the object concerned, without, of course, losing sight of the fact that they cannot stand by themselves without the support of the generic properties in the larger setting of concrete reality. For example, when a person is asked to bring a mango fruit he attempts to bring, but not any other fruit, although he is aware of the fact that mango is only a species in the genus of friut.92 When the generic correlative of a specific feature is entirely ignored the resultant fallacy comes to have only the semblance of the vyavahara standpoint (Vyavaharanayabhasa) of which there can be no better example than the materialism of Carvaka93 in Indian philosophy. The above three standpoints, viz., naigama, sangraha and vyavahara, come under the first comprehensive category, viz., dravyarthikanaya. This is so because these standpoints concern themselves with the durable side (dravyasamsparsi) of concrete reality. The remaining four standpoints, viz., rjusutra, sabda, samabhirudha and evambhuta, engage themselves in the analysis of the fleeting side (paryayasamsparsi) of concrete reality. Hence their collective designation (paryayarthikanaya), the second of ihe two comprehensive Categories. 88. sangraho' pyasesavisesavis esapratiksepamukhena s amanyamekam samarthayamano durnayah.../ Nyayavatara (P.L. Vaidya's edn. ) p. 85. 89. sangrahabhiprayapravrttah servepyadvaitvadah sankhyadars' anain ca./ See also PNTA, VII. 17 and 18 and the SRK thereon. The reason why the Sankhya system in instanced here is stated by Prabhacandra: vikaravikarinoh sankhyaistadatmyabh yupagamat/NKL, Vol. II, p. 629. 90. This vyavaharanaya should be distinguished from another naya, bearing the same name and occurring in a different classification of nayas into niscayanaya (the true viewpoint) and vyavaharanaya (the conventional or empirical viewpoint). There is nothing common between the two except the name. 91. visesatmakamevartham vyavahards ca manyate/ vi'sesabhinnam sa manyam asatkharavisanavat //NKV, ka. 8 92. Ibid., karikas 9 and 10. 93. PNTA, VII. 26. For two other instances see LTB, V, ka. 42 and the NKC thereon in NKC, Vol. II, pp. 631-5.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 113 Among the four paryayanayas only the first one, viz., rjusutranaya, which will presently be dealt with, makes a direct ontological reference to an aspect of reality, viz., the aspect of flux (paryaya). The other three are concerned with the verbal questions of the meanings of the modal side of the reality. On the basis of this distinction, viz., the aspect involving an ontological reference and the aspects involving verbal references, the standpoints are also classified as arthanayas (or arthatantra), and sabdanayas (or sabdatantra), the former class including within itself the first four, and the latter class, the last three.94 Jinabhadra, however, chooses to treat rjusutranaya as one of the dravyanayas on the ostensible ground that it has a direct ontological reference like the other dravyanayas.95 But this is not widely accepted. Now the treatment of the four paryayanayas or the modal standpoints may be resumed. Rjusutra (the standpoint of momentariness) The rjusutra standpoint relates to the momentary nature of a thing. 96 It is narrower than the vyavahara standpoint in that it looks at a paritcular thing as the thing appears at a particular moment.97 This standpoint is in operation when, for instance, we treat an actor, who is enacting the role of a king on the stage, as the king for the moment. While recognising the importance and relative validity of this 'occurrent aspect in the life of reality we are not expected to loose sight of the continuant' character of reality. An over-emphasis on the fleeting aspect of concrete reality has, 94. tatrarjusutraparyantah catvaro'rthanaya matah/trayah sabdanayah "sesah 'sabdavacyarthagocaraW/ Nayavivaranam (by an unknown author, ed, Pannalal Caudhuri, Digambara Jaina Grantha Bhandra, Kasi, Vira Samvat 2451), ka. 97. See also Tattvarthasara, ka 43. 95. VB), p. 2262, ka. 77. 96. Cf. rjusutrah sa vijneyo yena paryayamatrakam/vartamanaikasamayavisayain parigrhyate // Tattvarthasarah (by Amrtacandrasuri, printed in the Prathamagucchaka, Sri Digambara Grantha Bhandara, Kasi, Vira Sam 2451), ka. 47. See also JTBY, p. 22. 97. Siddhar'si explains rjususutranaya as follows : tatrarjupragunamakutilam atitanagatavakraparityagat vartamanaksanavivarti vastuno rupam sutrayati nistankitam darsayafiti rjusutrah Nyayavatara (P.L. Vaidya's edn.), p. 77. See also NKV] karikas 11 and 12. 98. For an elaborate criticism of the various schools of Buddhism, as illustrating this mayabhasa, see TBV, (on STP, I, ga. 5), p. 317 ff.

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114 Anekantavada and Syadvada according to nayavadin, led the Buddhist to treat this partial truth as the sole foundation of his conception of reality. Sabdanaya (the standpoint of synonyms) Among the remaining three paryayanayas or the modal standpoints sabdanaya is the first verbal viewpoint. Besides referring to this specific viewpoint the term 'sabdanaya is involved as a collective designation for all the three viewpoints, including present one, because of the fact that all the three are mainly concerned with verbal problems. In order to distinguish the present verbal standpoint from the other two similar viewpoints we may specifically designate the present one as the viewpoint of synonyms since it is largley concerned with synonymous words. 100 The present standpoint of synonyms refers to the function of synonymous words which, despite their differences in tense, caseendings, gender, number and so forth, convey the same meanings.101 For instance, the word kumbha, kalasa and ghata denote the same object (ekarthavacakah), viz., a jar which is one of the forms taken by clay. Similarly the words Indra, Sakra and Purandara denote one and the same individual in the same manner as the words globe, orb and sphere denote, despite their several differences, the same circular entity. A misapplication of this standpoint by treating, for instance, two synonymous words as being utterly identical in their meanings is said to lead to the fallacy called sabdanayabhasa. The sabdadvaitavadins and a few other schools in Indian philosophy are said to have committed102 this fallacy. Samabhirudhanaya (the etymological standpoint) The etymological standpoint represents an advance upon the standpoint of synonyms although it is narrower in its scope than the latter. Its advance consists in the fact that it distinguishes the meanings 99. 'sabdah samabhirudhaivambhutau te'sabdabhedagahTuttvarthasara, ka. 42. 100. tasmadeka eva paryayasabdanamartha iti sabdah /Nyayavatara (P. L. Vaidya's edr.), p. 80. See also NKV, ka. 14, TSV, p.274, ka 87 and Nayavivarana, karikas 90-91. 101. vo vartanam ca manyate ekarthe bhinnalingadinaml sa 'sabdanayo bhanitah..// Laghunayacakram, ka, 40. Also sabdaprsthato'rtha-grahanapravanah s'abdanayah lingasarkhvakalakarakapurusopa-grahavyabhicaranivittiparatvat/ Dhavalatika (quoted in GAM, tippanani, p. 147). 102 See Navaraiara (P.L. Vaidya's edn.) pp. 82 and 90; and NVUS, tippanani, p. 277.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 115 of synonymous words purely on their etymological grounds.103 The synonyms Indra, Sakra and Purandara denote, according to the conventional approach (rudhih, upacarah) of sabdanaya, the same individual whereas they do not so if their difference in their etymological derivation is taken into consideration 104 Indra, for instance, signifies one who is 'all prosperous' and the other two names signify one who is the all powerful and the destroyer of the enemies'105 respectively. "Hence the difference in the roots" as a critic remarks in this connection "must mean a corresponding difference in the terms and therefore in their meanings." Had it not been for this standpoint a jar (ghara), in the opinion of an old writer, would become indistinguishable from linen (pata). The truth of this viewpoint is based on the following two principles in the Jaina philosophy of language : The first principle is that whatever is knowable is also expressible. That is knowledge, or the meaning of anything in reality, is not possible except through the means of word.106 The second principle is that, strictly speaking, there can be only one word for one meaning and vice versa.107 Accordingly, several words which are conventionally supposed to convey one and 103. paryayasabdabhedena bhinnarthasyadhirohanat / nayah samabhirudhah syat....// TSV. p. 273, ka. 76. Puryayasabdesu niruktibhedena bhinnamartham samabhirohan samabhi rudha iti/PNTA, VII. 36, and NKC, Vol. II, p. 638. f.n. 1, the extracts from Dhavalatika and Jayadhavala. 104. 'sabdanayo hi paryayabhede 'pi arthabhedamabhipraiti, samabhiru dhastu paryayabnede bhinnanarthanabhimanyatelJTBY, p. 22. Devasuri also confirms this : tannaikarthavacino dhvanayah santi, rudhih punaravicaritatadarthanamiti samabhirudhah / Nyayavatara (P.L. Vaidya's edn.) This writer contrasts rudhita-sabdas (conventional words) from vyutpatti-sabdas (words based on their etymological derivations). See ibid., p. 74. 105. 'sacipatireko'pyartha indanas akanapuradaranabhedat bhidyatel indatitindrah / saknotiti sakrah / puran darayatiti purandara iti/ Tattvarthasutra (with Bhaskaranandi's Sukhabodha, ed. by A. Shantiraja Sastry, Mysore, 1944). p. 25. 106. Cf. ye nirabhidhana vartante arthah tesam sabdat parthakyena vastutvasiddhiriti cet na, nirabhidhanarthabhavai... Datas ca sarve'-rtha vidyamanasvavacakah, arthatvat, ghatarthavaditi pramanai../ Nyayavatara (P.L. Vaidya's edn.), p. 80. Devebhadra also observes : pratyartham sabdanivasaditi/Ibid., p. 81. Referring to the interdependence (anyonyapeksa) of word and meaning Siddhasena Gani adds: yadi yatha vyanjanam tathartho yathu carthah tatha vyanjanam, evam hi sati vacyavacakasambandhoghatate anyatha na.. Tattvarthadhigamasutram (Kapadia's edn.), Vol. I, p. 24. On vyanjanam' and 'arthah' he remarks : vyanjanam vacakah 'sabilah, artho'bhidheyo vacyah Ibid. See also SHM on ga, 143, VBJ. p.90. 107. 'sabdarudho'rtho'rtharudhah tathaiva punah'sabdah/Nayacara (Ka. 42).

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116 Anekantavada and Syadvada the same meaning, have in actual fact as many meanings as the number of words, I found there. 108 That is, this principle does not recognise any synonymous terms but maintains a determinate relation between a meaning and its word (vacyavacakaniyama). It may be contended that the non-recognition of synonymous terms under samabhirudanaya contradicts the recognition of such terms under sabdanaya. The nayavadin does not see any contradiction between the two standpoints This is so because, according to him, samabhirudhanaya applies stricker canons of etymological derivation and grammatical propriety than is done by sabdanaya which treats words in a rough and ready manner at the level of uncritically acepted conventions of usage. Since the two principles, just referred to, are going to be dealt with at some length in the process of their application to some important problems in syadvada, it is unnecessary to enlarge upon their further implications here. Evambhutanaya (the 'such-like' standpoint) Evambhutanaya, or the 'such-like' standpoint, is a further specialised form of the application of the verbal method. It calls for a different designation for each of the different attitudes which the same object assumes under the different conditions. It is even more rigorous than the etymological viewpoint in that it treats the different attitudes of the object denoted by different designations as numerically different entities. 109 Purandara, for instance, should he accordingly to this naya, designated as such only when he is actually engiged in the act of destroying bis enemies. Similarly the designation Sakra is appropriate only when he is actually manifesting his prowess. A cow ceases to be a cow when she is not in actual motion; and the onomatopoeic designation of a ghata would no more denote the ghata when the ghata is not producing the peculiar sound 'ghat, ghat. Consequently, because of this insistence that designations should be derived from the different functional states of what is ordinarily known as the same object, Purandara becomes as different from Sakra as a cow is diffe from a jar. Before concluding this chapter we may briefly notice the difference of opinions among the writers on nayavada on the question 108. tato yavanto'rthasya siabhidhayaka dhvanayah tavanto'rthabhedah/Devabhadra on Nyayavatara (P.L. Vaidya's edn.), p. 81. See also the passages dealing with the principle of avaktavya under syadrada. 109. See PNTA, VII. 40, and NKV, karikas 17-18.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 117 whether the number of nayas, viz., seven, can be reduced. There are mainly three traditions (paramparas) which are based on the number of nayas occurring in the classification adopted by each of them within the framework of reality which is conceived to be fandamentally dravyaparyayatmaka (identity-in-difference) or samanyavisesatinaka (universal-cum-particular). The first one adopts a classification of seven nayas. Our treatment of the subject has been used on this classification. The order in which the seven nayas have been treated in our account, viz., naigama, sangraha, vyavaharu rjusutra, sabda, samabhiridha, and evambhuta, has also been recognised by this tradition. The second tradition adopts a classification of six nayas eliminating, from its classification, naigamanaya which is the first among the seven nayas recognised by the first tradition. The third tradition reduces the number from seven to fivello by subsuming samabhi rudhanaya and evambhutanaya, the last two standpoints within the first classification, under sabdanaya, and thus treating them as two subdivisions of the latter. Umasvati himself is largely responsible for the first111 and the third traditions. For the concerned sutra of his great work, Tattvarthadhigamasutra, gives, in its Digambara version, the enunciation of the seven nayasl12 in their natural order, whereas the same sutra gives, in the Svetambara version of his work, the enunciation of only five nayas, treating the last two nayas as subdivisions of sabdanaya. All the Digambara writers and most of the Svetambara writers also adhere to the former tradition.113 The latter tradition is confined to the relevant sutra by Umasvati in the Svetambara version of his work, as well as to the Bhasya which is ascribed to Umasavati himself by the Svetambara writers. The second tradition, the tradition of the six nayas, is maintained by Siddhasena Divakaral14 with his characteristic vigour and independent judgment. Besides these three traditions there are four more views according to which the number of nayas is severally one, two, three or four. A 110. naigamasangrahavyavahararjusutrasabda nayah/Sabhasyatattvadhigamasutrani (ed. by Motilal Laghaji, Poona, Vira Sam 2453), I. 34. 111. naigamasangrahavyavahararjusutrasabdasamabhirudhaivambhuta nayah /TSUJ, 1. 33. 112. See the above f.n. 113. See, for instance, TSV, I. 33, TRAG, I. 33, etc. The notable instances among the works of the Svetambara writers, are PNJA, Ch. VII, SRK thereon, and SM (text) p. 161. 114. Cf. ST. Intro, pp. 141-2. Jinabhadra Gani also follows Siddhasena Divakara on this point. Ibid.

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118 Anekantavada and Syadvada passing mention may be made of these views : When our attention is focussed on the aspect of the generic universal (mahasamanya), viz., being (satta), the entire gamut of reality, which, on a fuller analysis, is universal-cum-particular, appears as onells pure and uniform existence. This abstract way of looking at reality is described as the pure and the absolute viewpoint (suddhaniscayanayal16). The nayavadins consider this standpoint as a class by itself. This is the first of the four views just referred to. Reality may often be viewed either from the generic or the specific angle of vision. When it is the former we are said to be governed by the generic viewpoint of samanyanaya, and when it is the latter we are said to be governed by the specific viewpoint or visesanaya. This classification117 is the same as the substantive (dravyarthika) and the modal (paryayarthika) viewpoints. This classification, which consists of two members, is the second of the four views. Siddhasena Divakara suggests a classification of three standpoints although he generally accepts a classification of six standpoints. He does so by subsuming sabda, samabh:ridha and evambhuta nayas under rjusutranaya. This is because he considers rjusutranaya as the foundation of the entire modal (paryayastika) approach to reality and, therefore, the other three as its sub-divisions (suhumabheya).118 This reduction of four nayas to one, viz., rjusutranaya, coupled with the further elimination of naigamanaya, leaves only three nayas, viz., sangraha, vyavahara, and rjusutra. Lastly, Samavayangatika formulates a method by which we obtain a classificaion of our nayas. It divides naigamanaya into two subdivisions, viz., samanyanaigama (that which comprehends the universal aspect in reality) and visesa-naigama (that which comprehends the particular aspect in reality), and subsumes them under sangrahanaya and vyavaharanaya, respectively. Further, it brings samabhirudhanaya and evambhutanaya under subdanaya so that the resultant classification we obtain under this scheme consists of 115. Cf. samanyadesatastavadeka eva nayah sthitah/ TSV, I. 33, ka. 2. This line is found in Nayavivarana also : See ka. 18. 116. No material difference seems to exist between this viewpoint and one of the subdivisions of sangrahanaya, viz., parasangrahanaya. Cf. parasangrahastavat sarvam saditi sanglhinati/ TSV, p. 271. Cf. also PNTA, VII. 15. 117. Cf. Syadvadamanjari (J.C. Jain's edn.), p. 323 f. 118. See STP, ga. 5 and the extensive comm. (TBV) thereon.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Svadvada 119 sangraha, vyavahara, rjusutra and sabda nayas.119 Thus we find that we can obtain many classifications, based on different methods, even within the framework of the substantive and modal categories and of the seven standpoints based on these categories. There are many minor classifications outside the scheme of the standpoints treated in this chapter. As a matter of fact there are several subdivisions under each of the standpoints dealt with here. Any attempt at cataloguing the numerous classifications and enumerating the more numerous subdivisions will be needlessly cumbrous.120 For such an attempt, even if feasible, is not likely to give considerably more light on the nature, the significance and the function of the analytical method of nayavada than can be done by a consideration of the most fundamental division of categories (viz. dravyarthikanaya and paryayarthikanaya) and of the seven viewpoints based thereon. Hence the present chapter has confined itself to the treatment of only the essential aspects of the subject. The various standpoints outlined in course of this chapter offer an analysis of the manifold reality from their respective angles of vision Such an analysis results in a wealth of partial truths which will be harmonised into a coherent sheme of knowledge by the emplyment of the synthetical method of syadvada121 which will be dealth with in the 119. naigamunayo dvividhah samanvagrahi visesagrahica/ tatra yah samanyagrahi sa sangrahe' ntarbhutah, visesagrahi tu vyavahare / tadevam sangrahavyavahararjusutrabs'abdaditrayam caika iti catvaro nayah/Samavayayangatika (quoted in J.C. Jain's edn. of Syadvadamanjari, p. 324, f.n. 2) See also the following observation by Maladhari Heniacandra: sangrahavyavahararjusu tralaksanah trayo'tra nayah vivaksvantelekastu sabdanayah paryayastikah tada catvaro mulanaya bhavantil Comm. on VB), ga. 2264. 120. For an account of such classifications and subdivisions (upanayas) of the various nayas see Devasena's Laghunayacakram and Nayadhikarana (both printed in Nayacakradisangrahah, ed. by Vamsidhara, Bombay, 1920): Amrtacandra's Tattvarthasara, Devasena's Alapapaddhati, and Nayavivarana by an unknown author (all these three works published in the Prathamagucchaka, Digambara Grantha Bhandara, Kasi, ed. by Pannalal Chaudhari, Vikram Sam 1982); Yasovijaya's Nayarahasya and Nayapradipa (included in a collection of works: Adhyatmasara, etc., Nyayacarya-Yasovijayajikrta Granthamala, Bhavanagar, 1909); and the portions dealing with nayavada in the standard works like UBI and its comm., SRK, TSV, STP and its comm., and NKC. 121. The mutual necessity, or the complementary character of the two methods, viz., nayavada and syadvada, as well as the corrective character of nayavada, in relation to the dogmatic (ekanta) character of the closed' systems of philosophy (this aspect of the problem will be presently touched upon in the next paragraph) is suggestively expressed by Devasena as follows : yasmannayena vina bhavati narasya syadvadapratipattili/ tamat sa boddhavya ekantam hantukamena/ /Laghunayacakram, ka 3.

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120 Anekantavada and Syadvada next chapter. The complementary functions of the two methods, viz., nayavada and syadvada, remind us of the oft-quoted parable of the elephant and the blind men. To express the same truth after Siddhasena Divakara's analogy nayas offer the discrete (visanjutta) or individual jewels (mani) which are strung together by means of syadvada, into a necklace (rayanavali). 122 Further, the philosophy of standpoints is also a warning against, as well as a corrective to, the 'closed' or the 'architectonic' systems. Describing nayavada as a philosophy of standpoints' a critic It is a revolt against the tendency in philosophers to build closed systems of philosophy. According to Jainism, the universe in which we live is an active universe. plastic and full of po: and no particular current of thought can fully comprehend it. In order to do justice to the complexity and variety of such a universe, thought must not be hurried to any easy terminus but must be allowed to follow its course freely and meander through the whole field of experience, crossing and recrossing it, so as to create a great confluence of standpoint rather than a closed system. The tendency ingrained in the philosophers to build architectonic systems is inimical to the adventure of thought.....Each philosopher approaching reality from a particular and a partial standpoint, looks upon the one he adopts as the only true standpoint. Jainism rejects the idea of the absolute which is playing havoc in the field of philoscphy by creating absolute monisms, absolute pluralisms, and absolute nihilisms. By thus rejecting the absolute and the one-sided, it claims to save philosopy from the choas of conflicting opinions. Without partiality to any one it promises to give us a theory of relativity which harmonises all standpoints.":123 Syadvad In the course of our treatment of nayavada or the theory of standpoints, it has already been observed that syadvada is a method which is complementary to that of nayavada, and that while nayavada is analytical in character, syadvada functions as a synthetical method.!24 That is, nayavada analyses one of the standpoints under the aspect of identity (dravyarthikanaya) or of difference (paryayarthikanaya); and 122. See STP, I. gathas 22-25. 123. G.H. Rao : The Half-yearly Journal of the Mysore University, March, 1942, pp. 79-80. 124. Supra.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 121 syadvada further investigates the various strands of the truth delivered by a naya, and integrates them into a consistent and comprehensive synthesis. Each such strand is called a bhanga which is referred to, variously, as a mode, or a predication or an alternative or a possible truth. Describing the relation between the two methods Dasgupta observes : "There is no universal or absolute position or negation, and all judgments are valid only conditionally. The relation of the naya doctrine with the syadvada doctrine is therefore this, that for any judgment according to any and every naya there are as many alternatives as are indicated by Syadvada.'*125 The indeterminate or anekanta reality is thus analysed into various standpoints and each standpoint in turn is examined with respect to its various strands of truth and, finally, all the strands are en together into the synthesis of the conditional dialectic. Owing to their function of analysis and synthesis the methods of nayavi and syadvada may also be described as the disjunctive dialectic and the conjunctive dialectic, respectively. Further, saptabhangi, or the theory of sevenfold predications, is treated as synonymous with syadvada owing to the fact that the number of possible or alternative truths under the conditional method of syadvada are, as will be noticed hereafter, seven only. The fact that the term 'syadvada' is often treated as standing for the entire Jaina philosophy is due to the great importance attached to the method of the conditonal dialectic with which it (the term) is most intimately connected. 126 The controversy as to whether 'syadvada' is a synonym of 'saptabhangi' or of the entire Jaina philosophy is, therefore, a needlessly scholastice one,127 at any rate from the philosophical standpoint. 125. HIP, Vol. I, p. 181. 126. Cr. "The doctrine of the Indefiniteness of Being is upheld by a very strange dialectical method called Syadvada, to which the Jains attach so much importance that this name frequently is used as a synonym for the Jaina system itself." Studies in Im., p. 16. 127. In his introduction to AJP, Vol. I, p. X, Kapadia states that the term syadvada is synonymous with the term anekantavada, and, therefore, is wider in its scope than the term saptabhangi which is only a part of it. Ile is, however, not sure of his position although he had adduced a few authorities in his support. But as Jacobi suggests, as seen in the above f.n., syadvada could be used in an inclusive sense of anekantavada owing to the paramount importance attached to saptabhangi with which it (syadvada) is primarily synonymous. Moreover, none of the authorities adduced by Kapadia decisively supports his thesis. There is at least one great and old authoritative writer, viz., Prabhacandra, who contradicts Kapadia's thesis. (Interpreting Akalanka's phrase 'syadvadeksanasaptakam', Prabhacandra writes :

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122 Anekantavada and Syadvada Before we set forth the modes of syadvada and their principal features, and, at the end, a few relavant criticism against the method as a whole, it would be helpful to remember here what has already been stated128 with regard to the two groups of factors which, together, determine the nature of a real. The first group of such factors is the positive one referring to the material (dravya) of the make, the spatio-temporal setting (ksetra and kala) and the state (bhava), like black or red, or big or small and so forth, of a jar (ghata) which may be cited here as an example. The second group of factors is a negative one referring to the material, and so on, of things like linen (para) which form the negative counterpart (nisedria-pratiyogi) of the jarness (ghatatva) of the jar. The negative counterpart (patatva, etc.) is, as has already been noticed, as much consititutive of the full-fledged nature of the jar as the positive one. These groups of factors are briefly described in Sanskrit as svadravyadicatustaya and paradravyadicatustaya, respectively. They may be referred to, briefly, in English, as self-quaternary and other-quaternary. After these few preliminry observations we may now proceed to elucidate the nature and the modes of the method of the sevenfold predication. Syadvada129 (The Conditional Dialectic) or Saptabhangi (The Theory of Sevenfold Predication) Syadvada or Saptabhangi is that conditional method in which the modes, or predications (bhangah) affirm (vidhi), negate (nisedha) or both affirm and negate, severally (prthagbhuta) or jointly (samudita), in seven different ways, a certain attribute (dharma) of a thing (vastu) without incompatibility 130 (avirodhena) in a certain context syadastitvadi saptabhangamayo vadah/ See the comm. on LTP, ka. 51. in NKC, Vol. II, p. 655). But over and above all these considerations the reason why syadvada is generally and rightly treated as synonymous with saptabhangi is that the particle syat invariably accompanies every bhanga (or mode) in saptabhangi. It would, therefore, be perfectly natural to describe saptabhangi alternatively as syadvada or the doctrine of syat. It is rather strange that this obvious reason has not even suggested itself to Kapadia. 128. Supra. 129. Although 'syadvada' is the most popular name it has various synonyms like samharavada, sarvavastus abalavada, akulavada sankirnavada, tadataitvavada, and vibhajyavada. See AJP, Vol. 1, Intro. p. IX and f.n. 5 thereon. 130. Incompatibility includes not merely consistency with the other inodes, in the method, but also with the valid knowledge, perceptual (pratyaks) or otherwise (paroksa).

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 123 (prasnavasat)131. That is, no modal assertion, or proposition ---simple or complex; affirmative, negative or both-can, at once, express anything other than an aspect (prakara) of the truth of a thing. The full truth, or rather the synthesis of truths, can result only from a well-ordered scheme of propositions (vacanvinyasa). Each proposition is therefore, relative to, or alternative with, the other proposition which, in their totality, present the full of the thing with respect to the particular attribute predicated of it. The Jaina maintains that saptabhangi offers such a well ordered scheme in which the modes (bhangas) are exclusive of one another, but are at the same time, in their totality, exhaustive of the many-sided truth of the indeterminate real under discussion. It has just been noted that the term 'syadvada' means conditional or relativistic dialectic and is synonymous with 'saptabhangi'. We may examine, somewhat more closely, the meaning of this term owing to its well-merited importance in the system : The name 'syadvada' is due to the prefix syat which is an invariable accompaniment of every predication. This particle 'syat' which is treated by most of the Jaina writers as an indeclinable 32 (avyaya) although, generally, modern writers--some of them perhaps unknowingly-consider it in its obvious sense of being a form derived from the Sanskrit root 'as (to be) in the potential mood, third form, singular. Another term equivalent to 'syat' is 'kathancit'134 and no word or phrase in English is adequate to bring out precisely the significance of either word. Some of the suggested English equivalents like 'probably', 'may be', 131. Cf. Mallisena's definition : ekatra jivadan vastuni ekaikasattvadidharma vi.savaprasnavasat avirodhena pratyaksadibadhapariharena prthagbhutayoh sumuditayos ca vidhinisedhayoh parvalocanaya krtva syacchabdalanchito vaksyamanah saptabhih prakarain vacanavinyasah saptabhangiti giyate/SM, p. 142-3. Akalanka puts the same cryptically, as follows : prasnavasat ekatra vastuni avirodhena vidhipratisedhakalpanasaptabhangi/TRAG, p. 24. The following two definitions are by Vadideva and Vimaladasa, respectively : Ekatra vastuni ekaikadharmaparyanuyogavasat avirodhena vyastayoh samastayo's ca vidhinisedhayoh kalpanava svatkarunkitah saptadha vakyaprayogah saptabhangi/ PNTA, EV 14 in SRK, p. 716. tallaksanam tu prasnikaprasnajnana. prayojvatve sati ekavastuvises yaka-aviruddhavidhipratisedhatmaka-dharmapra karaka-bodhajunaka-saptavakvaparyapta-samudayatvam/SBT. p. 3. 132. See infra, p. 338, f.n. 3. see also Nyayakusumajali by Muni Nyayavijaya, ed. H.R. Kapadia, Bombay, 1922, p. 177. For the other several meanings' of 'syat as an indeclinable, see AJP, Vol. II, Intro. p. CXV, f,n. 2. 133. OIP, p. 163. 134. S.M., p. 151 (text).

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124 Anekantavada and Syadvada "perhaps', 'indefinitely' and so forth are inadequate, if not somewhat misleading. Its main significance lies in its emphasis on the indeterminate or manifold nature of the real which-like all other reals--comes within its purview. Indeterminateness or manifoldness means that the "reals cannot be determined as possessing only such and such attributes and not the rest''. Discussing the spirit of syadvada a modern critic observes : "It signifies that the universe can be looked at from many points of view, and that each viewpoint yields a different conclusion (anekanta). The nature of reality is expressed completely by none of them for in its concrete richness it admits all predicates. Every proposition is therefore in strinctness only conditional. Absolute affirmation and absolute negation are both erroneous" 135 A phrase which will approximately bring out this indeterministic significance of 'syat would be 'from a certain point of view', or 'in a certain sense', or some other equivalent form. Another Sanskrit word which is used to suggest that each of the conclusions signified by the seven modes is exclusive--that is, does not encroach upon the province of the conchusions pointed out by the other modes--is 'eva' which may be translated as 'only' or 'certainly' (or in some equivalent form such as 'there is not doubt', or 'without doubt'). For instance, the first mode, syadastyeva ghatah, means : "In a certain sense the jar exists without doubt." This sense of exclusion 137 (vyavrtyartham) seems to be more prominent than that of (avadharanartham) although the one implies the other and both the functions138_which may also be described as restrictive force and the definitive (or deterministic) force, respectively--are inherent in the word. The svadvadins warn us against allowing 'eva' to proceed beyond its prescribed limits of exercising the restrictive and deterministically 135. OIP, p. 163. 136. Syadityavyayamanekuntadyotakam/SM, p. 151 (text). 137. In the words of Vidyananda 'eva' is 'vyavacchedaprayojanah' TSV, p. 137. Contrast the difference in the emphasis of the two functions of the word in JPN, p. 147, and Nyayakusumanjali, p. 178. 138. Cf. avadharanam ca atra bhangenabhimatarthavyavrtyartham upattam /itaratha anabhihitatulyataivasya vakyasya prasajyeta, pratiniyatasvarthanabhidhanat / taduktam vakye'vadharanum tavad anistarthanivittaye / kartavyo'yam anyathanuktasamatvat tasya kutracit // SRK, p. 717. For further elucidation of the idea contained in this passage as well as for the three distinction or 'evakara' viz., ayogabodhakatva, anyayogabodhakatva, and atyantayogabodhakatva, see SBT. pp. 21-29.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 125 articulating influence on the mode within which it functions. That is, its force (samarthya) is confined to the avoidance of intrusions from the other modes and to the bringing of a definitive articulation into the mode with which it is connected. If, on the contrary, it leads to the extreme position of seiting up the particular mode or aspect, with which it is connected, as the sole manifestation of the tru object concerned, then it gives rise to an absolutism which does not recognise the fact that there are other aspects (apeksah) of truth, in the object, than the one reflected by it. Schools which build up their systems on the foundation of some single concept or the other, which represents only one facet of the many-sided truth in reality, illustrate this narrow and dogmatic approach. 39 They are called nirapeksavadas in contrast to sapeksavada which is another name for syadvada. Thus whatever the aspect represented by a mode, under the conditional method of sevenfold predication the term "syat' is an invariable accompaniment?40 of the mode for the very reason that it suggests that the determinate context of the mode is carved out as it were from the ideterminate richness of reality, and the term 'eva' holds forth the determinate context in its clear outline.14. But it is necessary to note here that the two terms 'syat' and 'eva' need not necessarily be stated explicitly in a modal proposition. They are always logically inherent in the nature of a modal judgment whether or not they are verbally specified. 142 Now the seven modes, or predications, and their characterstics may be treated with reference to the stock example of a jar (ghata) and its negative counterpart (nisedha=pratiyogi) linen (pata). In doing so we may first enumerate the seven modes, then explain the three primary concepts, viz., the being (astitva), non-being (nastitva) and the 139. Cf. kartsnyaikadesena ca fattvarthadhigamanupapatteh/TSV, pp. 142. 140. sarvatra syatkaro' bhyupagantavyah/NKC, Vol. II. p. 692. 141. Cf. syacchabdaprayoge sarvathaikantavyavacchedena anekantapratipat terasambhavar, evakaravacane vivuksiturthapratipattivat/SBT, p. 30. Cf. also the following ka. by Vidyananda : syacchabdadapyanekantasamanyava bodhane/sabdantaraprayogo'tra visesapratipattayell TVS, p. 136, ka 55. 142. samarthyac ca aprayoge'rtho ganyah syadevakarayoh / Quoted from Siddhiviniscaya Tika in NKC, Vol. II, p. 961, f.n. 6. nanvaprayukto'pi syacchabdo vastuno'nekantasvarupatvasamarthyat prati yate, sarvatraivakaravat, iti cet satyam / S31, p. 31. Also : aprayukto'pi sarvatra syatkaro'rthat prati yate / vidhau nisedhe 'pyan yatra kusalas cet prayojakahl/LTB and NKC thereon, in NKC, Vol. II. p. 692. See also SM (text) p. 143 f. and TSV, p. 137, ka 56 and the comm. ihereon.

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126 Anekantavada and Syadvada inexpressible (avaktavyatva), together with the elementary or simple propositions given rise to by them; and, lastly, point out the remaining complex143 propositions which result from combining two or more simple ones. The seven modes are: (1) in a certain sense, the jar is (syadasti 44 ghatah). (2) In a certain sense, the jar is not (syannasti ghatah). (3) In a certain sense, the jar is and is not (syadasti nasti ca ghatah)145 (4) In a certain sense, the jar is inexpressible (syadavaktavyo ghatah). In a certain sense, the jar is and is inexpressible (syadastyavaktavyasca gharah). (6) In a certain sense, the jar is not and is inexpressible (syannastyavaktavyasca ghatah). (7) In a certain sense, the jar is, is not and is inexpressible (syadastinasti cavaktavyasca ghatah). The three fundamental concepts making up the seven predicates, in the seven modes, singly, in twos, or all together, are 'is' (asti), 'is not' (nasti) and 'inexpressible' (avaktavya). A predicate containing any one of them involves a simple judgment, and a predicate ning any two or all the three of them involves a complex judgment. Consequently, the first two modes, and the fourth mode, are assertions of simple judgments and the remaining four of complex judgments. These judgments, whether simple or complex, are always made against the background of the indeterminate reality which is suggested by the qualifying term "syat'. 143. A slight departure from the procedure laid down here will be made in the case of the third mode (syadastinasii) which, complex proposition, will be trajumu with the fourth sinple proposition (vyadavuklavya). This will be done inorder to bring out the important difference between the concepts of 'consective presentation' (kramarpana) and co-presentation (saharpana) involved in the two modes, respectively. 144. For brevity the adverb 'eva' is dropped in all the modal statements here, but the indeclinable 'syat' is retained. 145. Some writers interchange the sequence between the third and the fourth modes, but this does not make any material difference. While dealing with the fourth mode, Vadideva observes, in this connection ayam ca bhangah kaisci trtiyabhangasthane pathyate, trti vascaitasya sthanena caivamapi kasciddosah, arthavisesasyabhavat/SRK, p. 719. As a matter of fact the same ancient author, Kunda kunda, states these two modes in a different order in his two works. Cf. PrSKU, II. 23, and PSKC, ga. 14.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 127 Not being absolute or independent the concepts of the 'being' (astitva) and the 'not-being' (nastitva) cannot be fully explained except in their mutual relation. Mere 'being' is fictitious without the co-ordinate element of 'non-being' and vice versa.146 Each can, however, be described as an isolated aspect of, or abstraction from, a concrete real, The first mode, represented by the proposition, "In a certain sense the jar is", asserts the existent or positive aspect of the jar. By virtue of the fact that the existence of the jar is inseparably bound up with the non-existence of linen (pata) etc. in it, what the proposition signifies is that for some reason at the moment of our making the assertion, our attention is being focussed primarily147 (pradhanataya) on the existent aspect of the jar. As already explained earlier:148 the existent aspect of the jar is to be understood in terms of its self-quaternary, and the non-existent aspect, in terms of the other-quaternary. If, on the contrary, the jar is understood to be capable of being the linen as well (itararupapattyapi), then it will surely lose its very nature (svarupahaniprasangah) as a distinctive existent 49, viz., a jar. This claim for a distinctive existence is guaranteru uy the implicity understood term 'eva' in the proposition. 150 The second fundamental concept is 'non-being' (asat). It is embodied in the second predication, viz., the jar is not'. This concept is easier to understand after recognising the nature and function of its positive counterpart (vidhipratiyogi), viz., 'being' (sat). It is the 146. vastuno'stitvam nastitvenavinabhutam nastivam ca teneti SM, p. 144 (text). This idea that a real is positive-negative complex is expressed by Candraprabhasuri as follows : svaparatmunopadanapohanavyavasthapanadyam hi vastutvam/ Candraprabhasuri's Prameya-Ratna-Kosa, ed. L. Suali, Bhavanagar, 1912. 147. vivaksavasac canayoh pradhanopasarjanabhavah/SM, p. 144 (text). prathame bhange sattvasya pradhanabhavena pratitih, etc. SBT p. 9. This idea is beautifully expressed by Amrtacandra in the fount a nea ukarsanti ...... 148. See supra. 149. syatkathancit svadravyaksetrakalabhavarupena astyeva saivam kumbhadi, na punah paradravyak setrakalabhavarupena/tatha hi kumbho dravyatah parthivattvenasti, na jaladirapatvena, ksetratah pataliputrakatvena, na kanyakubjaditvena, kalatah saisiratvena, na vasantaditvena, bhavatah syamatvena, na raktatvadina anyatha itararupapattya svarupahaniprasanga iti/SRK, p. 717. For a discussion on svadravyadicatustaya and its negative counterpart see supra. 150. iatra svarupadibhih astitvamiva nastitvamapi syadityanistarthasya nivrttaye syadastyevetyevakarah/ tena ca svarupadibhirastivameva na nastitvamityavadharyate/SBT, p. 21.

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128 Anekantavada and Syadvada negative (nisedha) element in the determinate context of the concrete nature of the jar in the example. That is, despite its name 'negative element this concept is a co-ordinate and constituent element in the full make-up of the jar. Negation151 constitutes a necessary element in reality. This important fact warrants the formulation of a distinctive conditional predication which is provided for in the second mode. The main significance of the second mode lies not in the false statement that the jar does not exist as the jar but in the irrefutable statement that the jar does not exist as linen or anything else. When we focus our attention exclusively (pradhanataya) on this negative aspect of the jar, as we do under certain conditions, we are said to be viewing the jar in the perspective of the second mode. Non-existence in the second predication is not, therefore, a vacuous predicate but is the obverse of the existent side of the object. In other words, non-existence or 'non-being' is a determinate fact with a content and not a void. This is so because under the category of the 'non-being' all that should not figure within the 'being' of the jar is sought to be ruled out. An objection of treating the present mode as a logical complement to the previous mode is that the two modes being mutually opposed, are self-contradictory. A refutation of this objection forms the subject of a specific account in an earlier chapter 152 and, indeed, runs as an undercurrent throughout the body of this work. It is. therefore, sufficient to remember here that the two elements, constituting the two modes, are not merely non-contradictorybecause, if they were, the qualification 'without incompatibility'153 (avirodhena) in the definition of syadvada, would be meaninglessbut are mutually necessary complements in the real. Contradiction would arise if the opposition were between the two absolute assertions "the jar exists" and "the jar does not exist". The source of such a fault lies in the objector's mistake in construing the latter assertion, viz., "the jar does not exist"', as being equivalent to "the jar does not exist as a jar". The true interpretation of it should be that "the jar does not exist as linen, or water etc." There is surely no contradiction in the latter interpretation because of the fact that it is based on the assumption that the assertion is a relative (kathancit) and determinate (niyata) abstraction from a 151. For a discussion on negation see supra. 152. See supra. 153. See supra.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 129 complex and concrete real. 154 The third and the fourth modes may be treated jointly in order to bring out their difference more clearly. They are enunciated as : "In a certain sense the jar is and is not", and "In a certain sense, the jar is inexpressible", respectively. These two modes present the being' (astitva) and the 'nonbeing' (nastitva) together. But there is a great difference in the presentation (arpanabheda) they make of the togetherness of the two modes. The third mode offers successive presentation (kramarpana) and the fourth one offers a simultaneous presentation (saharpana) of the two concepts. These two kinds of presentation are also translated as "consecutive presentation or "differenced togetherness", and co-presentation" or "undifferenced togetherness'' 155 Although the third mode appears to be one proposition, it entails, in actual fact, two propositions which are expressed as one owing to a certain verbal facility. But the verbal togetherness does not signify a logical compresence of the propositions, or the concepts they embody. The fouth mode introduces the third primary concept, viz., the inexpressible156 (avaktavya) in its predicate. Before dealing with the Jaina conception of the inexpressible and its difference from the consecutive predicate, in the third mode, it would be of some interest to trace the dialectical stages through which the concept of the inexpressible has evolved in Indian philosophy. An account of the evolution will not merely give us an estimate of the general significance of the concept, but also will indicate the relation in which the concept stands to similar concepts in other Indian schools. A brief account of it may, therefore, be attempted here. We may distinguish four stages through which the concept of the inexpressible has passed in its evolutionary process. These stages, it should be noted, at the outset, do not necessarily represent a chronological order of development but a logical one. 154. For a refutation of a further charge that syadvada brings about a situation of doubt (samsayavisayatvasambhava) owing to the co-existence of the relative concept of the non-existence (kathancidasattvam) with that of the existence (kathancitsattvam), see SBT, pp. 6-7 and TRAG, p. 26. 155. See JTA, pp. 45 and 47. 156. avaktavya is often translated as "the unspeakable'' or undescribable. Commenting on the eminent suitability of this term 'avaktavya', in an attempt to express the two primary aspects of a real (ghata) Akalanka remarks : na canyah sabdah tadubhayatmavasthatattvabhidhayi vidyatelato'sau ghatah vacanagocarati tatvat syadavaktavya ityucyate/TRAG, p. 25. The nature and the importance of this concept, viz., avaktavya, will be hereafter clarified.

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130 Anekantavada and Syadvada In the first place, we meet with a tendency in the Rgveda which is suggestive of a negative attitude to the problem. The seer, confronted with the mystery of the universe which reveals both sat (being) and asat (non-being), tends to feel that the universe is neither being nor-non-being (cf. the primal state of reality, he says. "Then was not non-existent nor existent...." Rgveda, the "Song of Creation", Bk. X, Hymn 129. E.T. by R.T.H. Griffith). This somewhat naive and negative attitude that the real is neither being nor non-being may be described as one of anubhaya. The next tendency is a positive one, and is represented by certain Upanisadic utterances like : "sadasadvarenyam" ("The great Being as being and not being', Mundukopanisad, H. 2. 1; tathaksat dvividhah somya bhavah prajayante... Ibid., II.1. 1) and "samyuktametat ksaramaksaram ca vyaktavyaktam bharate visvamisah" (That which is joined together as perishable and imperishable, as manifest and unmanifest--the Lord...supports it all. Svetasvataropanisad I. 8). It conceives both being and non-being as inherent in reality. Owing to the positive character this tendency may be described as the ubhaya phase (in which both are real) of the concept Before touching upon the third phase in the evolution of the concept it is necessary to note two significant features in the above two tendencies. First, although both attitudes refer to the elements of being and non-being they suggest that two elements as being merely together. As yet there does not seem to be any attempt to weld the elements into a single complex mode. Nor has any definite awareness of the impossibility of expressing the two elements, simultaneously, in a single concept dawned upon these poet-philosophers. Secondly, the two elements are conceived to be mutually opposed rather than complementary. The third phase is met with again, in certain other Upanisadic utterances like "sa esa neti neti" (Brhadaranyakopanisad, IV. 5. 15); "yato vaco nivartante aprapya manasa saha" (Taittiriyopanisad, II. 4); or "naiva vaca na manasa praptum sakyah'' (Kathopanisad, II. 6. 12). In this phase there is a clear awareness of the unutterableness of the ultimate owing to the fact that an attempt at utterance is beset with contradictoriness. Hence, although this phase is also negative157 like 157. Cf. "This world, O Kaccana,...generally proceeds on a duality, on the 'it is' and the it is not'. But Kaccana, whoever perceives in truth and wisdom how things originate in the world, in his eyes there is no 'it is not in this world. Whoever, Kaccana, perceives in truth and wisdom how things pass away in this world, in his eyes there is no 'it is in this world...." Quoted in H. Oldenberg's Buddha, (E.T. by W. Koey, 1882, London), p. 249.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 131 that of the Rgveda it marks an advance upon the naivete of the latter in so far as it is distinctly aware of the inexpressibility of the ultimate. In order to distinguish this logically sophisticated phase from the simple negative tendency of the Rgveda we may call this the stage of avaktavya, or anirvacaniyata, after the Vedantic usage. Not merely the modes (kotis) of sat and asat but also the mode of sadasat are associated with anirvacaniyata. Although anirvacaniyata signifies unutterableness like the Jain notion of avaktavyatva it differs from the latter by insisting upon absolute (sarvatha) unutterableness. The specific term by which the Jaina refers to this absolute type of avaktavyatva is avyapadesya which is in contrast with his own relativistic notion according to which sat and asat are jointly or consecutively (kramarpanaya) expressible (kathancidvyapadesya). Incidentally, one is remineded, here, of the fact that the Buddha's 'avyakrtas' and Nagarjuna's conception of the ultimate as being 'catuskotivinirmukta' 158 are, after making allowance for the respective differences in the metaphysical tenets and, consequently, in the modes of expressing the concept of the inexpressible, cognate with the concept of anirvacaniyata, or avyapadesya, as the Jaina would call them. Another important difference of this anirvacaniya view from that of the relativistic inexpressible of the Jaina, is that the former assumes sat and asat, singly or jointly, to be absolutely independent and contradictory while the latter assumes them to be relative and complementary. On the basis of this difference the former view is designated as nirapeksayada and the latter sapeksavada. The attribution of absolute independence to sat and asat in their combination as sadasat paves the way for the development of the conception of the ultimate absolute (brahman) which utterly transcends words and eventually constitutes itself into the 158. The paradoxical situation involved in the absolute unutterableness (anabhilapyatva) of the position of catuskotvinirmuktatvam comes in for a sharp polemic by Samantabhadra and his two commentators, Vasunandi and Akalanka. Samantabhadra contends that a strict insistence on the principle of 'anabhilapyatvam, should prevent its advocates from indulging in the description of what cannot, ex hypothesi, be described (avaktavyacatu.skotivikalpopi na kathyatam/AMS, ka. 46). Consequently, referring to the distinctions (kotis) like sat, asat, etc. in relation to the indescribable' (or possibly the Void or Sunya) is like introducing an adjective or a qualification where there is no substantive or the qualified (asarvantamavastu syat avisesyavisesanam/Ibid). For the entire argument, see ibid., karikas 45-50 and the comms. VVas and ASA thereon.

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132 Anekantavada and Syadvada transcendental realm of truth (para satya or paramarthasar). In other words, the verbal and logical transcendentalism becomes the metaphysical transcendentalism which relegates the antinomies of sat, asat and sadasat to the intrinsically unreal empirical realm. The last phase in the dialectical evolution of the idea of the inexpressible is represented by the relativistic (sapeksa) view of syadvadin. The distinctive features of relativism and complementariness in the Jaina view of the inexpressible have already been brought out while contrasting them with the absolutistic view of the anirvacaniyavadin. Instead of fighting shy of their supposed contradictoriness and other difficulties the Jaina treats the two elements of sat and asat, in their combination, as a necessary, inevitable and distinctive feature of our objective experience and, consequently, tries to assign them a place in the framework of his dialectical scheme of modal propositions. In the above account of the four stages in the evolution of the notion of the inexpressible, in Indian philosophy, an attempt has been made to show the relation in which the Jaina notion of the inexpressible stands to the views of certain other schools about the same notion. Incidentally, certain general features like the relativism (sapeksatva) and the complementariness of the combining concepts of being and non-being, in the same predication, have also been brought out in the account. Now, the status and the significance of this potion, in the scheme of the conditional dialectic (syadvada), as well as the manner in which this notion is to be differentiated from the consecutive concept involved in the third predication of the dialectic, are yet to be further elucidated. But such an elucidatory attempt presupposes a knowledge of the Jaina view of the relation between a word and its meaning, since the development of the concept of the inexpressible is directly based on that view. Hence a brief reference may be made to show how the Jaina treats language as a medium of the meaning of reality. It is a well-known fact, in Indian philosophy, that Bhartrhari, the author of the great classic on the philosophy of grammar, the Vakyapadiya, puts forth a well-finished, elaborate, and powerful thesis that "the whole order of reality, subjective and objective, is but the manifestation of word" 159 Expression, according to him, is the very 159. JPN, p. 111; also cf. Vakyapadi ya, with Punyaraja's Comm. (Ed. by GangadharaSastri Manavalli, Benares, 1887), 1.119. The relevent ka. in Vakyapadi ya is prefaced by Punyaraja as follows : idanim sabdasyaiva jaganmu latvam prapancayati. Then follows the ku. beginning with: sabdesvevasrita saktirvisvasyasya nibhandhani/ Commenting on this Punyaraja further observes : sarva apyarthajatayah suksmarupena sabdadhisthana)./

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 133 essence of consciousness and , hence, all that exists. Therefore, whatever exists and whatever is thought of, is completely expressible.":160 This thesis represents an extreme viewpoint. An antithesis of Bhartrhari's viewpoint is presented by certain utterances of the Upanisads which, as noticed during the treatment of the third phase in the development of the indefinable,161 were, later on, developed into the well-articulated theories of anirvacaniyata in Advaitism, and similar ideas in certain trends of Buddhism. This antithetical view maintains that the ultimate is absolutely beyond the reach of words, and, when any attempt is made to reach the ultimate through words they are found utterly to conceal, nay, even distort it. Here again the Jaina strikes the balance between the two extremes and maintains that reality is both.162 expressible and inexpressible, and, that there is no contradiction in holding this position since reality is so from different points of view.163 It is in defence of this position that the Jaina view of the relation between a word and its meaning comes into the picture. According to syadvadin one word expresses one meaning only. The relationship between a word and its meaning is designated by the Jaina as vacyavacakaniyama or ekarthatvaniyamal64 and, by some 160. According to Bharthari " There is no cognition which is not interpenetrated with word. Thought is impossible without verbal expression. It is language that makes cognition illuminative of its objects." This item is beautifully expressed by the following celebrated ka. of Bhartphari : na so'sti pratyayo loke yah sabdanugamadrtelanuviddhamiva jnanam sarvam s abdena bhasatel/Vakyapadiya, I. 124, and for its E.T. see JPN, p. 111. For a similar importance attached to Sabda by the author of Kavyadarsa, see The philosophy of Sanskrit Grammar (P.C. Chakravarti, Calcutta University, 1936), p. 39, especially n. 2 thereon. This philosophy of Grammar as well as his "Linguistic Speculations of the Hindus" in the Journal of the Department of Letters, Vol. XII, University of Calcutta, 1925, give an exposition of Bharthari's general position in relation to the Mima msakas, the Naiyayikas and others. 161. See supra, pp. 348-350. 162. Expressibility is a consecutive possibility and inexpressibility is an attempt at a co-presentation and, therefore, is a verbal impossibility. 163. Commenting on his own ka, viz., arpanabhedadavirodhah pityputradisambandhavat, Akalanka writes : tadyatha ekasya devadattasya jatikularupasamjnavyapadesavisistasya pita putro bhrata bhagineya ityevamprakarah sambandha janyajanakatvadisaktyarpanabhedat na virudhyantelna hyekapeksaya piteti se.sapeksayapipita bhavati/ sesapeksaya tu putradivyapadesabhak/na ca p itaputradikrtam sambandhabahutvam devadattaikasya na/virudhyatetadvad astitvadayo na yanti virodham ekatral TRAG, p. 26. 164. See SBT, p. 61.

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134 Anekantavada and Syadvada non-Jaina writers, on the subject, as nanasabdavada. 165 Both these designations affirm their common essential conviction that a word, which appears to convey more meanings than one, is to be treated, not as one word, but as many words as the number of meanings it appears to convey.166 We have already met with an expression of this attitude towards the present question under the etymological standpoint (samabhirudhanaya)167 in the section on Nayavada. For instance, the word 'gauh-we say the 'word' in the singular in conformity to popular usage, we should say, in strictness, a multitude of words-is said to convey a cow (pasu), a vahika, earth (prihivi), heaven (svarga), a point of compass, a word (pada), and "a ray of light' (kirana).168 Similarly the English words like play, pound, file, etc. stand for more than one meaning. But the Jaina does not agree with the popular view that the very same word, among such words, can convey all the meanings associated with it by commonsense and listed against it by lexicographers. He believes, 169 with Bhamaha, 170 that in spite of the 165. Although their actual designation is not used Vidyananda expresses its meaning in the following statement : sabdasya ca prativisayam manatvat sarvagunanam ekasabdavacyatayam sarvarthanam ekasabdavacyatapatteh sabdantaravai phalyat TSV, p. 136. 166. Besides indicating this idea Vimaladasa also points out the consequences of its violation : nanu sarvesam padanam ekarthaniyame nanarthapadocchedapattiriti cenna, gavadipadasyapi svargadyanekarthavisayataya prasiddhasva tattvati'nekatvatsadrsyopacaradeva tasyaikatvena vyavaharanat/anyatha sakalarthasyapi ekasabdavacyatvapatteh a rthabhedena anekasab daprayogavaiphalyat/SBT, p. 61. 167. See supra and SBT, p. 61, where the author writes: yathaiva hi samabhirudhanayapeksaya sabdabhedad dhruvo'rthabhedah tatha arthabhedadapi sabdabhedah siddha eval anyatha vacyavacakaniyamavya vaharavilopat/ 168. Four of these meanings are given in the Hindi Comn. on SBT, p. 61, and five of them (with the addition of the meaning, a 'word') are given in JPN, p. 117. Valika, though not given in either work, is widely referred to in Vakyapadi ya and other works. 169. Prabhacandra puts forth this idea of one word for one meaning in a somewhat different form (substituting that simulteneous inexpressibility of the positive and the negative meaning of a word for a similar inexpressibility of more than one meaning of a so-called synonymous word) in a polemic against a particular theory of the import of words (apohavada). Although the theory controverted is not specifically mentioned by him it is evidently the theory, sponsored by Ratnakarasanti which propounds that a word denotes something positive, and at the same time differentiates it from all others. The two acts, one positive and the other negative, are", according to this theory, "simultaneous. It is not a positive action followed by negation nor is it a negative act followed by assertion.' (SBNT, preface, p.1). To quote the words of Ratnakarasanti himself :

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 135 common structural and phonetic pattern the word 'gauh', when uttered or written against any one of the several meanings, is a specific symbol different from what appears to be and structurally and phonologically is--the same symbol against another meaning connected with it. In other words, the word "gauh as meaning 'a cow' is different from the word 'gauh' as meaning a 'vahika'. The fact that two or more meanings have the same linguistic symbol (samina) is. according to the Jaina, simply a matter of linguistic coincidence just as in the case of two persons, who are entirely different from each other in many respects, having the same name, say Devadatta. The farthest that the Jaina could go concerning the question of the occurrence of the same symbol against several meanings is that he can conceive every instance of its occurrence as being only similar (sadrsyopacaradeva)71, linguistically, to the other instances. In the general position"72 taken up by the Jaina on the problems of tlic philosophy of language our concern here is with the specific problem173 of the relation between word and meaning nasmabhirapohasabdena 'vidhireva kevalo'bhipretah napyanyavyavsttimatram, kintvanyapohavisisto vidhih sabdanamarthal/Ibid., p.3. This view is opposed to the widely accepted view of apoha which consists in 'mutual negation (parasparaparihara or anyavyavrtti, as referred to by Ratna karasanti in the above quotation between point-instants (see Stcherbatsky's The Conception of Buddhist Nirvana, p. 157, f. n. 3). Criticising the above view, of Ratnakarasanti, that one word (dhvani) may generate in us two cognitions (vijnanadvaya), one positive and the other negative, at once, Prabhacandra writes : athaikenaiva gosabdena buddhidvayasya utpadat naparo dhvanir mrgvah; na ekasya vidhikarino nisedhakarino va dhvaner yugapat vijnanadvayalaksanaphalanupalambhat/vidhinisedhajnanayos ca anyonyam virodhat katham ekasmat sambhavah/ PKM, pp.431-2. Bhamaha is at one with Prabhacandra on this question. See the following f.n. 170. Bhamaha, like syadvadin, holds that "no single word can have two fruits" or meanings, as is evidenced by the followed ka. quoted with approval by Prabhacandra : nanu jnanaphalah sabda na caikasya phaladvayam/ apavadaidhijnanam phalamekasya vah kathan/Ibid., p. 432. Commenting on this ka., quoted also by Santaraksita, Kamalasila observes : na hyekasya vidhikarinah nisedhakarino va sabdasya yugapadvijnanadvayalaksanam phalam/ TSS., ka.913, and the P.thereon. 171. See supra. 172. The following works deserve attention for their treatment of the problems concerning the philosophy of language from the Jaina point of view : PKM, ch. III, pp. 391-465;NKC, Vol. II. ch. IV. pp. 530-604, ch. V, pp. 636-54, ch. VI, pp. 690-766. 173. Closely allied to this problem of word-meaning relation is the question whether the meaning of a word resides ir the word as a natural power (svabhava) or is associated with it as a mere convention. In the debate on this question the Mima nisaka takes the former view and the Naiyayika takes the latter view. In conformity with his reconciliatory attitude the Jaina takes the middle position

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136 Anekantavada and Syadvada sambandha). Having noticed that he favours the view that every distinctive meaning needs a distinctive word (pratiniyatavacyavacakabhava) for its medium, we may now resume our treatment of the copresentative predicate of the inexpressible (avaktavya) and of its differentiation from the consecutivepresentative, in their respective modes, under the method of seven-fold predication. If the above principle of one word for one meaning is granted, then the concept of the inexpressible in syadvada lends itself to an easy grasp. The fourth mode, viz., "The jar is inexpressible", is an attempt to present the aspects of being' and 'non-being in the jar, at once (yugapat), and, as primary meanings. Although both these aspects are the inalienable features of the jar, a simultaneous attention to both aspects is a psychological and logical impossibility. Moreover being conveys the meaing of one aspect and non-being of the other. A conveyance of both meanings at once is incompatible with the established rule. viz., vacyavacakaniyama. To say that one word. like avaktavia in the present context, can convey both the meanings at once would not be correct, according to the Jaina, because of two reasons : first that no word can convey more than one meaning at a time, and secondly, even if it can, our mind can attend to them only in a successive order. A further mention of these difficulties incident to the concept will presently be made. No such difficulties arise in the case of the third predication between these two extremes. Accordingly, he believes that although meaning is natural potency of a word it needs the aid of convention for its discovery as well as its expressive use. The power." it is said. "is natural, but is made effective only by convention. We have to learn the relation of words to facts and this shows that knowledge of convention is necessary for understanding the meanings of words. But the knowledge of convention is only a means to the discovery of the power of the word and does not make the postulation of power unnecessary or redundant." (JPN. p. 119). But whatever the relative proportions of the role played by power and convention, the stand taken by the Jaina with regard to the problem of word-meaning relation is consistently maintained (cf. ekapadasva pradhanataya anekadharmavacchinnabodhakatvain nasiiti niyamasyoktatvat/SBT, p. 66. For a further discussion on how collective terms like army (sena), forest (vana) etc., and how terms expressing plural number, like trees (vrksah) etc., can be explained in terms of the Jaina conception of word-meaning relation, see SBT, pp. 63-67. The relavant granimatical points, bearing on the explanation of these terms, especially the terms involving the plural number, are also mentioned by the way, often in opposition to Panini's view on the matter (ibid.).

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 137 which is concerned with presenting, consecutively (kramarpanaya), the two aspects of being' and 'non-being', although it is expressed in the shortened form of a single proposition. It is because of this consecutive element that this mode is aptly called 'differenced togetherness' (or distinguishable togetherness) in contrast to the phrase 'undifferenced togetherness' (or undistinguishable togetherness) which signifies avaktavya. Both aspects are primitive', co-ordinate and mutually irreducible. Our mental (perceptual and other) as well as expressive (bodhanasamarthyam and vacanasamarthyam) faculties being ill-adapted for comprehending and asserting both of them at once in their primary togetherness (ubhaycpradhanvam) we can grasp and assert them either successively or confess to our inability to do if asked to do it at a single stroke.174 This is precisely what is done under the third and the fourth modes, respectively. 175 It is contended that the third mode is redundant, or superfluous, and, therefore, is unjustifiable176 as a distinctive alternative in the dialectical scheme of conditional predications. The reason pleaded for this contention is that it does not exhibit any unique or novel feature of objective reality, being almost a mechanical conjunction of the two simple predicales contained, severally, in the first and second modes. While not denying the fact that it is a conjunctive predication, the Jaina does not agree with the contention that it is redundant. A conjunctive proposition embodies a judgment of consective togetherness which is no less a unique or distinctive moment of factual significance than any other, and, cannot, therefore, be expunged from a methodological scheme which pretends to synthesise, exhaustively, all possible moments, or alternatives, within its fold. A similar consideration applies to the concept of the inexpressible. This concept confronts us with a logical, psychological, and verbal failure to embody, within any one symbol (sanketa), the two fundamental aspects of reality, with equal prominence. This is indeed an inconvenient predicament inevitable in any effort to take in, in one sweep, the whole range of truth. But the inconvenient or the impossible is not necessarily illogical or untrue. Limitations in the range of human powers of thinking and expression entail such a 174. iti sakalavacakarahitatvadavaktavyam vastu yugapatsaltvasattvabhyam prad hanabhavarpitabhyam akrantain vyavatisthate/SM, p. 145. 175. Sea SBT, p. 62. PNTA, IV. 15, and SRK thereon in SRK, pp. 718-719. 176. See SBT, p. 69 EUR.

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138 Anekantavada and Syadvada failure. But even this failure is a necessary step to be reckoned with in the dialectical method of syadvada. Being at once an inescapable and unique fact in our grappling with reality it cannot but be provided for as a dialectically possible or alternative position. K.C. Bhattacharya clearly expresses this position in the following words : "It (the inexpressible) is objective as given : it cannot be said to be not a particular position nor to he non-existent. At the same time it is not the definite distinction of position and existence : it represents a category by itself. The commonsense principles implied in its recognition is that what is given cannot be rejected simply because it is not expressible by a single positive concept. A truth has to be admitted if it cannot be got rid of even if it is not understood."177 The remaining three178 modes are derived from combining the three primary concepts in such a way that these three, combined with the four modes hitherto expounded, exhaust all the possible or alternative aspects of truth concerning the object in question (the jar in the present instance). The fifth mode, viz., "In a certain sense, the jar is, and is inexpressible''. asserts the truth of the 'being' of the jar conjointly with the inexpressible truth of the compresence (or co-presentation of the being and the non-being of the same object.!79 This is a combined mode derived from bringing together the first and the fourth predicates in a complex expressed judgment. The sixth mode, viz., "In a certain sense, the jar is not, and is inexpressible', asserts the truth of non-being of the jar conjointly wi the inexpressible truth of the compresence of the 'being' and t 'non-being of the same object.180 This, again, is a combined mode 177. JTA. p. 48. 178. After mentioning the four 'ways' or 'steps' of the 'formula' (svadvada) Hiriyanna observes : 'It may seem that the formula night stop here. But there are stili other ways in which the alternatives can be combined. To avoid the impression that those predicates are excluded, three more steps are added. The resulting description becomes exhaustive, leaving no room for the charge of dogma in any form.:; OIP, p. 165. 179. Cf. yugapad asanketikenaikenaiva sabdena vaktum vivaksitah kumbhah sans ca vaktavyas ca bhavati, ghato'vakten'yas ca bhavatitvarthah dese tasya ghatatvat, dese cavaktavyatvad iti/SHM in VB), ga. 2232. 180. Cf. tatha, ekadese paruparyavaih asudbhavenarpito visesit n'nyasmins tu dese svaparaparyayaih sadbhavasadbhavabhyamsattvasattvabhyam yugapad asanketikenaikena sabdena vaktum vivaksitah kumbho'sannavaktavyas ca bhavati/ Ibid.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 139 resulting from bringing together the second and the fourth predicates in a complex expressed judgment. The seventh and last mode, viz., "In a certain sense, the jar is, is not, and is inexpressible", combines the consecutive presentation of the being' and the 'non-being', conjointly with the co-presentation or compresence, of the 'being' and the 'non-being of the jar181 This mode is evidently a resultant of bringing together, within its fold, the third and the fourth predicates of the conditional dialectic, Unlike the first two and the fourth predications, each of which contains a simple predicate involving one of the three primary concepts, the fifth, the sixth and the seventh predications are, severally, complex in structure, the last one being the most complex among them. This is so because they are assertions of complex judgments. These are the seven modes each of which contains one alternative truth while all together contain the total truth 82 of a situation in which any feature predicated of a real is investigated. The reason why the number of modes is neither more nor less than seven is because, it is believed, any complex situation is amenable to treatment by this seven-fold technique if one is an adept in using it. It means every conceivable problem183 regarding a factual situation can be reduced to the terms of these seven angles from which it can be viewed. Any attempt to add or subtract a mode will be found to be impossible since addition finds the mode already there, among one of the existing seven modes, and subtraction will mutilate an essential limb from the 181. Ibid. 182. Jinabhadragani sums up the complex position of Syadvada in the following gatha : sabbhavasabbhavobhayappio saparapajjao-bhayao/kumbhakumbhavattavvobhavarivaibheo sol/VBJ., ga. 2232. Explaining this ga. Maladhari observes : tatha hi--svaparyayaih, paraparyayaih, ubhayaparyayais ca sadbhavena, asadbhavena, ubhavena, carpito vise.sitah kumbhah kumbhakumbha-vaktavyobhayarupadibhedo bhavati--saptabhangi pratipadyata ityarthah / SHM in VBJ, p. 910. In a similar manner Vidyananda and Samantabhadra sum up the entire position in two and four karikas, respectively. See AMS, 14 and 16; and TSV, p. 128, 49-52. 183. For instance, applying syadvada to the postulation that reality is one we get the following conclusions: the reality is one (syadekah); the reality is non-one or many (syadanekah): the reality is both one and many (syadekascanekasca); the reality is inexpressible (syadavaktavyah); the reality is many and also inexpressible (syadekascavaktavyah); the reality is many and also inexpressible (syadanekascavaktavyah) and, the reality is one, many and also inexpressible (syadekascanekascavaktavyasca).

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140 Anekantavada and Syadvada scheme.184 In the event of a fresh situation arising with regard to the same problem under a different setting it can again be dealt with by the application of this method. All the conclusions accumulating from the varied application of this method will, eventually, give us a conspectus of the complex truth with regard to a problem. The whole method, therefore, may be said to be one which helps a patient inquiring mind in its adventure of mapping out the winding paths running into the faintly known or unknown regions of reality and bringing them within the bounds of human knowledge. Now we may consider some important criticisms directed against syadvada. A few criticisms, considered by the critics directing them to be fatal to syadvada, come from the vedantic quarters, especially advaitic absolutism. This is inevitable since advaitic absolutism and syadvadic relativism are diametrically opposed to each other in their fundamental presuppositions. Although these criticisms originated with the founders of the vedantic schools it would be better to see them (the criticisms) through the eyes of the modern exponents of vedanta. An elaborate refutation of them lies outside the limits of this work. A few remarks may, however, be made in answer to them inserting, here and there, some observations of the critics themselves who, to some extent, answer, perhaps somewhat unwittingly, their fellow-critics. Hiriyanna, by no means an unsympathetic exponent even of Jainism, observes : "The half hearted character of the Jaina enquiry is reflected in the seven-fold mode of predication (sapta-bhangi), which stops at giving us the several partial views together, without attempting to overcome the opposition in them by a proper synthesis. It is all right so far as it cautions us against one-sided conclusions but it leaves us in the end...with little more than one-sided solutions. The reason for it, it it is not prejudice against absolutism, is the desire to keep close to common beliefs."18. In another work of his also the same criticism is made with some more incisive touches on one or two points. One additional point mentioned there, on the authority of Badarayana, 184. Cf. bhangassattvadayassapta samsavassapta tadgatah/jijnasassapta sapta syuh prasnassaptottarani ca // quoted in SBT, p. 8. This refutes objections such as the one by Kumarila who feels that "When seven principles are adnutted then there may also be a hundred" (saptabhangi prasadena satabhangyapi juyate) PSKC, p. 14 Chakravarti observes in this connection : "The complex nature of a real object or dravya is amenable to description by the above seven and only seven proposition." Ibid., p. 12. 185. OIP, p. 172 f.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 141 Sankara, and other absolutists, is that "If all our knowledge concerning reality is relative, they say (the old Indian critics like Sankara, Ramanuja etc.), the Jaina view must also be relative. To deny this conclusion would be to admit, at least, one absolute truth; and to admit it would leave the doctrine with no settled view of reality, and thus turn it into a variety of scepticism."186 From these observations we may elicit two points of criticism : The first one is that syadvada is a form of "eclecticism" because it is "a mere putting together of the several partial truths"187 without a proper synthesis". This is expressed ever more trenchantly by a follower of Hiriyanna who, after characterising "The Jaina Philosophy of Relativity" as "refreshingly modern'188 and as "a happy blend of naturalistic and spiritualistic, realistic and idealistic tendencies", observes: " 'Just the philosophy' is perhaps what many contemporary philosophers would say. But on close scruitiny, it fails to satisfy some of the deepest metaphysical and religious aspirations of mankind. Its fascination is the fascination of an eclecticism-a philosophy of compromise.''189 This is said to be the central defect" arising from the relativism of syadvada. The second criticism of syadvada, made by Hiriyanna, is that it (syadvada) is "variety of scepticism". "Prejudice against absolutism", the reason imputed by Hiriyanna for such "scepticism", is even more conclusively advanced by Radhakrishnan, who, after mentioning the strong points of the theory of knowledge of the Jainas and defending it against the attacks of the Vedantins" remarks : "Yet in our opinion the Jaina logic leads to a monistic idealism (by which he means 'the hypothesis of the absolute') and so far as the Jainas shrink from it they are untrue to their own logic."190 After casually complementing syadvada as the most searching dialectic":191 Belvalkar gives such a twist to his statement of syodvada that it is made to sound like scepticism or rather, the even more non-committal attitude of "agnosticism". He writes: "As is well-known, this theory denies the possibility of any predication : S 186. EIP, p. 69. 187. Ibid., p. 68 188. "Anekantavada or The Jaina Philosophy of Relativity". G. Hanumantha Rao, The Half-yearly Journal of the Mysore University, March, 1942, p. 79. 189. Ibid., p. 87. f. 190. IP, Vol. I, p. 305. 191. "The Undercurrents of Jainism" (an article in the Indian Philosophical Review, Vol. I, No. 1, 1917, edited by A.C. Widgery and R.D. Ranade, Bombay), p. 33.

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142 Anekantavada and Syadvada may be, or may not be, or may both be and not be, P. With such a purely negative or agnostic attitude one cannot have any dogma; and Sankaracarya lays his finger accurately on the weakest point in the system when he says--'As thus the means of knowledge, the knowing subject, and the act of knowledge, are all alike, indefinite. how can the Tirthankara (Jaina) teach with any claim to authority, and how can his followers act on a doctrine the matter of which is altogether indeterminate ?''192 Besides this charge of agnosticism Belvalkar manages to raise a fresh issue which, however, he links up with agnosticism. He remarks that 'the dialectic (of syadvada) could not have sprung up from the same teacher or one and the same philosophical background".193 This means that, according to him, syodvada is incompatible with, or at any rate, does not naturally emerge from, the Jaina philosophy of identity-in-difference. Connecting this issue with his favourite charge of agnosticism he writes in his notes on Brahmasutra-bhasya, "Sankaracarya, no less than the Sutrakara.....succeeds in proving that, as a mere 'anaikantika' (sic) theory of predication the Syadvada must return upon itself and end in doubting the doubter himself". 194 Rao strengthens him by placing in his hands a further weapon in the form of charging syadvada with "self-contradiction''. To quote Rao's own words: "We see the tendency to please everybody and to compromise and in trying to compromise it involves itself in self-contradiction; the saviour of all systems is committing suicide".19 From this joint attack of Belvalkar and Rao emerges the third charge that syadvada is contradictory to the Jaina philosophical position in general as well as that it is self-contradictory. A systematically eleborate answer to each of these three charges, viz., eclecticism, agnosticism and contradiction including self-contradication, lies, as already mentioned, outside the scope of this work. Moreover, if a glance is cast over the various chapters of this work, especially these last three parts, it will be see that these criticisms have been met in spirit, if not in letter, according to the lights vouchsafed to the Jaina thinkers. We may, therefore, confine ourselves to a few remarks against each charge drawing upon, wherever possible, 192. Ibid., p. 32. 193. Ibid. 194. BBSB, p. 181 (Notes). 195. *The Jaina Instrumental Theory of Knowledge" (Proceedings of the First Indian Philosophical Congress, 1925, Calcutta University, Calcutta, 1927), p. 135.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 143 the remarks by the critics themselves who, on certain points, answer one another. We may begin with the first criticism: Is syadvada an eclecticism ? Eclecticism is a "term applied to a system of philosophy or theology that strives to incorporate the truth of all systems, or the method by which it is made". "Since an eclectic system is a loose piece of mosaic work, rather than an organised body of original thought", it is said, "the term in philosophy has come to be one of reproach". 196 We may examine syadvada in the light of the definition of eclecticism as given here. So far as the first statement in the definition of eclecticism is concerned, there is nothing objectionable to syadvada. For syadvada is a "system of philosophy" which, 'strives to incorporate the truth of all systems":197 as well as "method by which it (that is, 'incorporating the truth of all systems') is made." The critics also do not grudge this claim on the part of Jainism but they are doubtful whether Jainism can provide an adequate answer to the charge that it is a loose piece of mosaic work rather than an organised body of original thought". Further, even as regards this charge they are keen not so much on the point of syadvada being a product of an original thonight'' as on that of its being "a loose piece'' in which the parts do not hang together in an organised or systematic closeness. This emphasis on the question of closeness should be the leading factor in our refutation of the present charge. That the seven modes of syadvada express ''partial truths" which do not firmly hang together, as a logical necessity, is only the prima facie view of syadvada. That their truths are severally partial is true. But from this it does not necessarily follow that they are an odd collection of arbitrary 'half truths' lacking in proper synthesis, or system. The fact that the truths presented by them are alternative truths 196. The New Schaff-Herzog Encyclopaedia of Religious Knowledge, ed. by S.M. Jackson, New York and London, 1909, Vol. IV, p. 71. 197. The types of the absolute (nirapeksa) doctrines repudiated by each of the seven modes may be gathered from the following passage: samkhyena yat sattvaikantyam upagatam tannivittaya adyo bhangah / sunyatvavadyupagata-asattvai. kantyanivitiaye dvitiyo bhangah/ kalabhedena sattvasattve tarkikopagate tadanaikantyaya trtiyo bhangah vedantina anirvacani yatvam upagamyatt tadanaikantyaya caturtho bhangah/ sattvaradinam prati sattvenanivacani. yatvam purvapaksinodbhavitam, asattvavadinam prati asattvenanirvacani yatvam purvapaksinodbhavitam, sadasattvavadinam prati tabhyamanirvacani - yatvam purvapaksavadinodbhavitam, tadanaikantyadyotanaya avasistastrayo bhangah/ Quoted in BBSB (Notes), p. 183.

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144 Anekantavada and Syadvada which individually touch every aspect, and, together, all the aspects, of a situation in a systematic way has been borne in upon us, in some measure, in the course of the present chapter. A certain actuality, like the jar, an example with which the modes have been illustrated, is looked at from the possible seven angles and the deliverance of these modal judgments does represent a synthesis which is neither 'loose' nor unsystematic. Unfortunately no non-absolutistic system can provide the sort of idealistic synthesis' which can satisfy the deepest metaphysical and religious aspirations of mankind''. Under the absolutistic prescription a proper synthesis can proceed from the sole real, viz., the absolute. But one fails to understand where the need for a 'synthesis' arises in the case of a secondless absolute. A synthesis' of any description is possible when there are more alternatives, loose or firm, than one. If it is so, it is impossible to understand the protests of the absolutists against any lack of synthesis when no synthesis at all is possible with a unitary absolute. By 'synthesis', therefore, the absolutist critics mean an obliteration of alternative truths in favour of the one asserted by the fourth mode in syadvada. It is not a mere 'prejudice against absolutism 198 but a deep difference in the approach of philosophical analysis that prevents syadvadin from throwing in his lot with a despotic absolute which brcoks no rivalry from coexistent truths and, therefore, should raise no issue of synthesis. It is the love of a superficial reconciliation that lies at the back of the claim that syadvada is a "halfway house to absolutism". Thus the synthesis achieved by syadvada is one of discriminative unity rather than of a secondless unit which cannot be approached either by synthesis or by analysis. The conception of a unitary absolute has been, no doubt, a constant lure for mysticism and poetry. But the sphere of reality is often less lofty and very much less ethereal. Absolutism escapes from the harrowing problems of existence under the master excuse of the absolute. But it is through a tortuous process of analysis and synthesis that the secrets of elusive 198. Ascribing this 'prejudice to the syadvadin has elicited a counter-charge of a speculative bias' from a critic in rather strong terms: "...And it would be the height of sacrilege to the system of Jaina speculation to attempt an unnecessary twisting of facts, to impose an absolute or monist interpretation on their conception of truth and reality, as has been done in some quarters, on the plea of pseudo-simplicity, or perhaps owing to speculative bias''. Narimohana Bhattacharya's paper on "The Jaina Conception of Truth and Reality" (Proceedings of the First Indian Philosophical Congress, 1925, Calcutta University, Calcutta, 1927), p. 165.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 145 reality grudgingly yield themselves. This is provided for by nayavada and syadvada respectively. If by lack of proper synthesis' syadvadin does not instal an absolute at the centre as well as on the periphery of his philosophy and logic syadvada pleads guilty to the charge and will be satisfied to remain an unrepentent sinner. The threat of its modes not hanging together does not baffle him since he is not unwilling to retain to some extent distinctiveness or even exclusiveness in the modal conclusions. He feels perhaps that the distinctions of the modal truths look to an absolutist eye grossly exaggerated. But they are bound together also by the unity of the dialectical principle under which the aspects of a factual situation are investigated and synthesised. Syudvada may be an eclectic synthesis from the point of view of absolutism which demands a 'block' universe or a 'seamless coat' but is not unfaithful to the genius of its own philosophical position which demands a discriminative synthesis which it undoubtedly is. The next charge against syaavada, viz., that it is a variety of scepticism'' or "agnosticism", may now be examined. A sceptical or agnostic philosophy or method is based on the opinion that real knowledge of any kind is unattainable" 199. More particularly agnosticism is an attitude of knownothingness'. Therefore a sceptic is defined as "One who, like Pyrrho and his followers in Greek antiquity, doubts the possibility of knowledge of any kind, who holds that there are no adequate grounds for certainty as to the truth of any proposition whatever 200 It is not possible to see how syadvada could be called sceptical or stic while it firmly repudiates any such association and has its genesis, at least partially, in an attempt to fight, as will be presently shown, the agnosticism (ajnanavada) of Sanjaya. According to syadvada each modal truth is valid so far as it goes, and, instead of being annulled, it is supplemented and transfigured, by the other six modal truths, all the seven truths together giving us a full range of the complex truth concerning a particular problem of a fact in reality. Each truth is as it were a single note in the full scale of seven notes which are severally distinctive, in respect of place and function, and, in their totality, interdependent and exhaustive. The aim of syadvada being to achieve such a comprehensive synthesis which includes the specific cognitive manifestations it is not correct 199. 0.E.D. under scepticism". 200. Ibid. under ''sceptic".

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146 Anekantavada and Syadvada to describe the doctrine-either as a theory or as a method--as sceptical or agnostic. Often it is true that a doctrine leads to results contrary to those it intends to achieve. But syudvada seems to be such a one to a superficial observer. Speaking of anekantavada in general, a writer makes the following statement which is fully applicable to syadvada which is an essential method of anekantavada. "Unfortunately, he observes, "it has been a neglected branch of study; it is often misunderstood or half-understood; that is why it is often adversely criticised".201 It is of paramount importance that a philosophical theory or method must be first understood in terms of its own canons or motives before it is subjected to any critical examination by alien criteria. From the exposition of syadvada in the present chapter, as well as from the few remarks specifically made here, in answer to the present charge, one will find, at least in some measure, that the charge of scepticism is not well-founded. Because nowhere do we come across, in the accounts of syadvada, the expression of the attitude of "know-nothingness' or of the opinion that real knowledge of any kind is unattainable". In the light of these few observations on the non-sceptical attitude of syadvada we find that Belvalkar gives a rather misleading twist to the nature of the method as a whole by stating the doctrine in such form as he has done.202 As has already been 201. References to syadvada in the Ardhamagadhi canon", Proceedings and Transactions of the Ninth All India Oriental Conference, Trivandrum, Dec. 1937, Trivandrum 1940, p. 668. 202. An attempt to assess the historical claims of the different opinions on the development of syadvada and its modes will take us far afield. However, for some information on these opinions, see SM; Intro. pp. LXXIV-LXXVIII: Svadvadamanjari (by Mallisena, Ed. with Hindi Tr. by Jagadisacandra, Bombay, 1935) 26-29; NVVS, Prastavana, pp. 35-50; AJP, Vol. II, Intro. pp. CX-CXII: PrSKU, PP. LXXXVI-LXXXVIII : A.N. Upadhye's paper on "References to Syadvada in the Ardhamagadhi Canon", Proceedings and Transactions of the Ninth All India Oriental Conference, Trivandrum, Dec. 1937, Trivandrum, 1940 pp. 669-672, and The Canonical Literature of the Jainas (H.R. Kapadia, 1941, Bombay), pp. 218-220. Whatever might be the value of the opinions as to the nature, the extent and the sources of influence on the development of syadvada and its modes, we may safely assert that, philosophically speaking, syadvada was an inherent necessity in the system of anekantavada. This fact of its having been an inherent philosophical necessity need not invalidate the equally important fact that syadvada enlarged its range in answer to a varied external demand. No doctrine or method, particularly the latter, can, after all, arise from an

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 147 remarked, even historically syadvada arose in an appreciable degree, 'as a happy way leading out of the maze of the ajnanavada' (agnosticism). This is expressed by Jacobi in the following passage : "Would any philosopher have enunciated such truisms, unless they served to silence some dangerous opponents ? The subtle discussion of the agnostics had probably bewildered and misled many of their contemporaries. Consequently the syadvada must have appeared to them as a happy way leading out of the maze of the ajnanavada. It was the weapon with which the agnostics assailed the enemy, turned against themselves. Who knows how many of their followers went over to Mahavira's creed convinced by the truth of saptabhanginaya ?!? 203 As regards the third charge, directed by Belvalkar, that syadvada cannot spring from one and the same philosophical background", and the supplemetary charge, directed by Rao, that syadvada itself suffers from "self-contradiction", we may allow the charge to be answered hy three of their fellow critics themselves. Answering Rao and Belvalkar in order, of course unwittingly, Radhakrishnan observes : "Sankara and Ramanuja criticise the Saptabhangi view on the ground of the impossibility of contradictory attributes co-existing in the same thing". After quoting the relevant passage from Ramanuja he proceeds to say: "The Jains admit that a thing cannot have self-contradictory attributes at the same time and in the same sense. All that they say is that everything is of a complex nature, and identity in diffference. The real comprehends and reconciles difference in itself. Attributes which are contradictory in the abstract co-exist in life and experience. The tree is moving in that its branches are moving and it is not moving since it is fixed to its place in the ground"? 204 Then incidentally dismissing another point of criticism that "the Saptabhangi doctrine is of no practical utility" or "an expression of personal opinion over which we need not linger", the same critic proceeds to answer the specific charge by Belvalkar: "Nor can it be contended" atmosphere of a philosophical vacuum. The great critical philosophy and the critical method, of Kant, if it could possibly arise at all, would be little more than an idle speculation were it not for the rationalistic dogmatism of Descartes, Spinoza, and Leibniz as well as for the empiristic scepticism of Locke, Berkeley, and Hume. Any genuine growth in philosophical thinking is thus a story of action and reaction between vital ideas. 203. ISI, Pt. II, Intro. p. XXVIII. 204. IP, Vol. 1, p. 304.

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148 Anekantavada and Syadvada he observes. "that the Saptabhangi doctrine is inconsistent with the other views of the Jaina philosophy. It is a logical corollary of the anekantavada, the doctrine of the manyness of reality. Since reality is multiform' and ever changing, nothing can be considered to be existing everywhere and at all times and in all ways and places, and it is impossible to pledge ourselves to an inflexible creed205 Confirming Radhakrishnan on the second point of criticism, which is the main charge of Belvalkar, Hiriyanna briefly observes: "The thought underlying it (saptabhangi) is inherent in the doctrine, although its clear enunciation seems to belong to the present perioa.' The same opinion is suggestively expressed by R.G. Bhandarkar also. Incidentally Belvalkar's misleading interpretation of 'anekantavada' as an 'indefinite' doctrine--which in turn means a shifting or evasive doctrine--is corrected by Hiriyanna's correct description of it : Interpreting 'anekanta' as meaning 'indeterminate in nature' Hiriyanna remarks: "This does not, however, mean that it is altogether indefinite but only that it cannot be defined absolutely. It is this idea that is conveyed by the sevenfold statement as a whole and it expresses the nature of reality in several steps, because no single mode of doing so is adequate to it." We gather from a consideration of the present charge, as well as of the other two charges, that the critics advance contrary criticisms even on the same point, as well as from the same viewpoint, viz., monistic absolutism. The irony of the situation is particularly evident in the fact that contradictory arguments are presented on the very issue of alleged contradiction and self-contradiction in syadvada. Among others there seem to be two important reasons underlying the misconceived criticisms of the critics on syadvada : The first is that they do not note an explicit reference in the very definition of syadvada to the important condition that the modal judgments should not be 'incompatible' (avirodha) not merely with the other modal judgments within the sphere of syadvada, but also with 'valid knowledge, perceptual, or otherwise', in the entire sphere of experience. Had this been fully recognised Rao's criticism on 'self-contradiction' would perhaps be not as strong as it is now. Then, 'the Saviour of all systems would be found not 'committing suicide' but performing its 205. Ibid., EIP, p. 67.

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Anekantavada, Nayavada and Syadvada 149 benevolent mission of saving the absolutisms from their excessive dogmatism. The second reason is their failure to realise the true significance, place and function of negation in Jaina philosophy, in general, and in syadvada in particular. Since this subject has been dealt with, at several places, it is needless to enlarge upon it any further. In concluding this chapter it would not be out of place to quote a passage by R.B. Perry which bears a striking resemblance to syadvada in suggesting a procedure which, as in syauvada, is at once a critique on 'vicious intellectualism' (which brings in its train errors like 'exclusive particularity') and a positive programme of dealing with reality. Perry observes "... vicious intellectualism 206 proceeds as though a conceptual truth about a thing were the exclusive truth about the thing; whereas it is true only so far as it goes. Thus the world may be truly conceived as permanent and unified, since it is such in a certain respect. But this should not lead us, as it has led certain intellectualists, to suppose that the world is therefore not changing and plural. We must not identify our world with one conception of it. In its concrete richness it lends itself to many conceptions. And the same is true of the least thing in the world. It has many aspects, none of which is exhaustive of it. It may be taken in many relations or orders, and be given different names accordingly. As it is immediately presented it contains all these aspects as potentialities for the discriminating and abstracting operations of thought. "Vicious intellectualism' thus rests on the errors that I have already referred to as "exclusive particularity' and 'definition by initial predication : the false supposition that because a thing has one definable character, it cannot also have others and that because it has been named first for one of its aspects, the others must be reduced to it or deduced from it." Continuing further, he writes : "Now the fault of 'vicious intellectualism' evidently lies in the misuse of concepts, and not in the nature of the concepts themselves. There is nothing to prevent our supposing that the abstractness of single concepts can be compensated for by the addition of further concepts, or by some conceptual system in which the presence and interrelation of many concepts is specially 206. 'Vicious intellectualism' is explained as follows : "To conceive a thing as a, and then assume that it is only a, is to be 'viciously' intellectual." (p. 234).

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150 Anekantavada and Syadvada provided for. In this case the remedy for the shortcomings of concepts would be more concepts...." Syadvada gives, in its own way, such a conceptual system in which the presence and interrelation of many concepts is specially provided for?'. Or rather, the concepts, or to put the matter in terms of syadvada, "the modes of truth" are not merely many truths, but alternative truths'' under the conceptual system'' of syadvada.

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi* NATHMAL TATIA Anekanta (Non-absolutism) The real, according to the Jaina philosopher, is a variable constant. It is being and non-being (becoming included), unity and plurality (one and many), the universal and the particular rolled into one. If causal efficiency is the test of reality, the real cannot be an absolute constant, nor can it be an absolute variable. It must be a variable constant. Similarly, absolute being and non-being, incompatible as they are with causal efficiency, cannot characterize reality. If being is the eternal causeaspect of the real, non-being is its evanescent effect-aspect. The real is a synthesis of infinite potencies (aneka-Sakti-pracita) and also continues through change. It is thus unity and plurality or one and many rolled into one. The persisting and pervading nature of an entity is the universal and the ever changing mode the particular. The postulation of such pairs of characteristics by the Jaina philosopher has been responsible for the designation of his philosophy as anekantavada (theory of manifoldness of truth or non-absolutism). Let us study these pairs in some detail. Being and Non-being Being, in its universal aspect, pervades all reals, while in its personal character, it is the negation of that pervasion, that is, non-being.? * Acharya Bhikshu Commemoration Volume. 1. For a detailed study of the problem of causation in absolutist philosophies, see JPN, pp. 25 seq. Cf. TV, iv. 42 (15), p. 258 (lines 26ff.), where the conditions of position and *negation' are laid down.

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152 Anekantavada and Syadvada Being, as personal, is the self-existence (that is, existence in respect of its own substance, space, time and mode) of a real and nonbeing is its non-existence in respect of an alien substance, space, time and mode) which includes the negation of the modes of infinite past (pradhvamsabhava i.e., non-existence after destruction) and of infinite future (pragabhava i.e., pre-non-existence) as well as absolute negation (atyantabhava e.g., non-existence of colour in air) and infinite numerical differences (anyonyabhava i.e., mutual non-existence or non-existence of identity of things). The denial of this non-existence wculd make the distinction of one thing from another impossible, and thus robit of its individuality and determinate character. Non-being, therefore, is as much an element in the constitution of a real as being is. Universal being is uncharacterized indeterminate existence or pure affirmation which is the uniting bond of all determinate reals. Personal being is characterized and determinate existence, and is non-being in the sense of other than or distinct from universal being. This personal being is determinate self-existence of self-affirmation as distinct from, that is, as non-existence or negation of other determinates coordinate with it. Being and non-being, existence and non-existence, affirmation and negation, thus are the constituents of a real at every stage. This analysis of a real is necessitated by an analysis of the nature of any ordinary experience. Our experience is at once positive and negative. A purely positive experience, being altogether incapable of defining its object, is either a case of confusion or an experience tantamount to 'no experience'. The postulation of a purely negative experience also leads to a similar contradiction. Negation means exclusion of a determinate fact from other such facts. But no such 3. For details see JPN, pp. 31 seq. 4. Cf. "there is more, and not less, in the idea of an object conceived as 'not existing than in the idea of this same object conceived as existing'; for the idea of the obejct *not existing' is necessarily the idea of the object 'existing' with, in addition, the representation of an exclusion of this object by the actual reality taken in block." Bergson: Creative Evolution (London, 1954), p. 302. Although the Jaina philosopher does not agree with Bergson in regarding negation as a pseudo-idea and a mere species of affirmation, he is in perfect agree: vent with him in regarding negation as an exclusion of the negatum by positive facts other than it (viz. negatum) and to that extent as sharing the nature of an affirmation. He also does not agree with Bergson in admitting affirmation as 'a complete act of the mind' and negation but the half of an intellectual act, or which the other half is understood, or rather put off to an indefinite future? (Ibid., p. 303). For him each is equally incomplete without the other

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 153 function can be fulfilled by a purely negative experience, as it does not claim any determinate fact as its object. This is obviously a contradiction. This positive-cum-negative character of experience is a proof direct of its object as a synthesis of being and non-being, existence and non-existence, as explained above. This is also corroborated by the fact that the affirmative propositions become fully significant only when supplemented by the correlative negative propositions and vice versa. Neither the affirmative nor the negative proposition, taken by itself, is capable of giving the intended sense in its fulness. Here the problem of the relation between the real and its characteristics and between the characteristics themselves crops up. For the sake of convenience, the real may be called a 'substantive' and its characteristic an 'adjective. What then is the selation between a substantive and its adjective, and also between one adjective and another belonging to the same substantive ? The relation cannot be absolute identity, for then the two terms would merge into absolute unity, that is, the relation would annihilate itself. Nor can it be absolute difference, for this would leave the terms unrelated and the relation would be equivalent to 'no relation'. The Jaina philosopher seeks to solve the difficulty by postulating a peculiar kind of relation called 'indentity-cum-difference which is neither absolute identity, nor absolute difference, nor an artificial conjunction of the two, but a new type which is sui-generis (jatyantaratmaka). Accordingly, the real also as conceived by him, is neither absolute being, nor absolute non-being, nor an artificial synthesis of the two, but 'a focal unity of being and non-being, which cannot be reached by logical thought'-a unity which is 'immanent in the elements, but at the same time transcends them in that it is not analysable into elements'.' This estimate of relation does not allow the terms to merge, nor to fall apart. The substantive owns its adjectives on account of its identity with them, and the adjectives preserve their individuality on account of their difference from the substantive. The adjectives do not fall apart on account of their identity with the substantive, and the substantive does not lose itself in its adjective on account of its difference from them. The Vaisesika philosopher has levelled the charge of truism 5. na pramANenavidhimAtrameva paricchidyate paravyAvRttimanAdadhAnasya tasya pravRtteH sAMkaryaprasaMgAd apratipatti-samAnatAprasaMgo vaa| na pratiSedhamAtra, vidhimaparicchindAnasya idam asmAd vyAvRttaM iti HECH - 37TAT: SKh, IX, pp. 163-4. 6. Sce AJP, p. 65. 7. See JPN, pp. 114 and 115.

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154 Anekantavada and Syadvada (siddhasadhyata) against the doctrine of existence in respect of one's own nature and non-existence in respect of an alien nature and the charges of triviality and insignificance also follow from it. But the above evaluation of the nature of relation, implicd by the doctrine, should be considered sufficient for the refutation of these charges. For the Vaisesika philosopher, the relation of identity-cum-difference is quite novel, and the light that it throws on the nature of the real is quite momentous and significant. The real cannot be, as already shown, either absolute being-or absolute non-being. Here by 'absolute being we understand what is eternal, positive and absolutely unamenable to change, and by "absolute non-being' what is absolutely negative and devoid of all characterization. These are respectively the postulates of the Vedantic monist and he Buddhist nihillist. Similarly, the real cannot be either pure being' or 'pure non-being'--the expression "pure being standing for being without becoming' or 'continuant without change' (change in the sense of real creative change and not mere actualization of the potential), and 'pure non-being' standing for 'becoming without being' or 'change without continuant'. These may respectively by regarded as the postulates of the saikhya evolutionist and the Buddhist fluxist. The Jaina philosopher believes in being tolerant of non-being, and non-being tolerant of being. For him, in other words, being and becoming are informed with each other and go pari passu, one without the other is impossible. Unity and Plurality or One and Many From the above analysis of the real into being and becoming, it follows that it is also unity and plurality, or one and many. If the real as being is self-identical unity, i.e., one, the real as becoming is plurality, i.e., many. A positive entity (bhava) eg., the self-is ipso facto plural, unlike negation (THT) which, being homogeneous, does not brook distinction or plurality within itself, and at least six distinct stages-viz. origination, continuity, transformation, growth, decay and lapse-can be distinguished in its process. Plurality, in fact, is plurality of aspects, and the multitude of concepts and the corresponding linguistic expressions, related to a single fact, is a proof 8. See AJP, pp. 90 Seq. 9. For the Jaina philosopher's arguments proving the absence of contradiction between being and non-being, vide infra. 10. TV, iv. 42 (4) 11. TV. iv. 42 (5)

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 155 of the reality of these aspects. The unitary real ought to be regarded as plural also on account of its being an integration of numerous energies?2. Its temporal continuity and ever emergirg novelty also argue its manifold character. "Strictly speaking." as has been observed by Professor Mookerjee, "a thing is neither an absolute unity nor split up into an irreconcilable plurality. It is both unity and plurality all the time. There is no opposition between unity of being and plurality of aspects. The opposition would have been inevitable if the unity of a real varied with each aspect. But the varying aspects are affirmed of the self-identical subject and this proves that the unity is not affected by such predication. A thing is one and many at the same time--a unity and a plurality rolled into one.'13 The Universal and the Particular Reals are universals and particulars synthesized into one. The universal is the unitive bond running through the particulars and the Jaina philosopher has recognized two kinds of it, viz. the vertical universal and the horizontal universal. The self-identity of the real, running through its temporal process, is the vertical, and the bond that unites one real with others in space is the horizontal universal. Almost all later Jaina logicians however, under the influence of the Buddhist philosophers like Dharmakirti and others, have identified the horizontal universal with similarity which they regard as a quality different in different individuals. The disastrous consequences of this reassess- ment of the nature of a universal have been throughly examined by Professor Mookerjee in his celebrated work, 'The Jaina -Philosophy of Non-absolutism' and an impartial student of philosophy cannot but agree with his findings. We should stick to the original (earlier) Jaina position and should not accept an interpretation as faithful if it goes against the fundamental postulates of non-absolutism. Let us now study in brief the grounds for the admission of real as a unity of the universal and the particular. A 'jar as jar' cannot be distinguished from another 'jar as jar' and this incapacity of thought to distinguish the two argues their indentity in respect of the characterstic of jarhood. Although the two jars are separate in respect of their separate substantial, spatial, temporal and modal determinations, their identity qua jar cannot be got rid of. Identity, in the ultimate analysis, is an identity of characteristics 12. TV, iv. 42 (6) 13. JPN. pp. 29-30.

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156 Anekantavada and Syadvada belonging to different entities. What cannot be distinguished in any particular respect must be accepted as identical in that respect. The 'colour as colour' of a coloured thing cannot be distinguished from 'colour as colour' of another coloured thing, and therefore the two colours must be regarded as identical, though they belong to two separate things and may also be two different colours, say red and green. Thus 'red' and 'green' are identical as colour and different as specific determinations of it.14 Mere spatial separateness of two entities does not prove numerical difference of their characteristics. There can be spatial separateness without numerical difference, e.g., between two distant parts of a patch of colour, and similarly there can be numerical difference without spatial separateness, e.g., between the colour and shape of the selfsame object. Thus there is nothing repugnant in admitting the relation of identity-cum-difference in respect of characteristics between any one entity and another. Neither identity without difference, nor difference without identity is possible. Now as the identity presupposes the universal and the difference the particular, the real is a synthesis of the two. In other words, the real is a 'concrete universal.' "Things are," observes Professor Mookerjee, "neither exclusively particulars, nor are they exclusively universals, but they are a concrete realization of both. The two elements can be distinguished by reflective thought, but cannot be rent asunder."'15 This analysis of a real into universal and particular is significant in that it gives a penetrating vision of the interrelatedness of reals and their uniting bond. It should be understood that the two elements do not exhaust the real, but are mere indicators of the comprehensive and transcendent nature of it. "A real", again to quote Professor Mookerjee,"is neither a particular nor a universal in an exclusive manner but a synthesis which is different from both severally and jontly though embracing them in its fold. A real is sui generis,':16 We have now seen how the pairs of characteristics--viz. being and non-being, unity and plurality or one and many, the universal and the particular-unfold the nature of a real as a microcosm and 14. W. E. Johnson has proposed to call such comparatively indeterminate characteristics as colour and shape determinables in relation to such specific characteristics as red and circular which he calls determinates.--See his Logic, Part. I (Cambridge, 1921), p. 174. 15. JPN, p. 6. 16. JPN, p. 13

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 157 macrocosm in one. The Jaina philosopher's dual points of view (nayas)viz. synthetic and analytic-also point to the same truth.17 The entire corpus of Jaina metaphysical literature is inspired by this dual approach, though the far-reaching implications of it are not always visualized, not unfolded in the light of the needs of ever progressing thought. The characteristics of being-cum-non-being, unitycum-plurality, universal-cum-particular are certainly repugnant to the abstract ways of our logical thought and understanding, but none the less they are verdicts of plain experience and as such true measures of reality. The whole truth may not be understood, but there is no reason why we should be dissuaded from pursuing the way shown by our plain experience and capturing whatever vision the pursuit may provide. In this connection, the following remarks of Bradley regarding the knowledge of unity which transcends and yet contains every manifold appearance are worth remembering. "Our complete inability to understand this concrete unity in detail is no good ground for our declining to entertain it. Such a ground would be irrational, and its principle could hardly everywhere be adhered to. But if we can realize at all the general features of the Absolute, if we can see that somehow they come together in a way known vaguely and in the abstract, our result is certain.") Syadvada (Relativism) A real, as shown, has pairs of characteristics which oppose (negate) each other, and we have also seen how this opposition is resolved in the uniqueness of the real. In order to exhibit the internal harmony of these apparently opposed characteristics and also to attain logical and linguistic precision, the Jaina philosopher has proposed to prefix the restrictive expression syat (which means 'in some respect' or 'with reference to a particular aspect or context') to those propositions which have such conflicting characteristics as predicates. The expression syat moreover brings out the relative validity of the predication and is thus a corrective against the absolutist ways of thought and evaluation of reality.!' And the practical application of non-absolutism which necessitates the invention of this linguistic tool for logical precision is known as syadvada (relativism). To illustrate this application by a concrete example, let us take the eternal-cum-evanescent nature of the real. A real is eternal in respect of its substance (dravya) and evanescent 17. JPN, pp. 301 and 309. 18. Appearance and Reality (Oxford, 1955), pp. 141-2. 19. Vide JPN, p. 132.

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158 Anekantavada and Syaavada in respect of its modes (paryaya). In other words, the characteristics of eternality and evanescence are to be predicated of the selfsame real with reference to its two different aspects, viz. the substantial and the modal. The real qua subject of a proposition, at every stage of its analysis, is found to be a unity of two 'opposite' elements and as the predicated characteristic can refer to only one of those two elements, it must be held to be true of only that element and by this very fact untrue of the other.20 The predication is thus found to be only relatively true.21 20. Cf. "There is only one way to get rid of contradiction, and that way is by dissolution. Instead of one subject distracted, we get a larger subject with distinctions, and so the tension is removed. We have at first A, which possesses the qualities c, and b, inconsistent adjectives which collide; and we go on to produce harmony by making a distinction within this subject. That was really not mere A, but either a complex within A, or (rather here) a wider whole in which A is included. The real subject is A+D; and this subject contains the contradiction made harmless by division, since A is c and D is b. This is the general principle, and I will attempt here to apply it in particular. Let us suppose the reality to be X (a bcdefg.......), and that we are able only to get partial views of this reality. Let us first take such a view of 'X (a b) is b'. This (rightly or wrongly) we should probably call a true view. For the content b does plainly belong to the subject; and, further, the appearance also--in other words, the separation of b in the predicate-can partly be explained. For, answering to this separation, we postulate now another adjective in the subject; let us call it B. The 'thatness', the psychical existence of the predicate, which at first was neglected, has now also itself been in- cluded in the subject. We may hence write the subject as X (a b B); and in this way we seem to avoid contradiction. Let us go further on the same line, and, having dealt with a truth, pass next to an error. Take the subject once more an X (a b c d e.....), and let us now say 'X (a b) is d'. This is false, because d is not present in the subject, and so we have a collision. But the collision is resolved if we take the subject, not as mere X (a b), but more widely as X (a b c d). In this case the predicate d becomes applicable. Thus the error consisted in the reference of d to a b; as it might have consisted in like manner in the reference of a b to c, or again of c to d. All of these exist in the subject, and the reality possesses with each both its 'what' and its 'that'. But not content with a provisional separation of these indissoluble aspects, not satisfied (as in true appearance) to have a a, b B, and d & forms which may typify distinctions that bring no discord into the qualities we have gone on further into error. We have not only loosened 'what' from that', and so have made appearence; but we in each case then bestowed the 'what' on a wrong quality within the real subject. We have crossed the threads of the connexion between our 'whats' and our 'thats'; and have thus caused collision, a collision which disappears when things are taken as whole." --Appearence and Reality (Oxford, 1955), pp. 170-1. 21. Cf. "We found that some knowledge was absolute, and that, in contrast with this, all finite truth was but conditional. But when we examine it more closely, this difference seems hard to maintain. For how can truth be true absolutely, if there remains a gulf between itself and reality ? Now in any truth about Reality the word 'about' is too significant. There remains always something outside, and other than,

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 159 Relativism and Laws of Thought Let us now see if this relativism of predication has any bearing on the traditional Laws of Thought, which, to be significant, must, besides being true measures of reality, formulate principles of valid predication. The Law of Identity is the simplest of all possible laws of judgments and must. to be significant, set forth their minimum conditions, viz. meaning and truth. A judgment which has no meaning is no judgment, and a judgment whose truth cannot be ascertained is an idle gibberish. in its bare form 'Ais A', the law does not possess any significance and is apparntly nothing more than tautology. If, however, it is taken to express the inere identity of the subject and the predicate, it only half way towards the acquisition of meaning, because it leaves out the difference without which the identity is unmeaning. In order, therefore, to invest the form 'A is A' with full meaning and truth, we should interpret the predicate A as a characteristic 'a' which is true of a part of the subject A. We now have the form 'A (a b...) is a' which is meaningful, because it exhibits in full the identity-cumdifference between the subject and the predicate, and also true, because the predicate belongs to the subject. In the language of the Jaina philosopher, the above form can be expressed as 'In one particular aspect, A is a'. The Law of Identity thus becomes significant if interpreted in the light of Syadvada. Here one important fact about judgment or proposition22 should be clearly understood. A proposition which is once true is always true. Certain logicians have denied this dictum, and ti denial appears to be due to, in the words of Mr Johnson, "a confusion between the time of which an assertion is made, and the time to the predicate. And, because of this which is outside, the predicate, in the end, may be called conditional. In brief, the difference between subject and predicate, a difference essential to truth, is not accounted for. It depends on something not included within the judgment itself, an element outlying and, therefore, in a sense unknown. The type and the essence, in other words, can never reach the reality. The essence realized, we may say, is too much to be truth, and unrealized and abstract, it is assuredly too little to be real. Even absolute truth in the end seems thus to turn out erroneous."'-Ibid., p. 482. 22. We agree with W. E. Johnson (Logic, Part I, p.1) in regarding a proposition as 'that of which truth and falsity can be significantly predicated' and also in refuting the view that the proposition is the verbal expression of the judgment as an error

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160 Anekantavada and Syadvada : which an assertion refers; or as Mr Bosanquet has neatly put it-betweent the time of predication and the time in predication" 23 Thus taking as example the proposition 'The mango is green,' we must say on the one hand that if the proposition is true at any time, it is true at all times; but on the other we must not say that if the predicate 'being green' is true of a given subject at one time, it will be true at all times. The time of predication, i.e., the time at which the judgment is made, is, relatively to the content of the judgment, a mere accident. The time in predication is the relation of the predicated characteristic to the subject. 'Green, in the above example, is true of 'mango' at only a particular moment or duration of time of the latter's existence, and thus the time here is an essential constituent of the subject of the judgment. With the change of this temporal context of the subject, the truth of the predicate may change. But this change has no effect on the time of judgment and hence also on its truth. The problem however concerns the nature of propositions in general and not the Laws of Thought in particular. We understand the laws as laws of truth or falsity of predicates only, and not, as some modern logicians have done in order to avoid the difficulties, as laws of the truth or falsity of propositions. The Law of Identity is also formulated as 'whatever is, is', which may ontologically be interpreted to lay stress on the static character of things. But nothing. as shown. is static according to the Jaina philosopher, and so the formula is not acceptable to him.24 The Vedantist would have no objection against this interpretation of the law, because he believes in reality as static. The Law of Contradiction is symbolically expressed as 'A is not both A and not-A', and may be ragarded as only the complement of the Law of Identity. It supplies something without which the Law of Identity is not logically complete or distinctly intelligible. If A is A, A cannot be not-A. In other words, 'nothing can both be and not be. The Jaina philosopher has shown being and non-being as simultaneously true of a real and hence we cannot agree to the above interpretation of the law. Absolute being and absolute non-being are certainly exclusive of each other. But this is not the case with concrete being which alone is real according to the Jaina philosopher. Concrete 23. Johnson : Logic, Part I, p. 235. Also Bosanquet : Logic (2nd Edition), Vol. I, p. 203. 24. See JPN, pp. 8 Seq.

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 161 being is being tolerant of non-being. Absolute being and absolute non-being are only figments of abstract logic. The field of application of the Law of Contradiction, therefore, should be ascertained by the observation of concrete cases in the real world. Characteristics which cannot exist together simultaneously are contradictorily opposed, and the law can be usefully applied to the cases of such characteristics. Thus a patch of colour cannot be red and green at the same time and hence red and green can be accepted as contradictorily opposed. But a variegated linen showing patches of different colours can be red and green at the same time (though of course in different parts), and the Jaina philosopher, unlike the Vedantist and the Buddhist absolutists, does not find any contradiction in this. Our experience is thus the sole determinant of contradiction and no abstract logical formulas can give an insight into the nature of the concrete things of the word. The Law of Excluded Middle is symbolically respresented as 'A is either B or not-B'. Interpreted in the plain sense, this law means that the negation of any predicate is an absolute alternative to it, that is, it one is false the other must be true. This means that falsehood can establish truth. But this discovery of truth is vague and practically useless, because one of the terms, viz. not-B, is indeterminate and absolutely incapable of giving a determinate fact which alone makes the predicate significant. This is a defect which makes the law trivial and insignificant. The Laws of Thought are thus found to be vitiated by serious defects--all of which are primarily due to their a prioristic foundations. By the idealist philosophers the laws were used for the refutation of the positions of the realists who could never be convinced of the validity of these laws as instruments of the discovery of truth. "The difference between the realist and the idealist,'' in the words of Professor Mookerjee, "hinges upon this fundamental difference of view of the validity of the Laws of Thought--whether they are known empirically or a priori. It seems that the difference between them is irreconcilable, being more or less bound up with the innate difference of our predispositions and tendencies from self to self. The result is an uncompromising antagonism between our respective outlook and attitude.''25 25. JPN. pp. 15-6.

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162 Anekantavada and Syadvada Opposition The fountain-head of all this logical controversy is the estimation of the relation between being and non-being. The formulations of the Laws of Thought are inspired by the belief that there is innate opposition between being and non-being-an opposition which is absolutely incapable of dissolution. But the Jaina philosopher is unable to appreciate the raison d'etre of this belief. Opposition (virodha), according to him, is exhausted by the following three types of relation, none of which can be shown to obtain betwen being and non-being.26 The first type of oppositional relation is represented by the relation of destruction, which obtains between the destroyable and the destroyer, e.g., between snake and mongoose, or fire and water. The destruction in such cases is possible only when two coexistent positive facts come together into collision and the one overpowers the other. There is not such relation of destruction between being and non-being, as the two, according to the opponent himself, do not coexist in a common substratum even for a moment. If, however, the two are admitted to coexist in a common substratum, none would destroy the other, because both are equally powerful on account of their independent and equally powerful origin. The second type is represented by the relation of non-coexistence, which obtains between characteristics originating at different moments of time; e.g., between greenness and yellowness of the selfsame mango at different moments of its existence. Yellowness in this context can only succeed greenness and can never coexist with it. This type of opposition also does not hold good between being and non-being. The characteristic of non-beign cannot succeed the characteristic of being in the same sense as yellowness succeeds greenness. Non-being cannot inherit the locus of being, because the locus of being has ceased to exist along with the cessation of being. And non-being without a locus is as ununderstandable as square-circle. The logical difficulties of pure being and pure non-being have already been discussed.27 The third type of oppositional relation is represented by the relation of obstruction, which obtains between the obstructed and the obstructor (pratibandhya-pratibandhaka); e.g., the conjunction of a fruit with its stalk obstructs the gravitation of the fruit towards 26. TV, iv. 42 (18). 27. Vide supra.

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 163 the earth. This type of opposition also is not possible between being and non-heing. Being is not an obstructor of non-being, because the existence of being does not obstruct the existence of non-being. We have already seen how the object of our experience is a synthesis of being and non-being.28 None of these three types of opposition can be discovered by pure thought unaided by empirical knowledge. The destructive opposition is observed when two positive facts actually collide, the opposition of non-coexistence is witnessed when one fact vanishes in advance in order to give place to another fact, and the obstructive opposition is admitted when one fact is found to resist the occurrence of another. We cannot admit any collision between being and non-being, as one of the terms, viz. non-being, is not a positive fact. Nor do they exhibit the opposition of non-existence, because neither being nor non-being can be conceived as vanishing in order respectively to give place to non-being and being. The obstructive opposition also does not obtain between being and non-being, because none of the two can obstruct the occurrence of the other. The opposition between being and non-being thus cannot be illustrated by any empirical example. In fact, pure being and pure non-being are themselves only imaginary creatures and consequently the question of their mutual opposition should not arise at all. Determinate being and determinate non-being alone are true. Such being and non-being are only two diverse characteristics synthesized into the unity of the real. There is not any kind of opposition between them, as there is none between the colour and the shape of the same thing. Opposition or contradiction, in fact, arises when there is mere conjuction and no real synthesis. Characteristics are not contradictory because they are diverse, for the real holds diversity in unity. "Contradictions exist", says Bradley, so far only as internal distinction seems impossible, only so far as diversities are attached to one unyielding point assumed, tacitly or expressly, to be incapable of internal diversity or external complement. But any such fixture is abstraction, useful perhaps, but in the end appearance. And thus, where we find contradiction. there is something limited and untrue which invites us to transcend it.'29 28. Vide supra. 29. Appearance and Reality, p. 505.

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164 Anekantavada and Syadvada Saptabhangi (The Doctrine of Seven Ways of Predication or Seven Modes of Truth) The Saptabhangi (the documlile 0 (the doctrine of seven ways of predication or the seven modes of truth) is the logical consummation of the doctrines of non-absolutism and relativism described above. We have seen how a real is characterized by pairs of characteristics which are 'opposed to each other. Now if we take any one of these pairs-say the pair of the characteristics, viz., existence and non-existence (being and non-being)30-and examine the nature of the real, revealed by these characteristics as predicates, we find that there are just seven, neither more nor less, ways in which the characteristics can be predicated of the real, each way of predication revealing a new mode of truth. We have seen 31 how a real is 'a focal unity of being and non-being (or existence and non-existence) which cannot be reached by logical thought'. Now as this unity transcends the reach of logical thought, it is also, for the purpose of predication, beyond the range of speech. In other words, a real is inexpressible or unspeakable (or indefinite from the standpoint of formal logic).32 We thus get a third cahracteristic, viz., inexpressibility (which, as shown, stands for the unique synthesis of existence and non-existence), besides the two, viz., existence and non-existence. These are three quite independent characteristics. Now as the total number of combinations of three things taken one, two or three at a time is seven, the total number of predicates that can be constituted by various combinations of the three characteristics is also seven. These seven predicates are-(1) existence (2) non-existence, (3) existence and non-existence, (4) inexpressibility, 33 (5) existence and inexpressibility. (6) non-existence and inexpressibility and (7) existence, non-existence and inexpressibility. There cannot be any eighth combination without repeating the same characteristic twice. 30. The Jaina philosopher does not distinguish between being and existence, which are always concrete. 31. Vide supra. 32. Vide JPN, p. 115. 33. This fourth predicate is sometimes given as the third, and in that case the third is given as the fourth. See TV, IV. 42(15). In fact, the oldest source of these predicates, viz., the Bhagawatisutra (X 11.10.469) assigns to it the third place and this is also the demand of the logic behind the dialectic of sevenfold predication. For the order followed by us, see TV, I 6(5). Both these orders of enumeration are followed by the Jaina logicians without discrimination. See also the note on this point by Professor Dalsukh Malvaniya in his Introduction (pp. 40 ff.) to his edition of the Nyayavataravartika Vrtti of Santisuri (Singhi Jain Series, XX).

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 165 What is now to be examined is whether each of these seven predicates reveals a new mode of truth. This can be best done by examining the import of the seven predicates together with the significance of the propositions embodying them. Import of the Seven Predicates The first predicate is 'existence' which means 'existence in a specific that is, determinate existence. A jar certainly exists in its own context. (Syudastigharah). It has its own substance, space, time, and mode. In one word, it has a determinate (personal) being. The determinate existence rebutes the possibility of absolute being and absolute non-being. This point has already been elaborated34 and needs rio repetition. The significance of the proposition follows from the unique import of the predicate. It is however to be understood that none of the seven predicates denies the other predicates. Each predicate on the other hand implies the other six as equally important and true characteristics of the real. This implication is expressed by the word syatos prefixed to every proposition, e.g., in Syadastyevaghatah which means "The jar certainly exists in its own context.' This should be carefully noticed in our exposition of the import of the predicates. The implication of eva (certainly) in the above proposition is the exclusion of the negation of 'existence." The second predicate is 'non-existence' which means *non-existence in a specific context, that is, determinate non-existence. The jar certainly does not exist in another context (syannastyevaghatah). This determinate non-existence rebutes the possibility of absolute non-being and absolute being. The first predicate is concomitant with the second and the second is concomitant with the first. And this is the reason why both can belong to the same subject without conflict and opposition. The third predicate is 'existence and non-existence' which means consecutive togetherness of existence and non-existene, that is, distinguishable compresence of the two. The jar exists and does not exist respectively in its own context and in a different context (syadasti ca nasiicaghatah). This predicate gives a richer glimpse of the real than that provided by the first and the second. It is not however a mere combination of the two, but presents a complex character of the real--a 34. Vide Supra. 35. For further implications of RITT, vide Supra.

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166 Anekantavada and Syadvada character which reveals the equipollence of existence and nonexistence in the constitution of the real. The fourth predicate is 'inexpressibility' which stands for the unice synthesis of existence and non-existence. The jar is certainly inexpressible as having both existence and non-existence as its characteristics at the same time (syad avaktavya eva ghatah). The third predicate revealed the equipollence of existence and non-existence. But this fourth goes further and gives a glimpse of the real as a unique synthesis of existence and non-existence-a synthesis which transcends the equipollence of existence and non-existence by dissolving them into a unity. This character of a real cannot be grasped by a definite concept and so is not expressible by a definite linguistic symbol which can express only what is positive or negative but never what is 'positive and negative rolled into one'. This inexpressible or the unspeakable, that is, the indefinite is a peculiar concept of Jaina philosophy. In the words of Professor K.C. Bhattacharya, "The given indefinite--the unspeakable of avaktavya as it has been called--as distinct from the definite existent, presents something other than (the) 'consecutive togetherness (expressed by the third predicate): it implies saharpana or co-presentation which amounts to non-distinction or indeterminate distinction of being and negation. It is objective as given : it cannot be said to be not a particular position (expressed by the first predicate) nor to be non-existent (expressed by the second predicate). At the same time it is not the definite distinction of position and existence (expressed by the third predicate 'existence and non-existence)36; it represents a category by itself. The commonsense principle implied in its recognition is that what is given cannot be rejected simply because it is not expressible by a single positive concept. A truth has to be admitted if it cannot be got rid of even if it is not understood.":37 One formal difficulty about the term 'inexpressible' requires elucidation. In the third predicate--viz., existence and non-existencethe two characteristics are presented consecutively, while in the 36. This 'non-existence', according to Professor K.C. Bhattacharya, is 'universal existence'. Cf. JTA, p. 342, where he describes the second predicate as negation or universal existence'; cf. also, p. 341, where he says "....a determinate existence A is in one respect and is not in another respect. This does not simply mean that A is A and is not B: it means that existent A, as existence universal, is distinct from its particularity." 37. JTA, pp. 341-2, The bracketed portions are ours.

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 167 fourth the semae two are presented simultaneously (saharpita). 38 No difficulty is felt in conceiving two diverse characteristics consecutively. But if the same two are to be conceived at once as one concept, the difficulty arises, because the elements of existence and non-existence that are brought together to compose the concept are driven away as fast as we assemble them. This conceptual difficulty is reflected in the incapacity of language to express the two diverse characteristics at once. But this inexpressibility should not be taken to imply the unreality of the co-presented characteristics. Inexpressibility here means mere impossibility of any adequate verbal symbol to express the situation at once. It cannot imply the unearlity of the co-presentation of existence and non-existence. Inexpressibility does not prove unreality because expressibility is not the sole criterion of reality.39 An ad hoc symbol also cannot express the situation, because that would also generate its corresponding concepts consecutively.40 A compound word or even a full proposition also is of no avail on account of the same difficulty. It is because of this complete paralysis of speech to express at once their unique nature that the co-presented characteristics are called 'inexpressible'. Inexpressible' thus is a negative term which simply means 'not expressible in language' and nothing more.41 The proposition "The jar is inexpressible', therefore, means "The jar has a complex characteristic which is not expressible in language.' Vidyanandi has recorded a view which regarded the 'complex characteristic' as expressible at least by the term 'inexpressible' itself. But he rejects the view on the ground that if the term 'inexpressible' be admitted as capable of expressing the complex characteristic', any other word could be invested with that capacity by mere convention-a contingency which leads to self-contradiction in that it refutes the position that the complex characteristic' is inexpressible.42 The purely negative interpretation of the term 'inexpressible' however 38. Vide AM, 16; TSV, 1.6 (verses 50-1). SBT, p. 60. 39. For detailed arguments see TSV. p. 140 ? 3Tercantitate:... sattmAtranibandhanatvAbhAvAd vAcyatAyAH . 40. sAMketikamekapadaM tad abhighAtaM samarthamityapi na satyaM tasyApi krameNArthadvaya-pratyAyane 1979:-Ibid., p. 140. 41. TRIARTHRITT Tepe ETRITS CRG CIRI-Ibid., p. 141. See JPN. pp. 122-3, where this view is ascribed to FHGCTA, the author of SBT (pp. 69-70). But SBT has only reproduced TSV. 42. Teze 7 Header ....Hien Grey Kia FTSTATYTI-Ibid., pp. 140-1. I have given only the central theme of the arguments.

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- 168 Anekantavada and Syadvada raises a serious difficulty. It has been asserted by the great Jaina logician Samantabhadra that if things were absolutely incapable of being expressed, the affirmation of the predicate 'inexpressible' would be illogical.43 This is in direct conflict with the negative interpretation. But Vidyanandi solves the problem by interpreting this assertion of Samantabhadra as follows: "If things, that is, reals as characterized by individual characteristics (like existence and non-existence taken one at a time) as well as the reals as characterized by complex characteristics taken simultaneously (as in the fourth predicate) were all alike (admitted to be) absolutely incapable of being expressed, the affirmation of the predicate 'inexpressible' of any real would be illogical, because the real (as admitted) is characterized by the absence of expressibility, that is, is incapable of being expressed even by the term inexpressible'." The implication of this interpretation is that though expressibility is absolutely negated of the fourth predicate, it is affirmed of the other predicates which take one characteristic at a time. The absolute negation of expressibility thus also does not violate the general principle of the Jaina philosopher that any significant affirmation is concomitant with negation, and any significant negation is concomitant with affirmation.44 A real is inexpressible in respect of the fourth predicate and expressible in respect of the other individual predicates. Expressibility and negation of expressibility are thus to be understood in different contexts. 'Admission of expressibility' and 'negation of expressibility' in respect of the same aspect of the real is on a par with the admission of "existence' and 'non-existence in the same respect, which is a case of self-contradiction. 45 The fifth predicate is 'existence and inexpressibility', that is, 'inexpressibility as qualified by existence (which was the first predicate)'. The jar exists (in its own context) and is inexpressible (syadasti cavaktavyasca ghatah). The proposition asserts the compresence of 'existence with the 'inexpressible'. The jar is inexpressible (indefinite) qua a synthetic unity of existence and non-existence, but it is none the less expressible (definite) qua existent, In other words, the 'indefinite as affirming itself is a 'positive definite'. Otherwise, the indefinite would turn out to be an absolute 43. 39e4dcontserrat Tuna quant-AM, 32. 44. Bei Festa Tieter for I a fez ISTITUTE T AM, 17-18. For elucidation, see JPN p. 152. 45. TVS, p. 141 : ft itu "39eTS I Tutt" fa geri ETC... ET RITEGRITY-CENCIAT Also see JPN, pp. 123-4, and SBT. pp. 70-1.

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Anekanta, Svadvada and Saptabhangi 169 affirmation. This fifth predicale is therefore significant in that it reveals the positive aspect of the fourth predicate. The sixth predicte is 'non-existence and inexpressibility', that is, inexpressibility as qualified by non-existence (which was the second predicate)'. The jar does not exist (in other than its own context) and is inexpressible (syannasti cavaktavyasca ghatah) The proposition asserts the compresence of non-existence with the inexpressible. The jar is inexpressible (indefinite) qua a synthetic unity of existence and non-existence, but it is none the less expressible (definite) qu a nonexistent. In other words, the 'indefinite' as negating what is other than itself is a negative definite'. Otherwise, the indefinite would turn out to be an absolute negation. This sixth predicate is, therefore, significant in that it reveals the negative aspect of the fourth predicate. The seventh predicate is 'existence, non-existence and inexpressibility', that is, 'inexpressibility as qualified by existence-and-non-existence (which is the third predicate)'. The jar exists (in its own context) and does not exist in other than its own context) and is inexpressible (svadasti ca nasticavaktavyasca ghatah ). The proposition asserts the consecutive presence of existence and non-existence with the inexpressible. The jar is inexpressible (indefinite) qua a synthetic unity of existence and non-existence, but it is none the less expressible (definite) qua existent and non-existent consecutively. In other words, the indefinite' as consecutive affirmation and negation is both a positive and a negative definite. This seventh predicate is significant in that it reveals the double character of the indefinite. The Seven Predicates as Seven Exhaustive and Unique Modes of Truth The Seven Predicates are Exhaustive. We have now explained the import and significance of the seven predicates. We have also seen how the number 'seven is derived by different combinations of the three predicates, viz., existence, non-existence and inexpressibility, and also that no further combination is possible without repeating the same predicate twice. Of the seven predicates, the first and second are simple, the fourth is complex, and the remaining four are compounds constituted by all possible combinations of the first, second and fourth taken two or three at a time. Now if it could be proved that the first, second and fourth predicates-viz., existence, non-existence and

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170 Anekantavada and Syadvada inexpressibility-exhaust all possible elemental46 predicates of a real, the conclusion would naturally follow that there are exactly seven, neither more nor less, predicates which can characterize a real in respect of the pair constiting of the characteristics of existence and non-existence. It should, however, be clearly understood in this connection that the seven predicates considered above merely exemplify the patterns which would be followed also by other heptads of predicates constituted by pairs of characteristics like permanance and impermanence, oneness and maniness, and so on. We should also here note that 'expressibility' cannot be regarded as an additional predicate, because the very act of affirmation or negation of a predicate implies it. 'Expressibility together with its opposite 'inexpressibility can, however, give rise to another heptad of predicates after the pattern illustrated by 'existence and non-existence'. To come to the main problem, let us see whether the triad-e.g. existence, non-existence and inexpressibility-exhausts all possible elemental predicates of a real. And for this purpose let us analyse the nature of our cognition. Our simplest cognition or judgment exhibits two factors, viz., subject and a predicate, that is, a substantive and an adjective qualifying it. The substantive is the determinandum and the adjective is the determinans.47 Thus the judgment "This is jar' may be rendered as "a pariticular real manifests the character (indicated by the adjectival import of the word) jar'.48 Akalanka, in his 46. By 'elemental' we mean 'unitary'. The fourth predicate which is a 'complex' is also considered 'unitary' because it stands for the synthetic unity of the real. 47. These terms are borrowed from W.E. Johnson who defines them as follows : 'We find that in every proposition we are determining in thought the character of an object presented to thought to be thus determined. In the most fundamental sense, then, we may speak of a determinandum and determinans : the determinandum is defined as what is presented to be determined or characterised by thought or cognition; the determinans as what does characterise or determine in thought that which is given to be determined. We shall regard the substantive (used in its widest granmatical sense) as the determinandum, and the adjective as the determinans."'--Logic part I, (Cambridge, 1921), p. 9. 48. I am indebted to W.E. Johnson for this rendering of the judgment. The passage which has suggested the rendering is as follows : "The exclamatory judgment Lightning' may thus be rendered formally complete by taking as subject term 'a manifestation of reality. Here I do not propose to take simply as the equivalent of the exclamatory judgment Reality is being manifested in the lightning', but rather 'A particular portion of reality manifests the character indicated by the adjectival import of the word) lightning'.-Logic, Part 1, p. 19.

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Anekanta, Svadvada and Saptahhangi 171 Tattvarthavartika,4' has discussed in detail the possible meanings cf the predicate 'jar', which we shall here briefly notice. He states the proposition in the accredited form 'In some respect, this is jar. Here the object represented by the substantive this has two aspects---native (svaimu) and alien (paratma---which vary according to the intention of the cognizer or speaker. Thus (1) if the intended native aspect is the aspect expressed by the concept or the word "jar' (in its usual sense), the alien aspect is the aspect expressed by the concept or the word 'non-jar'. In other words, the object in its native aspect is jar (svatmana syad ghatah), and in its alien aspect non-jar (paratmana syadagnatah).SO The object thus is both jar and non-jar. The principle implied is that the object is a comprehensive fact which includes in itself the opposite characteristics like jar and non-jar. The object as determined by the particular characteristic cognized, that is, as determinandum is the native aspect, and the object as not so determined, that is, the non-determinandum is the alien aspect. Corresponding to the determinandum and the non-determinandum, there are also determinans and non-determinans. It is thus seen that the substantive and the adjective of a proposition have two aspects each-one positive, another negative. (2) If, again, the irtended native aspect of the object is the aspect expressed by the word "jar' as an ad hoc symbol, the corresponding alien aspect would be the aspect expressed by the word 'non-jar' as a symbol standing for the usual or any other conventional or attributed meaning of the word "jar'. The upshot is the same as in the first analysis, viz., the object in its native aspect is 'jar' and in its alien aspect "non-jar'. Similarly (3) if the intended native aspect of the object is the aspect expressed by the word "jar' standing for the jar-particular, the alien aspect would be the aspect expressed by the word 'non-jar' standing for the jar-universal. Here also the object in its native aspect is 'jar', and in its alien aspect Johnson's view of judgment or proposition, expressed here, is indebted to the views of Bradley and Bosanguet, as he himself has admitted in the following words: "Our conclusion, briefly expressed, is that any proposition characterises some fact, so that the relation of proposition to fact is the same as that of adjective to substantive. Bradley has represented a proposition as ultimately an adjective characterising Reality, and Bosanquet as an adjective characterising that frag.nent of Reality with which we are in immediate contact. In adopting the principle that a proposition may be said, in general, to characterise a fact, I am including with some modification what is common to these two points of view.''-Logic, Part I, p. 14. 49. TV, I. 6(5). 50. tatra svAtmanA syAghaTaH parAtmanA syAd aghaTaH ko vA ghaTasya svAtmA, ko vA parAtmA ? RETTHETTY F it: FETISHT, Targa: H RIGHT TIC: --TV, I. 6(5).

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172 Anekantavada and Syadvada 'non-jar'. Similarly (4) if the intended native aspect of the object is the aspect expressed by the word "jar' standing for the jar-concept, the alien aspect would be the aspect expressed by the word 'non-jar' standing for the external jar-shape (bhahyo ghatakarah). In the same way, (5) if the intended native aspect of the object is the aspect expressed by the word "jar' standing for its objective cognition (Jneyakara, that is, cognition qua contemplation, to use Professor Alexander's phrase), the alein aspect would be the aspect expressed by the word 'non-jar' standing for subjective cognition (Jnanakara, that is, cognition qua enjoyment, again to use Professor Alexander's phrase). Thus here also the object in its native aspect is "jar', and in its alien aspect 'non-jar This analysis of a cognition has clearly demonstrated that the object of our cognition is always a fact having two aspects--(1) the aspect that is determined by the predicate of the cognition and (2) the aspect that is not so determined. The object is jar, as well as non-jar, existent as well as non-existent, and so on. It is determinandum as well as non-determinandum, that is, determinate as well as nondeterminate. This double nature of the real, obtained by analysis, is symptomatic of the fact that the real is a complex of opposites inexpressible by definite linguistic symbol. Thus the predicate 'inexpressible' is also obtained. The real, therefore, is found to be possessed of the triad of predicates- viz., existence, non-existence and inexpressibility--all of which are elemental in the sense that each of them presents a unitary characteristic. The analysis does not yield any fourth predicate which is elemental, and so the triad should be regarded as exhaustive. Now, as the triad of elemental predicates is found to be exhaustive, it follows, on grounds already given, that there are exactly seven, neither more nor less, predicates which can characterize a real in respect of pairs of 'opposite characteristics. Let us now see whether each of these seven predicates is a unique mode of truth. The Predicates are Unique Modes While discussing the import of the seven predicates, we showed also the significance of each one of them. And as uniqueness, in the ultimate anlysis, is nothing but significantness, the unique character of each of the predicates is self-evident. What, therefore, needs a critical estimate here is whether the predicates are modes of truth. By`a mode of truth' we understand a true mode of the real'. The Jain philosopher, as a

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Anekunta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 173 realist, believes in the direct cognition of the real and for him, therefore, the judgment "This is jar' is a judgment about the real. Consequently, he accepts a significant predicate which is not vitiated by any error as a true mode of the real. And as such the seven predicates stand for seven unique inodes of truth. The Seven Propositions-Their Forms, Significance and Mutual Relation. There are, as shown, seven significant predicates or modes of truth (bhangah) and as each mode--though obtained by an analysis of any simple cognition or judgment and established by reflective thought-is prima facie subject to doubt because of its dialectical nature, there can be seven kinds of doubts (samsayah) about them. The seven doubts give rise to seven forms of curiosity (jijnasah), which, in their turn, give rise to seven questions (prasnah). The seven questions require seven answers (uttarani), and the seven propositions, therefore, are asserted to meet the requirement. 1 The accredited forms of the seven propositions-e.g., syadastyeva ghatah and the like--have been given while discussing the import of the predicates and hence need no repetition. Their individual significance has also been discussed. The only important problem, therefore, that remains to be examined is the significance of the seven propositions in general and their interrelation. A proposition is a sentence which expresses what is either true or false, 52 and what is expressed is its significance. True and false propositions are equally significant: if true. they express facts; if false, they fail to do so. The seven propositions are significant because expressive, and true because what they express are, on reflection, found to be facts. They are also not mere truisms, because they express truths which are not ordinarily recognized as such. These truths again are necessary, universal and constructive- necessary because neither experience nor logic contradicts them; universal because they are true of all reals; constructive because they give a synthetic view of reality. The propositions 51. WIT: TOTEUT: 777 ESTET: 197 CAT: FEHT: 167 T: 0977: Hirmuafai -Quoted in SBT, p. 8 See TV, iv. 42 (15) and TSV. p. 132 where all the five heptads of 4T ? (TTTET, TIIT etc.), f ifa (TT), STAT, 997 and a (TTTT) are given. 52. Cf. Aristotle : "* Every sentence has meaning' not as being natural means by which a physical fault is realised, but, as we have said, by convention. Yet every sentence is not a proposition; only such are proposition as have in the either truth or falsity. Thus a prayer is a sentence, but is neither true nor false."'--De Interpretation, 17a.

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174 Anekantavada and Syadvada are also interrelated, and make a system. Existence and non-existence are mutually concomitant and they together qualify the same object.$3 All the seven propositions follow logically from this dictum. In fact, the very first proposition, when logically unfolded, leads to the other six as a matter of necessity. Each proposition taken singly is also significant in that it "ccnsitutes", in the words of Professor Mookerjee, "an estimation of reality, which has been either advocated by a school of philosophers as a matter of historical fact or is capable of being entertained as a possible evaluation.'34 But an isolate proposition, according to the Jaina philosopher, does not give the whole truth. It may, on the contrary, give an untruth, if taken as negation of other truths; and it can at best, provided it only asserts itself without negating others, give a partial truth, that is, naya which is described as neither truth nor untruth.SS The Jaina philosopher, therefore, rejects the validity of the isolated propositions because they stand for extremisms, and knits them together into a system which is known as non-extremism or non-absolutism (anekantavada.). Pramana-saptabhangi and Naya-saptabhangi Pramana stands for the whole truth' and Naya, as just stated, is neither truth nor untruth, but only a partial truth'; in other words, if the pramana is a comprehensive view of reality, the naya is only a partial view of it in the sense that it takes into consideration only a particular aspect of the whole situation. In its widest sense, the term 53. Bfisici efezfarsfaitezte feffori vizeSaNatvAt sAdharmyaM yathA bhedvivkssyaa|| nAstitvaM prtipey'naa'vinaabhaavyekdhrminni| fauCTE JETRE TOT PETITE -AM, 17-8. 54. For further details, see JPN, pp. 166 seq. 55. Cf. TWITT W AT 71 CAT 4:1 PITT M ITT HUVATTET: 11 TSV, p. 123. In this connection one may read with interest the following note of Bradley; "And hence it follows also that every part of this whole must be internally defective and (when thought) contradictory. For otherwise how from one to others and the rest could there be any internal passage ? And without such a passage and with but an external junction or bond, could there be any system or whole at all which would satisfy the intellect, and could be taken as real or possible ? I at least have given my reason for answering this question in the negative. We may even, forgetting other points of view, say of the world, Thus every part is full of vice, yet the whole mass a paradise." Appearance and Reality, P. 510. 56. See TSV, p. 118 (verse 3).

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 175 pramana means "valid knowledge', sensuous (consisting of mati and sruta) as well as supersensuous (consisting of awadhi, manahparyaya and kevala).57 But the concept of validity, when analysed, is found to include 'comprehensiveness' without which knowledge is not completely valid. A pramana thus turns out to be a comprehensive knowledge, though there are admittedly different grades of such comprehensiveness, ranging from the most perfect in the kevala-jnana (omniscience) to the most imperfect in the lowest type of mati-jnana (sense-perception). Knowledge as a natural function of the self is inherently comprehensive. This comprehensiveness however lapses as soon as the knowledge is influenced by the abstractionist tendencies of logical thought and language. The lapse in its turn may either halt at the assertion of a particular position without negating (but only implicity recognizing) the truth of other plausible views, and thus give rise to what has been called naya (or more accurately, sunaya); or, it may lose the balance and climb down further by asserting a particular 57. For an idea of afa, IT, 3451, 7:9414 and Densita, see my Studies in Jaina Philosophy Ch. II. 58. CT. Emirterer GreifTMETEL WRT544--farin4-AS, p. 290 (The passage belongs to 32 ). Also see if I 21et seq. Also cf. 37TAT440C, 28 : sadeva satsyAtsaditi tridhArtho / mIyeta durniiti-ny-prmaanneH|| According to the last quotation, the proposition forms of durnaya, naya, and pramANa are respectively T T (a real is existent only), sat (a real is existent) and PITCH (a real is existent in some respect). In this connection, the views of an are worth mention. According to him, a FT (F7 in the above quotations) gives prominence to a particular aspect and must have RC-it does not matter whether it is expressly stated or taken as understood-in its propositional form, while a GTC is a proposition which asserts the exclusive truth of a particular aspect as in the proposition sadeva (dhavalA Vol. IX, p. 183). Both 774 and 74, however, give rise to a comprehensive knowledge inasmuch as the knowledge is ipso facto comprehensive and cannot be fragmentary. (FTTETEGII, Vol. I, p. 204 : 19-art 3719 4Crisa : T e rt, viSayIkRtakAntabodhAbhAvAd) A sunaya expresses the real in its entirety through a particular aspect. This expression of the real in its entirety is known as HOSTEST which is MTETET, that is, under the dominance of M. The fragmentary expression of the real, on the other hand, is known as a choice and is embodied in proposition like astyeva, nAstyeva, and so on, which are durnayas. The vikalAdeza is TOTETT, that is, under the dominance of naya. (TETOHT, Vol. I, pp. 201-4). These observations of a t leave us in darkness regarding the line of demarcation between a sunaya and a pramANa inasmuch as both of them are found to be sakalAdeza. The problem of fachat et has also been left obscure by . Akalanka has prescribed the use of the expression RITI even in the case of 100 EST (TV, IV, 42, 17) and therefore he ragards it as sunaya. But according to AF, the fact9T,

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176 Anekantavada and Syadvada position as the only truth intolerant of other truths and thus give rise to what is known as durnaya (wrong view). 58 The contingencies of naya (sunaya) ) and durnaya arise only when a knowledge situation is sought to be expressed in or understood through inadequate logical categories and linguistice symbols, which fail to express the kwnoledge in its pristine comprehensiveness unless their significance is rightly analysed. A right analysis leading to a comprehensive logical understanding and linguistic expression is called syadavada,59 and what leads to only a partial apprehension and expression is 71. In other words, while the syadavada is a complete logical estimate and linguistic expression of the real, the naya is only a partial logical estimate and linguistic expression of it. Now as the logico-linguistic analysis of reality is the subject matter of srutajnana, the syadavada and the naya are regarded as the two aspects of the latter.61 A brief reference to the private-cum-public character of pramana and naya and a further distinction between the two may be made here. A pramana or a naya in its private character is knowledge or intuition62 though giving rise to TAT", is nevertheless, in its propositional form, a durnaya. The distinction between sunaya and 441T is of course very meagre. A sunaya must recognise the reality of aspects other than the one expressed by itself, and in this respect its distinction from RT is nothing but formal. The element of neutrality or indifference (TTT) towards other plausible aspects as the distinctive feature of a sunaya is also not very important, because ultimately the indifference in the present context must be taken as conscious of other plausible aspects, and this consciousness is tantamount to an assertion of other aspects. The distinction thus, if any is only quantitative and not qualitative. The problem of facit may also be viewed from a different angle. Fabric T is of course an imperfect way of expression and as such it may be viewed as erroneous. The error must find place in its propositional expression and hence the proposition like 37714, Tirta and so on, as vehicles of its expression may be justified. The observations of NFT might have been influenced by those weighty considerations, and probably he did not think it necessary to diallate on these details which obviously follow from his above statements. 59. For further information about syadvada and the meaning of the term syat, see supra. 60. Cf. RIIET-Cherista r TOATTH-AM, 105. 61. Cf. TOFTESTTT YT: TOSHI sampUrNArthavinizcAyi syaadvaadshrutmucyte|| PATUTTATTHET, 30. Also cf. upayogau zrutasya dvau syaadvaadnysNjnyitau| RITETS: HOSTEST eit fach STEFFETTUI SENTUELT, 62. Truly speaking, EITT stands for the whole scripture, parcare for the central non-absolutistic philosophy of the scripture, and naya for the specific philosophical propositions that are knit together into the scripture. 62. We have used this term in the sense of pure cognition uninfluenced by any logical abstraction.

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 177 and in its public character, it is verbal expression conveying the intuition.63 Each of the five pramanas-viz., mati, sruta, avadhi, manahparyaya and kevala--thus has two aspects, viz., intuitional and verbal54 and the verbal aspect, being representative of the intuitional, is as much comprehensive as the latter. The natural comprehensiveness of the verbal expression, however, lapses with the latter's association with logical categories and growth into linguistic symbols which the human intellect invents for a better understanding of the nature of reality, though the result is quite the contrary. The categories and symbols are further knit together into various theories which crystallize into mutually opposed schools of thought. The Jaina philosopheros includes all these conflicting schools of thought under srutajnana which may be right (samayak) as well as wrong (mithya). The right sruta again may be either pramana or naya. It is pramana if it is comprehensive, and naya if it is only partial. The implications of the ternis 'comprehensive' and 'partial' have already been explained and need no further clarification. The other four jnana--viz., inati, avadhi, manahparyaya and kevala--are, however, necessarily comprehensive inasmuch as logical categories and linguistic symbols do not play any significant part in their case. Their intuitional comprehensiveness is not disturbed by the vagaries of conceptual thought and the defects of abstract linguistic symbols. Of these four, the kevalajnana is the most perfect inasmuch as it knows its object completely in all its details. The other three are imperfect in that they are capable of knowing only a limited number of bjects with a limited number of attributes and modes. But, in spite of this, they are regarded as comprehensive because of their direct touch with the object and freedom from the association of false opinions and doctrines which destroy their natural freshness and purity. The case of srutajnana, however, is quite different. It is knowledge derived from verbal expressions and artificial concepts engendered by them, which, on account of their inherent 63. Cf. matyAdi-jJAnaM vakSyamANaM, tadAtmakaM pramANaM svArthaM / zabdAtmakaM parArthaM / zrutaviSayaikadezajJAnaM nayo 9747T: FITF:, 917: Ref: -TSV, p. 128. 64. pUjyapAda does not recognize the verbal or the public (parArtha) character of any knowledge (pramANa) except zruta-jJAna. See his savArthasiddhi on TS. I. 6. 65. Cf. 377mcach of : HHATH IT TORTFT, 29, with Siddharsi's fagfa which says- anenAnekAntamantareNa saMvedanaprasaravyavacchedaM darzayati, bhrAMta saMvedanAnAmapyanekAntodyotanapaTiSThatayA pravRte : ......yadA saMvedanasAmAnyamapyanekAntaviraheNa na pravartituM utsahate, tadA tadvizeSaNabhUtaM pramANaM ekAnte pravartiSyate iti dUrApAstAvakAzA evaiSA vArtA. Also cf, pramANaM ETTET TIETETY T Fifa, Felt Beatsiteria:-OTf47541-TCT, Vol. I, p. 53.

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178 Anekantavada and Syudvada limitations, present a hazy or even a distorted view of the object, and an intellectual effort is needed to clear the haziness or rectify the distortion. The recapture of the full original intuition hidden under logical categories and linguistic symbols is the function of sruta qua pramana (also called syadavada), to understand the standpoint and intention which inspire a particular statement of facts is the function of sruta qua naya and the blind insistence on the distorted view is durnaya. But how can our language overcome its inherent limitations and express the original comprehensive intuition in full ? A word (predicate) can express only one characteristic (attribute or mode) at a time and number of characteristic a can be expressed only consecutively (krainena) by a number of words. The simultaneous (yaugapadyena) expression of all the characteristics of a real in its entirety (sakaladesa) is beyond the capacity of language, and hence the problem of the expression in language of the original comprehensive intuition arises. The Jaina philosopher has tried to solve the problem by a device which is symptomatic of his non-absolutistic position. From the substantial (dravyarthika) standpoint, a word expressed a characteristic in its aspect of identity with the other coordinate characteristics, and this ontological identity (abhedavitti) among the charateristics of a real is taken as the basis for the extension of the import of a word to all the other coordiante characteristics; from the modal (paryayarthika) standpoint, on the other hand, a word expresses a characteristic in its aspect of difference (individuality) from the other coordinate characteristics, and here the basis of a similar extension of the import of the word is metaphorical identity (abhedopacara) among the characteristics of the real.67 The extension of the import of a word is thus found to be possible on the basis of identity, either ontological or metaphorical according to the standpoint of the speaker. And the expression syat is used to manifest the intended extension of the import of the predicates of the propositions. Each of the seven propositions of the saptabhangi can thus, if so intended, be 66. Cf. telefyr9:- :, 52 JPTIST ATTEET TESZT ETT TUOTT-Hoft, III. 47. RITGTCUTTUiteffagtartette: -AM, 106. 67. Cf. yadA abhinamekaM vastu ekaguNarUpeNa ucyate, guNinAM guNarUpam antareNa vizeSapratipattirasambhavAta, ekohijoyo'stitvA diSvekasya guNasya rUpeNA'bhedavRtyA abhedopacAreNa vA niraMzaH samastovaktumiSyate, vibhAga-nimittasya pratiyogino guNAntarasya tatrAnAzrayaNAt, tadA sklaadeshH| kathamabhedavRttiH kathaM vA abhedopacAraH ? dravyArthatvenAzrayaNe tadavyatirekAda 31UTCSfe, cufarefretierunt Peters FTTT, TTTT931:-TV, iv. 42 (14). IV/14 68. Cf. athavA tyAcchabdoyaM anekAntArthasya dyotkH| dyotakazca vAcakaprayoga-sannidhimantareNA'bhipretArdhAvidyotanAya tAlamiti tayotyadharmAdhArArthAbhidhAnAya itrpdpryogHkriyte| atha kenopAtto'nekAntArtho'nena dyotyate ? uktametat abhedavRtyA OntTM AT F ETIT Tattoo Tatsaf sa-TV, iv. 42(15).

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 179 made to mean the whole truth in its own peculiar way through the individual characteristic (e.g. existence, nonexistence and the like) directly expressed by its predicate. It may be mentioned in this connection that the Jaina philosophers have enumerated eight distinct factors---viz., time and the likewhich are conceived as differentiating limits as well as integrating bonds of the characteritics of a real and as such respectively conditions of the consecutive and simultaneous expression of these characteristics.69 Thus (1) time is a differentiating limit, because a unitary entity cannot prima facie possess a number of different characteristics at one and the same time, and if it is found to do so, its unity is dissolved into plurality, there being as many entities as there are characteristics. This is the finding of the analytic standpoint. In the synthetic standpoint, on the other hand, time is an integrating bond. The plurality of characteristics is found to be somehow bound into a unity by means of simultaneity. Similarly, (2) self-identity (atmarupa) of a characteristic is a differentiating limit, because it differentiates one characteristic from another. It is a uniting bond as well in view of its reference to an entity which is the common referend of all other coordinate characteristics. (3) The substratum, likewise, is regarded as a differentiating limit in respect of its aspect that varies with each of its characteristics and as an integrating bond in respect of its aspect that is the constant reference of all those characteristics. In the same way, (4) the relation (sambandha) of identity-cumdifference that obtains between an entity and its characteristics functions as a differentiating limit when taken as a relation of difference, and as an integrating bond when taken as a relation of identity. Similarly, (5) the influence exerted by each characteristic upon an entity, viewed as an isolated event, is the differentiating limit and the same influence qua a common function of all characteristics is the integrating bond. (6) The substance-space, likewise, viewed as an inelastic space-point of a particular characteristic is a differentiating limit; but, viewed as a common locus of the coordinate characteristics, it is an integrating bond of those characteristics. In the same manner, (7) the association70 between an entity and its characteristics can be viewed as a differentiating limit as well as an integrating bond. Lastly, 69. TCH Tadafi #74-gitaratzira i da imafititeThaifong-TV, 42 (Varttikas 12 and 13). 70. This is different from 7-2 (the fourth factor mentioned above) in that the former stands for difference qualified by identity' while the latter for 'identity qualified by difference.' In other words, in samsarga the element of difference is prominent while in sambandha the element of identity is salient.--SBT, pp. 33-4.

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180 Anekantavada and Syadvada (8) the verbal symbol (sabda) standing for a characteristic is a differentiating limit in so far as it is expressive of that particular characteristic, but, in so far as it is an expression for the thing possessed of similar characteristics, it is an integrating bond. The possibility of the simultaneous expression of all the characteristics of a real in its entirety being thus established, the concepts of pramana-saptabhangi and naya-saptabhangi can be easily understood. Each of the seven propositions of the pramana-saptabhangi stands for the whole truth. As a member (bhanga) of the pramana-saptabhangi the proposition -A jar certainly exists in its own context (syadastyeva ghatah) is intended to be expressive of all the characteristics of the jar in its entirety (sakaladesa). And this is the case with each of the other six propositions also Each of these seven propositions expresses the whole subject by means of the particular characteristic predicated in it. The comprehensive character of each of the seven propositions does not make the six propositions other than itself redundant, because each stands for the whole truth in its own peculiar way through a particular characteristic which is directly expressed by the predicate--the remaining characteristics being indirectly implied (by the predicate)72 Thus, for instance, if in the first proposition 'A jar certainly exists in its own context, the predicate 'existence' directly (pradhanyena) expresses the substantial continuity of the jar, it indirectly (gunabhaven) implies the modal discontinuity of the same thing.73 In the second proposition the position is reversed, that is, the modal aspect is directly expressed and the substantial aspect is indirectly implied. The meanings of the other five propositions are to be expounded on similar lines. The same septad of propositions (saptabhangi) can be viewed as naya-saptabhangi if the predicate of each of the propositions is intended to stand for the characteristic which is directly expressed by it without any intention of affirming or denying the indirectly implied characteristics other than the one directly expressed. The intention of affirming the other characteristics indirectly implied would make the proposition a member of the (saptabhangi) while the intention of denying the same would make it a case of durnaya (untrue proposition), and this is why a proposition, in order to be a member of 71. See TSV, p. 136. 72. Cf. yadhevaM syAdastyeva jIva ityanenaiva sakalAdezena jIvadravyagatAnAM sarveSAM dharmANAM saMgrahAd itareSAM bhaMgAnAmAnarthakya Profa: 39, 479: TUTTGarret. fastofa TTT TT i wart T V, iv. 42 (15). 73. Cf.........TETEN, zanieten Every-Ibid.

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Anekanta, Syadvada and Saptabhangi 181 the naya-saptabhangi must be inspired by the intention of asserting the particular characteristic only, without any further implication, positive or negative. The use of the expression syat (e.g. in syadastyeva ghatah) is to be made both in the propositions of the pramana-saptabhangi and those of the naya-saptabhangi . It may however be dropped if its meaning is otherwise apparent. In the case of the propositions of the pramana-saptabhangi the expression syat does the positive function of implying simultaneously (yaugapadyena) all other possible characteristics that are true of the subject, while in the case of the propositions of the naya-saptabhangi , the same expression does the negative function of prohibiting the denial of these characteristics. The cognitive attitude in the first case is 'indefinite', that is, without any artificial definiteness, while the cognitive attitude in the second case is definite', that is, with a definiteness which tends to define the object without denying its 'indefinite' character.74 Vidyanandi who agrees with the above distinction between a pramanavakya (i.e. a sakalades in proposition of the pramanasaptabhangi (and) naya-vakya (i.e. a vikaladesin proposition of the naya-saptabhangi), records a number of views on the subject and rejects them as untenable. Thus there were thinkers who regarded the proposition, which predicated more than one characteristics of the subject, as a pramanavakya, and the proposition, which predicated only one characteristic, as a naya-vakya. But according to this view, the first, the second and the fourth propositions of the saptabhangi would he cases of nayavakya and the remaining four propositions only would be cases of pramanavakya, and this is obviously a consequence which no Jaina philosopher would admit as acceptable. There was again the view that a proposition about pure substratum (dharmimatra) is pramanavakya and that about a characteristic (dharmamatra) is naya-vakya. But this is also untenable, because a pure substratum or a pure characteristic is incapable of being expressed by a proposition. There was a third view which regarded the seven propositions, when taken severally, as so many naya-vakyas and the same, when taken jointly, as a pramanavakya. But this also is absurd, because a of partial truths cannot together make up the whole truth. Truth is a 74. For further elucidation of the problem, see fn. 3, $ 29. Cf. f vaTAdirUpamadhaM kAlAdibhirabhedavRtyA'bhedopacAreNa vA pratipAdayati, sakalAdezasya pramANarUpatvAt, vikalAdezastu krameNa Itaunarena ter at F ETA TETY O F fa, Ferenc 64 7469CIITTI SBT, p. 32. 75. See TSV. pp. 137 ff.; also SBT, pp. 16-19.

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182 Anekantavada and Syadvada unitary whole and cannot be taken as composite of discrete parts. The part of a whole must itself be a whole. Abhayadevasuri, in his commentary on the Sanmatitarka prakarana of Siddhasen Divakar mentions a view which regarded the first, the second and the fourth propositions of the saptabhangi as sakaladesin (i.e. pramanavakya) on account of their reference to the whole subject by virtue of the unitary character of their predicates, and the remaining four as vikaladesin (i.e. naya-vakya) on account of their reference to the individual aspects of the subject by virtue of the multiple character of their predicates. This is also untenable because of the unnecessary distinctions it makes between the identical subject of the seven propositions. ABBREVIATIONS AJP..........TATTACHT of Haribhadra. AM..........T HI HIHI AS..........376 hit of PETITE JPN......... The Jaina Philosophy of Non-absolutism by Dr. Satkari Mookerjee. JTA........ The Jain Theory of 37 cm in 'Studies in Philosophy. Vol. 1.By K.C. Bhattacharya, Calcutta, 1956. SBT........ Tot of HGTA. SKH........TECTTH. TSV........Eftauffets TV........ Frontefalcao (ed. by Pt. Mahendrakumar INTER). 76. See M, Vol. 3, pp. 445-6 (Ahmedabad, samvat, 1984).

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada)* SATKARI MOOKERJEE We have elucidated the logical background of Jaina philosophy and we have shown that the Jaina evaluation of the Laws of Thought differs toto caelo from that of the idealists, which gave an ultra-intellectual orientation to philosophical speculation. The Jaina pleads for soberness and insists that the nature of reality is to be determined in conformity with the evidence of experience undeterred by the considerations of abstract logic. Loyalty to experience and to fundamental concepts of philosophy alike makes the conclusion inevitable that absolutism is to be surrendered. A thing is neither real nor unreal, neither eternal nor non-eternal, in absolute sense, but partakes of both the characteristics; and this does not mean any offence to the conons of logic. The dual nature of things is proved by a reductio ad absurdum of the opposite views. Thus the law of causation, whether in the moral or in the physical plane, is divested of its raison d'etre if absolutism is adhered to. An absolute real can neither be a cause nor an effect. An effect already in existence has no necessity for a cause, and an eternal cause unamenable to change is self-contradictory, inasmuch as an eternal cause would produce an eternal effect. But both the terms "eternal cause' and 'eternal effect' have no meaning. It may be contended that the issue does not affect the position of the Vedantist or the Absolute Negativist (Sunyavadin) since they do not believe in the reality of causation. But the contention is not sincere as they believe in it on this side of transcendental realisation. And their plea, that truth is of one The Jaina Philosophy of Non-Absolutism : A critical study of Anekantavada, Motilal Banarsidas, Varanasi, 1978.

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184 Anekantavada and Syadvada sort in the plane of theoretical and practical activity, and of another kind in the transcendental plane, seems to be a make-believe. We postpone the consideration of the metaphysical issue to a subsequent chapter, and it should suffice for the present to observe that these two metaphysical systems have gained a haven only by making a holocaust of all our cherished beliefs and ingrained convictions. Whatever may be their logical merits they have failed to carry conviction to an enormous number of men and women who respectfully decline to be satisfied with their negative findings, whether qualified or unqualified. As regards the position of the advocate of flux (Sautrantika) the difficulty alleged does not find a satisfactory solution from him as well. In this system all existents are believed to be momentary in duration. A moment is the indivisible atom of time which stands absolutely detached and discrete from its antecedent and consequent units. If an existent can occupy only such a moment, it cannot function as a cause. Exercise of causality is possible either in succession or non-succession, but both are incapable of being predicated of a momentary real. A 'momentary' has no duration and consequently no succession. Simultaneous production of effects is also not admitted by the Buddhist fluxist. Moreover, absolute affirmation of a characteristic, reality or unreality, eternity or non-eternity, implies by the very force of its inherent opposition the negation of the opposite characteristic. So if a thing is affirmed to be real or momentary the predication is not of a simple characteristic, but of a complex one. The thing is not only real but not not-real, not only momentary but also not not-momentary. This militates against the absolutist standpoint of predication of simple characteristics. If things were real in an absolute sense there would be no causation, as it is possible if only an event which was non-existent is brought into existence. But an existent by its very nature, that is to espective of such external conditions as time, space and the like, is not in need of the services of a cause. If, on the contrary, the effect were unreal in an absolute sense it could not any more be called into existence, since an unreal fiction such as a barren woman's son or a square circle is never found to leap into existence. The Sunyavadin may contend that the whole show of causal order is only an appearence and the effects that are seen to be produced are as unreal as the so-called fictions. No reliance, again, can be placed upon experience, they would plead, as experience in dream also exhibits the same characteristics as so-called normal experience; and the

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 185 objects perceived or inferred are nothing but chimeras. So the objection on the ground of the failure of causation is futile so far as the sceptics are concerned. But this denial of causation again involves a Jifficulty. If the perceived objects in dreams were unreal and so uncaused events, why should they cease to exist, or, to put it the other way about, why should they appear at all ? So experience, normal or abnomal, would have no raison d'etre in the Sun yavadin's scheme of metaphysics. If nescience is held out to be the cause of such appearance, the question would naturally arise whether nescience per se is real or unreal. If it were unreal, there would be no causal activity and consequently no appearance. Even if the order of experienced objects be declared unreal, there must be a cause of this order of appearance. A real cause is necessary even for the production of unreal experience. The optic illusion of the double moon has its cause in the positive disorder of the eye, which is real as any thing. So the dilemma is inescapable, whether the order of causality is held to be real or unreal in an absolute manner. If the effect were real irrespective of time and place and conditions of causality, there would he no necessity for positing a cause. If it were unreal, no amount of causal activity could bring it into existence. If, again, it were uncaused, there would be no time in which the eifect would be existent or non-existent. The same deadlock emerges even in the philosophy of flux. The Yogacara, who denies extra-mental reality, seeks to explain our experience of the phenomenal world on the analogy of dream experience. But he believes that consciousness, which is the only reality according to him, is in a state of perpetual flux. It is momentary and so ceases to exist at the next moment, when it is replaced by another consciousness-unit. The previous unit produces the subsequent unit and the chain of consciousness-units goes on for eternity, being governed by the law of causation. So the law of causation is the very corner-stone of Yogacara metaphysics, as it is of the Sautrantika, both being agreed upon the fluxional nature of reality and the law of causation as the supreme ruling principle of the order of reality. The difference between the two lies only in the denia! or affirmation of extramental reality. But the law of causation cannot be supposed to operate in the case of momentary entities. Of course 1. For a through- going exposition of the Sautrantika philosophy the reader is referred to my work, The Buddhist Philosophy of Universal Flux, published by the University of Calcutta.

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186 Anekantavada and Syudvada the Buddhist would maintain that the previous moment is the cause of the subsequent moment and causation presupposes only this sequence and nothing more. The absence of the cause at the moment of the emergence of the effect is no bar to the operation of causality, as synchronism of the cause and effect is not relevant. If synchronism were determinant of causality one would not search for the cause in the previous event. And between two synchronous events nobody commits the fallacy of regarding one as the cause of the other, as between the two horns on a cow's head. But the Jaina philosopher maintains that neither sequence nor synchronism alone can account for the law of causation, but that both combined give us the correct estimate of the operation of causality. That the relation of cause and effect does not hold good between two co-existent facts, such as the two horns on a cow's head. is admitted by the Jaina also. But the absence of synchronism between the cause and the effect at the moment of the latter's emergence would make the effect independent of the cause. The effect was not in existence when the cause was in existence and it comes into existence when the cause has ceased to exist. So if the effect is independent of the cause when it comes into existence and is not found to be dependent upon the cause either before or after, the bearing of the cause upon the effect becomes a fiction. The previous existence of the cause is absolutely irrelevant. If an effect could come into existence even in the absence of the cause at the moment of its origin, there is no logic why it whould not come into being at other moments when the cause is absent likewise. It has been contended by the Buddhist fluxist that if a permanent cause enduring for more than a moment could produce an effect, why should it not go on producing like effects for all the time of its existence ? If the 'permanent comes to lose the causal power at a subsequent moment, the possession of power at one moment and the loss of power at another moment would entail the coexistence of iwo contradictory attributes in the former, and this is incompatible with its integrity. The supposed permanent would be split up into two-in other words, there would be no one entity but as many as the varying attributes and causal operations. The Jaina philosopher, however, refuses to be convinced hy such tactics of abstract logic. The identity or otherwise of a real is to be accepted on the verdict of uncontradicted experience and the possession of varying attributes or powers is not incompatible with the identity of a thing.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 187 Even the Buddhist cannot deny that the selfsame real, e.g.. light, produces diverse effects, viz., the expulsion of darkness, the illumination oi the field of perception, radiation of heat and so on. Certainly the diverse effects cannot be produced by the selssame causal energy. If a plurality of energies can be possessed by a self-identical entity without offence to logic, why should the spectre of logical incompatibility be raised in the case of a permanent cause possessing diverse powers ? The Jaina solves the difficulty by means of the law of anekanta, which affirms the possibility of diverse attributes in a unitary entity, Strictly speaking, a thing is neither an absolute unity nor split up into an irreconcilable plurality. It is both unity and plurality all the time. There is no opposition between unity of being and plurality of aspects. The opposition would have been inevitable if the unity of a real had varied with each aspect. But the varying aspects are affirmed of the self-identical subject and this proves that the unity is not affected by such predication. A thing is one and many at the same time--a unity and a plurality rolled into one. This view of the nature of reality avoids the fallacy of uncaused production, which is insurmountable in the other philosophies. The cause is both non-synchronous and synchronous with the effect--the former before the origin of the effect and the latter at the time of its origin. Nor does the non-emergence of any further effect in the presence of the cause after the production of the first effect occasion a difficulty. The nature of things is to be determined in consonance with their behaviour as observed with normal human faculties. When the cause is not seen to produce an effect more than once at a time, it must be postulated that the cause undergoes change of power, and the change of power is not incompatible with the identity of the causal entity as it is certified by the unchallengeable verdict of experience. That experience is the ultimate determinant of contradiction or non-contradiction and not a priori logical considerations is to be admitted even by the Buddhist, who swears by logic in season and out of season whenever it suits his convenience. The Buddhist idealist hoids that cognition assumes the form of congniser and cognised in one. The same cognition is transformed into the likeness of an object, which tecomes the content, and in its role as pure cognition it functions as the cogniser. This is the epistemology of perception of the Sautrantika realist, according to whom the direct object of cognition is never the external object, but the content as part and parcel of the cognition. The external object is a matter of inference.

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188 Anekantavada and Syadvada according to the Sautrantika. Barring this difference of metaphysical position, both the Sautrantika and the Yogacara are agreed on the dual character and the dual role of cognition. In the case of non-perceptual cognition also the same dual role is asserted with equal emphasis. The content, which is identical in being with the cognition, is believed to stand for the unperceived object, e.g., the fire as inferred from smoke, and the cognition in its cognitive capacity is assumed to be the cogniser. The opposition of the cogniser and the cognised is evident, but still their coalescence in the selfsame cognition is believed to be a fact and that without spelling a contradiction. If the contradiction is denied on the strength of the undisputadi testimony of experience, the same solution cannot be discarded in the case of cause and effect, as experience is unmistakable in its verdict in this case also. This is not the only advantage in the Jaina position. It gives us a satisfying explanation of the law of causation, the belief in which is irresistible for all human beings and is the conditio sine qua non of all scientific and practical activity. The absolutistic standpoint of the other schools of thought fails to offer any explanation. The heroic course adopted by the Vedantist and the Sunyavadin does not again commend itself as the only alternative metaphysical explanation. The result is identical. Both the fluxist and the Vedantic idealist fail to render a realistic explanation of the law of causation, as the condition of causal operation, succession or non-succession which are the necessary concomitants of time-continuum, are denied, and the chain of cause and effect is reduced to the position of an intellectual construction. The Jaina theory avoids the fallacies incident to extremism as the cause is both permanent and fluxional and the effect is both existent and non-existent. The point will be elaborated later on. Again, if things were held to be existent in an absolute sense, that is to say, if existence were their only characteristic and non-existence were denied as ideal fiction, the result would be equally disastrous. There would be no distinction of one thing from another. Everything would be everything else having nothing to distinguish them. Secondly, there would be neither beginning nor end for anything. Thirdly, nothing would be possessed of an individuality. In other words, things would be nothing-entity woud be reduced to non-entity. We propose to demonstrate how the absurd issues alleged 2. For the elaborate exposition of succession and non-succession as the condition of casual operation I refer the reader to my book The Budhist Philosophy of Universal Flux, Chapters I and IV.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 189 above follow inevitably on the denial of non-existence as a characteristic feature of things. Now, non existence is recognised to be of four types, viz., (i) absolute non-existence, e.g., the nonexistence of colour in air (atyantabhava); (ii) pre-non-existence, e.g., the non-existence of the effect in the cause (pragabhava); (iii) post-non-existence, e.g., the non-existence of an effect after destruction (pradhvannsabhava); and (iv) mutual non-existence or numerical difference or non-existence of identity of things (itaretarabhava). If existence were the whole nature of things, there would be no non-existence anywhere; and in the absence of the fourth type of non-existence, all entities would be lumped together into one thing. viz., Existence. The Sankhya does not believe in the reality of non-existence. But in that case the enumeration of the different categories and the evolution of the categories from primordial Prakrti in a descending scale and the dissolution of each succeeding category into its immediate predecessor would have no meaning. The existence of a second entity implies that the first is distinct and different from the second and this presupposes the reality of mutual non-existence. The emergence of lower and later categories from the preceding ones presupposes that they were not existent before at least in their developed form. The presupposition of such unprecedented emergence is the second type, viz., pre-non-existence. And the retrograde course of evolution, in which the lower categories are said to be re-absorbed into the higher one, presupposes that they cease to exist at any rate their finished form. This presupposes the third type of non-exister And the non-existence of Primordial Matter (Prakrti) in the Sr (purusa) and of the latter in the former is evidently an admitted fact, and this necessitates the postulation of the first type of non-existence. Thus, non-existence cannot be denied by the Sankhya without stultifying the whole scheme of ontology propounded by him. But the Sankhya inight maintain that the denial of non-existence on his part does not entail these consequences. He does not believe in the reality of non-existence apart from and independent of the reals as the Vaisesika does. The denial of non-existence thus amounts to the negation of independent non-existence. But if non-existence be regarded as a formative element in the nature of reals he would have no objection to its reality with all its four varieties. But this is also the position of the Jaina and of the Mimamsists. If, however, such be the position of the Sankhya and the Mimamsist, they should no longer characterize reals as existent only. Things, on the contrary, should be characterized

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190 Anekantavada and Syadvada as existent-and-non-existent. What the Jaina objects to is the uncritical, simple characterization of reals in terms of existence as opposed to nonexistence. The nature of reals is always a complex of existence-cum-nonexistence. As regards the affirmation of non-existence as a separate and independent category by the later exponents of Vaisesika philosophy, the Jaina, too, does not subscribe to it. According to the Jain nonexistence is as much an element in the constitution of a real as existence is. Accordingly a real can be said to exist or not to exist. The predication of existence and non-existence in respect of the same subject, though under different circumstances, is proof of the dual nature of reals. But the aforementioned consequences of the denial of nonexistence would not affect the validity of the position of the Vedantist. The Vedantist denies all difference and distinctions. The plurality is only an illusory appearance called into existence by the inherent nescience of individual selves. there is no plurality of selves either. The difference between self and non-self is also a fiction. But the question may be legitimately posed to the Vedantist: 'How would you establish your position ? You deny all differences, but by what instrument of knowledge would you substantiate your denial ? Certainly not by perception, nor by inference, nor by scripture, as all these instruments of knowledge record only positive findings. The Vedantist, however, does not bank upon any one of these accepted instruments of knowledge. He maintains that the non-existence of difference is only a necessary deduction from the failure of the opponent to establish the existence of difference. All the arguments that can be advanced by e opponents would be shown to be inconclusive. After all, the experience of plurality is the sheet-anchor of the opponent. But this experience of plurality is not incompatible with the unity of the Absolute Brahman, which is divested of all differences, intrinsic and extrinsic. Consciousness, undifferentiated into modes and attributes, is the only reality, and experience of plurality is only an illusion. It is common knowledge that space is one and devoid of all differences and distinctions taken by itself. But the person suffering from a defect of sight would see it divided into lines. It is a truism that this experience of linear divisions in space is only an illusion. So there is no inherent impossibility in the association of plurality with the Absolute Brahman on the part of a person whose power of vision is infected with the defects induced by nescience. The 3. yatha visuddham akasam timiropapluto narah sankirnam iva matrabhir bhinnabhir abhimanyate,tathe 'dam amalam Brahma nirvikalpam avidyaya kalusatvam iva' pannam bhedarupam prapasyati. Attributed to Bhartrhari.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 191 contention of the Buddhist idealist who believes in the multiplicity of consciousness-units has no substance. He believes in the unity of each consciousness-unit, but denies the subject-object polarization as due to the association of contents. The contents of consciousness are held to have no reality apart from consciousness. Thus when one becomes aware of blue, the awareness of blue does not establish the independent existence of blue. The 'blue' is only a content of consciousness and is non-different from it. It is due to the inherent proclivity of our thought movenient for the belicf in the separate existence of the content that the latter is not felt is identical with consciousness. To be more precise, the manifestation of consciousness informed with an apparent content has no raison d'etre outside the separatist tendency of our thought-activity, which is the legacy of false knowledge or ignorance from which we all suffer. But the Vedantist would urge that if the appearance of a content as an other to consciousness be only an illusion as admitted by the Buddhist idealist, then why should one consciousness be held to be different from another consciousness ? The difference is felt owing to the difference of contents associated. But when contents are illusory and their association is only a false appearance, why should the difference of contents be made the ground of assertion of difference in consciousness ? The difference of subject and object, the cognizer and cognized, in the same consciousnessunit is a felt fact. But still the experience of the two poles is not believed to argue a real difference in the consciousness-unit on the ground that the difference is only illusory. Parity of logic and consistency of argument demand that the difference of contents, illusory as they are, should not affect the unity of consciousness as such. Not only this. The affirmation of absolute identity between consciousness and content on the part of the Buddhist idealist would, on the conirary. make it impossible for him to meet the criticism of the Buddhist Sunyavadin who would deny the reality of consciousness and its content alike. If consciousness is identical with its content, which is admitted to be a false appearance, why should not consciousness also be regarded as a false appearance ? Certainly between two things held to be identical, one cannot be regarded as real and the other as unreal. If a content is denied independent reality on the ground that it is never cognised outside and apart from consciousness, such also should be the case with consciousness, which is never felt apart from a content. If the variation of contents and the invariant continuity of consciousness be the proof of the superior status of consciousness, why should the

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192 Anekantavada and Syadvada Buddhist believe in the multiplicity of consciousness-units ? Moreover, the relation of content and consciousness cannot be regarded as one of real identity, as the difference of content from consciousness is felt in experience. So not only identity but also difference are equally felt facts and as this is not compatible with real identity, the relation is held to be one of illusory identity by the Vedantist, since identity-cum-difference is according to him a contradiction in terms. And illusory identity of different contents thus cannot split up the identity of consciousness. The Vedantist would thus successfully deny the reality of non-existence, as the absurdities alleged are not regarded as absurdities, but as a true estimate of things. The Vedantist also banks upon the failure of the opponent to prove the reality of difference and other types of non-existence which are the presupposition of plurality. But this is not his only resource. He maintains that there is no proof in support of the reality of non-existence. If perception were competent to envisage non-existence, there would be no occasion for taking note of existence. For one existent there is an infinite number of non-existents pitted against it. For instance a pen is one entity, but the number of not-pens is practically infinite. If one were to perceive the non-existence of not-pens in order to perceive a pen, there would be no occasion for the realization of the latter perception, as the percipient would be occupied for all his life with the perception of the non-existence of not-pens, whose number is admittedly unlimited. It might be contended against this argument that the mode of perception as observed does not lead to any such consequence. The non-existence of a thing is perceived only when the negatum in question is recalled. So only those things are cognized to be non-existent, which are recalled by the percipient on the occasion. As he does not recall all the possible things that are non-existent on the occasion of perceiving the non-existence of a particular fact, but only the negatum whose non-existence is the object of perception, the charge of infinite number of perceptions of non-existence falls to the ground. But the Vedantist would not accept the explanation, which makes perception dependent upon memory. Morever, perception, dependent upon memory, would not give a novel experience. The Vaisesika, who believes in the perception of non-existence, would assert this amounts to a refusal to face the evidence of the psychology of perception as a whole. There are cases of perception which are independent of the services of memory, no doubt. But the

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 193 perception of a thing as conducive to the attainment of a desired end is certainly dependent upon, and preceded by, memory. One perceives a mango in the dish and at once proceeds to eat it. This is made possible only by the memory of the sweet taste of mangoes experienced in the past. The perception of non-existence, as it occurs to a man of extraordinary powers acquired by the practice of yoga, is certainly independent of the aid of memory. The mystic would see everything, existence ard non-existence both, in one act of intuition. But by a person of limited powers like us non-existence can be perceived only with the aid of memory. So there is no difficulty. But this defence has not satisfied the Vedantist. In the first place, he maintains together with the Buddhist that perception is never a judgment. Perception gives us the knowledge of a thing as it is, uninterpreted by concepts. But the perception of non-existence would be a judgment as it is always cognized as non-existence of this or that. In the second place, the memory in question may be either of the negatum or of the non-existence. On the latter alternative, there would arise a vicious infinite regress. If the knowledge of non-existence be a case of memory, it would necessitate the postulation of a previous knowledge of non-existence. But as the latter would also be equally an act of memory, there would be no end of recollections. If, on the contrary, the cognition of non-existence at any stage is accepted to be independent of memory, why should the cognition under consideration be made dependent upon the same ? If, however, the recollection of the negatum is made the condition of the perception of negation, that also would give rise to a difficulty in another direction. Recollection, implicit or explicit, is certainly found to be an aid in the case of recognition. Here the object of perception is remembered to have been seen in the past and is then cognized to be identical with the perceived object. In recognition the two objects are same or similar and so memory is of help. But in the case of perception of non-existence one thing, viz., the negatum, is recalled and another thing, viz., its non-existence, is perceived. So the two situations are not similar. It should be recognised that perception is concerned with existent things and so cannot have jurisdiction over non-existence. The perception of non-existence is thus a false belief. No only is non-existence incompetent to be perceived, it cannot be known by inference also. Non-existence is a non-entity and as such has neither an effect nor a characteristic, on the evidence of which it could be inferred. The absence of perception of a

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194 Anekantavada and Syadvada perceptible is held to be the source of such knowledge. But this is also a pretence. What is seen is the empty locus and this is believed to be the knowledge of non-existence. The knowledge of nonexistence in all cases is found on analysis to be an intellectual construction arising on the perception of something else; and as the independent existence of non-existence is only a contradiction in terms such intellectual constructions are to be definitely recognized as unfounded illusions. The Jaina philosopher would submit that the elaborate arguments of the Vadantist may have succeeded in refuting the reality of non-existence as an independent category. But however successful may be his argument, he must believe in the difference of things. If he is to engage in a debate with an opponent and has to convince him by argument he must employ the logical syllogism, which consists of three terms. The difference of terms and of their logical value has also to be recognized by him. This implies that the denial of non-existence even as part and parcel of a real is only an academic pastime with him and not a sincere conviction. The denial of pre-non-existence again would entail the existence of effect from the beginningless time and that of post-nonexistence would make the effect continue unbroken without end. But origination and destruction of effects are experienced facts. Origination means the coming into existence of an event which was not in existence before and destruction means that an effect ceases to exist after having come into existence. If neither origination nor destruction can be repudiated without doing violence to experience, the reality of the two types of non-existence must be accepted, as without them the two phenomena referred to cannot be understood. The Sankhya philosopher maintain that things are neither produced nor destroyed. A non-existent cannot be made existent and an existent cannot be made to cease to exist, because a thing cannot surrender its nature and yet contirue to be the same thing as before. So he interprets origination as manifestation of a pre-existent effect and destruction as relapse of the manifest into the unmanifest state, which was its characteristic before origination. So nothing is produced or destroyed. The logical consequence of such a theory is the doctrine of absolute existence of things. But, as has been pointed out above, the absolutist position cannot be maintained by the Sankhya without falsification of his whole scheme of metaphysics. Of course the denial of non-existence as an extrinsic principle does not

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 195 involve any untoward consequence, but its denial as a formative element in a real has been shown to lead to absurdities. Consistency demands that the Sarkhya too should admit that there is a difference and intrinsic difference at that between a manifested and an unmanifested real. The 'unmanifested' and the "manifested' should be recognized as possessed of different characteristics and so strictly speaking as not entirely identical. They are identical and different both-identical in so far as it is the same substance and different in so far as it undergoes a change of characteristic. This is the Jaina position of non-absolutism; and if it is accepted by the Sankhya and the Mimamsist, as they seem to show their leanings in its favour, in the entire extent of reality, there would be no difference between them and the Jaina. But on occasions both the Sankhya and the Mimamsist lapse into the absolutist attitude and the Jaina thinks this to be an error on their part. The unqualified affirmation by the Sankhya of the identity of the cause and the effect is due to defective use of language or misconception or both. Whatever be the meaning of such assertions, the issue is clear, viz., that the cause and the effect are not entirely identical, but different also. If the effect were entirely identical with the material cause there would be no occasion for the exercise of activity to bring it into existence. The Sankhya may contend that the activity is not futile as it brings about manifestation of an unmanifest effect. But manifestation is a novel thing and if it is held to be identical with the thing manifested, there would be production of a novel effect. If it were different, the manifestation would not relate to the effect. So the pre-existence of the effect is to be understood as having a partial reference. The effect is pre-existent in so far as it is the same substance with the cause and pre-non-existent in so far as it is a new phenomenon. The identity again of the cause and the effect is not to be understood in all its aspects. In other words, the identity is limited in its reference. The effect is partially identical with the cause and different in other respects. This is the position maintained by the Jaina and it has been shown to be inescapable. The escape is possible only by having recourse to the heroic line of action adopted by the Vedantist who repudiates causality as illusory appearance. An elaboration of the absurdities inherent in the absolutist stand adopted by the Sankhya in respect of causality and by the Mimamsist in respect of the eternity of word-essence is uncalled for. There is no via media between non-absolutist realism of

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196 Anekantavada and Syadvada the Jaina and the Vedantist idealism. The Sankhya and the Mimamsist are only half-hearted realists. Whether they are conscious of the implications of their views is not a matter of importance in an objective study of philosophycal problems. But the absolutist attitude taken with regard to causation or to the eternity of word is fraught with grave difficulties, which can be avoided either by the adoption of the non-absolutist standpoint of the Jaina philosophers or by unqualified repudiation of the phenomenal world as made by the Vedantist. The problem of the eternal existence of word has been alluded to by us. It is a pet theory of the Mimamsist. The Mimamsist believes that the 'word' is eternal and ubiquitous. The exercise of the vocal organs is necessary only to make it articulate and amenable to perception. But the question can be decided by a dilemma. Is the quality of articulateness eternally existent in the word or not? On the former alternative the activation of the vocal organ would be uncalled for and the occasional absence of perception of word would be unaccountable. It has been held that the vocal activity is needed to break the veil which prevents its cognition. But the hypothesis of veiling is understandable and may have justification only if it induces a state which is different from the state when the veil is removed. This means a difference either in the word or in the percipient consciousness or in the vocal organ. But all these three are eternal entities and veiling would be incompatible with the absence of change in them. The problem is entirely on a par with that of causation. It may not be inappropriate to remark that word according to the Jaina is a material stuff like earth. It exists even when it is not heard. The material stuff undergoes a change in order to become perceptible. So the Jaina is not in uncompromising opposition to the Mimamsist view of the eternal existence of word, whether perceived or unperceived. But there is a vital difference in this that the Jaina does not maintain that the word-stuff is unchangingly real, which is the position of the Mimamsist. But unchaning existence is a philosophical anomaly. That there is a change of character in a perceived word from the unperceived one is obvious. The only course open to the Mimamsist is this; either he must surrender his theory of unchanging existence and qualify it in the manner of the Jaina, or declare the change and together with it the word, as the substrate of change, to be illusory appearance. As he cannot follow the latter course, he must frankly accept the non-absolutist position.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 197 hieciLV In the previous paragraph we have shown how the acceptance of non-existence as an element in the make-up of reals is inescapable in the philosophy of the Sankhya and the Mimamsist. But the problem cannot be regarded as solved unless the formidable array of arguments of the Carvaka materialist, who denies the reality of non-existence on entirely different grounds, is disposed of. Non-existence as a separate ve category has been denied by the Jaina. It is believed to be an objective real, but only so far as it is an element in the constitution of a real. But hitherto no light has been thrown on the nature of non-existence as a positive fact. But unless we are enabled to form a clear conception of its nature and function the postulation of non-existence will remain a vague assertion. To get down to the brass tacks of philosophy, we propse to take up the question of pre-non-existence and post-non-existence. The constitution of entities is believed by the Jaina to be dynamic. It changes every moment. But change does not mean that one thing is succeeded by another in toto. In that case the concept of change have no meaning. It is the presupposition of change would that the identity of the thing undergoing change is maintained in spite of the change that happens to it. It changes and persists in the same act. Change has no meaning without persistence and the contradiction between change and persistence is only apparent. Let us apply the results attained to the consideration of the problem. Production of an effect implies that a change has taken place in the causal stuff. But the stuff has been undergoing change for all the time whether the effect in question was produced or not. So not mere change but change of a distinctive character can account for the production of a particular effect. To be explicit and precise, it must be held that for every different effect there is a corresponding differential change in the causal stuff, which is directly and unconditionally responsible for the emergence of the effect. If pre-non-existence be the cause of the effect, as admitted by the advocate of non-existence, then it is to be equated with the immediate antecedent phase of the causal stuff. But if the pre-non-existence of the effect consists in the immediate antecedent phase of the causal stuff, the absence of this particular phase in the infinite past history of the causal stuff would entail the existence of the effect in question even before its production. It is held that effect is the negation of its pre-non-existence. Now if the pre-non-existence of the effect is distinctively identified with the immediate antecedent phase of the causal stuff, there is no room for denying that such

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198 Anekantavada and Syadvada antecedent phase was not in existence before. And when the absence of pre-non-existence entails the existence of the effect, its existence during the infinite past career of the causal stuff cannot be prevented by any logic. The consequence is that the Jaina is confronted with the issue of the beginningless existence of the effect to prevent which he trotted out the theory of pre-non-existence. So the admission of pre-non-existence and its denial lead to the same consequence. It may be argued that though the series of antecedent phases prior to the immediate phase do not constitute the pre-non-existence of the effect, still the issue of the previous existence of the effect cannot materialize, because the antecedent phases are numerically different from the effect, and numerical difference is as much a bar to the production of the effect as pre-non-existence is. But in that case the postulation of pre-non-existence is superfluous, as the numerical difference of the series of antecedent phases would prevent the emergence of the effect before its time. One might reply that the postulation of pre-non-existence is made in deference to the dictum that the effect is the negation of pre-non-existence. But since the negation of such pre-non-existence is found in the whole antecedent history of the cause the issue of the pre-existence of the effect is unavoidable. A different approach may be made to find a way out of the cul de sac. It might be maintained that the immediate antecedent phase may be regarded as the prenon-existence of the effect and the effect may be regarded as the destruction of the pre-non-existence. As the phases previous to the phase called pre-non-existence do not constitute the destruction of the pre-non-existence, the question of the pre-existence of the effect does not arise. But the defence smacks of the Buddhist position which holds the destruction of the previous moment and the origination of the next moment as equivalent. The Jaina cannot consistently adopt this position as he maintains that pre-non-existence is devoid of a beginning. Being unbounded by a previous time-limit it cannot be identified with the immediate antecedent phase, which is bounded by all that goes before and comes after. If, in the alternative, it is held to be distinct from all the previous phases of the causal stuff as identification with any one phase would raise all the diffculties, the pre-non-existence would not be an element in the being of the cause, which is the Vaisesika position, and it has been found to be unacceptable. The beginningless existence of pre-non-existence may how

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 199 ever be asserted to be a fact with reference to its identity with the causal substance, as the substance qua substance exists from eternity. But this seems to be a poor defence. If pre-non-existence be given a beginningless status on the basis of its identity with beginningless substance, it would be regarded as destitute of end also, as substance qua substance has no end. But in the case of endless persistence of pre-non-existence there would be no occasion for the emergence of the effect, as the effect can come into existence only on the cessation of pre-non-existence. So pre-non-existence as a part of existent has no logical sanction. Nor can it be held to be an independent category, as there is no proof of it. It may be contended that such judgments as 'the jar was not existent before its origination' are ccgnisant of non-existence. But the contention falls through as judgments like 'There is no post-non-existence in pre-non-existence' have also reference to non-existence, but nobody believes in the existence of non-existence in another non-existence, as such belief would involve an infinite series of non-existences. If it is held that the series of non-existences are not numerically different, but one and the same, the four types of non-existence would become one indistinguishable fact-a consequence which cannot be accepted by the advocate of objective non-existence. It has been arged by the Vaisesika that the above criticism may be successful against those who believe non-existence to be identical with existence. But non-existence is a separate principle, as it is always determined by a positive entity. Non-existence is always understood as non-existence of positive reals, e.g., the non-existence of pen or chair has chair and pen as its determinants. The determinatum is of a different order of being from the determinant and so non-existence as a different principle is to be admitted. But the argument has no cogency. A quality is a determinant of a substance, but the two are equally positive. It is thus not proved that the determinant and determinatum must be of different kinds of being. The objectivity of pre-non-existence will be exploded by the following dialectic. Pre-non-existence may be conceived to have both a beginning and an end; secondly, it may be conceived as having a beginning, but no end; thirdly, it may lack both the limits--that is to say, it may have neither beginning nor end; fourthly, it may have no beginning but may have an end. In the first alternative, the production of effect prior to pre-nonexistence would not be barred out. In the second, there would be no

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200 Anekantavada and Syadvada subsequent production as pre-non- existence is without end. In the third, there would be no effect at any time as pre-non-existence is eternal. The fourth alternative is no doubt the accepted position. But the question may be pertinently raised whether pre-nonexistence is one self-identical fact with reference to all effects or its number varies with the number of effects. If it be one, it would cease when even one effect is produced and there being no other pre-non-existence to preclude their production, all possible effects would emerge simultaneously at that moment. Of course the contingency does not arise if each effect is supposed to have a separate pre-non-existence corresponding to it. But it would occasion another difficulty. Let it be true that each effect has its own pre-non-existence, which ceases when the effect comes into being. But has the pre-non-existence in question an independent ontological status or is it dependent upon the positive real to which it relates ? An independent pre-non-existence cannot be regarded as non-being, as non-being is by your very definition a determinant of being and an independent principle cannot be determinant of anything. Let it be supposed that is is dependent upon a positive real. But the only entity upon which it can be supposed to depend is its relative negatum. But the negatum is non est while pre-non-existence persists and the latter ceases to be when the negatum comes into being. So the relation of dependence or independence of prenon-existence in regard to the negatum is unthinkable. But there is a third possibility which may avoid the alleged difficulties. Let pre-non-existence be one and its diversity be supposed to be a relational characteristic with no ontological status. So the contingency of simultaneous emergence of all possible effects on the cessation of pre-non-existence does not arise, for relational diversity will continue as effects will come into being in succession. But if the diversity of pre-non-existence be only relational and not real, then there would be no logical necessity for postulating four types of non-existence. One non-existence in relation to timedivisions, prior and posterior, may appear as pre-non-existence and post-non-existence. The same non-existence, again as related to all the divisions of time, past, present and future, will assume the role of absolute non-existence and that of mutual non-existence with reference to the mutual relation of diverse reals. But if one non-existence may function as diverse types of non-existence, in spite of the lack of intrinsic diversity, why should not reality as

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 201 such play the role of non-existence? The Jaina and the Mimamsist have made out a plausible case for non-existence as a part of reality. But as there is no proof of the existence of non-being in all its varieties apart from reals, it stands to reason that positive reals alone should be supposed to account for the different concepts of non-existence. There is no necessity that all our concepts should be grounded in objective reality and as regards non-existennce the opponent has been compelled to concede that varieties of non-existence are more or less unreal constructions. The Carvaka would conclude that non-existence as such as a metaphysical fiction, uncritically hypostatized as an objective fact on the evidence of concepts, which do not stand the test of critical analysis. Non-existence, whether as a part of positive reals or an independent fact having no logical sanction, should be boldly asserted to be a fiction, pure and simple. The Jaina does not believe that the Carvaka has made out an unimpeachable case for the unreality of negation. The idea of negation is there, and there is no reason why it should be an ungrounded illusion. It is not an illusion, as it is not invalidated by the testimony of subsequent experience. Whether one may like the idea or not, one cannot get rid of it as much as one cannot get rid of the idea of existence. If non-existence be a metaphysical fiction, there is no reason for preferential treatment of existence. Both should be discarded or accepted without reservation. Of course the Vaisesika view of independent non-existence is riddled with difficulties. But non-existence as an element in the make-up of positive existents should be regarded as factual. The objections of the Carvaka are not insurmountable. Of course, the position would be hopeless if the sceptic's objections were backed by logic. Let us examine whether the difficulties are real or only conjured up by sophistry. Let it be granted that the immediate antecedent phase of the causal stuff constitutes the pre-non-existence of the relevant effect. Yet, the consequence alleged, that there would be continuous existence of the effect throughout the past except at the last moment when the immediate phase comes into being, would not arise. The difficulty raised by the Carvaka, if sincere is due to the oversight of the difference between post-non-existence and other types of non-existence. The effect is the negation of pre-non-existence, whereas the immediate antecedent phase of the cause is the pre-non-existence of the effect. It was not in evidence in the past and

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202 Anekantavada and Svadvada so the question of its post-non-existence before its emergence and consequently the emergence of the effect before its time have no raison d'etre. There is the absence of pre-non-existence and of the effect both in the past, and there is not incongruity in it. The effect is incompatible with the presence of pre-non-existence and not with its absence. The absence of the pre-non-existence in the past history of the cause is itself an instance of pre-non-existence and thus if the infinite past series of pre-non-existence be regarded as one whole, the continuity of pre-non-existence in the past, which is the import of the dictum that pre-non-existence is without beginning, is established. The same result is reached even if pre-non-existence be asserted to be identical with the causal substance. The causal substance is without beginning. The issue of endless continuity of pre-non-existence would not arise, since the identity of pre-non-existence is maintained with the causal substance only in so far as it is bereft of the effect. And as there is no time in the past when the causal substance is destitute of the absence of effect, the continuity of pre-non-existence in the infinite past is assured. Again as the substance qualified by the absence of the effect ceases to be when it cornes to be vested with the effect, which is only a modification of the causal substance, the pre-non-existence qua the qualified substance also ceases. The endless continuity of the effect would not therefore be possible. It is to be distinctly recognized that there is a vital difference between the causal stuff as qualified by the absence of the effect and the same as qualified by the presence of the effect. The absence of the effect previous to the emergence of the effect is of the nature of pre-non-existence and not numerical difference (itaretarabhava), and the same again subsequent to the effect is of the nature of post-non-existence and not again numerical difference. The objections raised by the Carvaka on the basis of numerical difference are therefore absolutely irrelevant. The pre-non-existence of the effect in the past and its post-non-existence in future are not jeopardized in any event whether the said pre-non-existence is regarded as identical with the immediate antecedent phase or with the causal substance as one whole. We now propose to consider another problem raised as a side-issue in this connection. Let it be granted that the Jaina has succeeded in proving that pre-non-existence is continuous throughout the infinite past. But in that case it would not be liable to cessation,

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 203 as a thing which is without a beginning is of necessity without an end also. Even if exception is made in the case of non-existence as done by the Vaisesika, the rule is inflexible so far as existent things are concerned. The Jaina makes out both pre-non-existence and post-non-existence to be entitative in character and this exposes him to the charge advanced. But the Jaina does not believe in the universality of the rule that whatever is beginningless is also endless or vice versa. The Vaisesika contention is not endorsed as non-existence apart from and independent of an entity is held to be a fiction. But everybody, who believes in the salvation of souls, must admit that the unblessed condition of the transmigratory soul is brought to an end on the cessation of bondage despite the fact that it is without a beginning. The converse of the proposition that whatever is endless is also without a beginning is also not true. Salvation is endless. Nobody believes that a saved soul again returns to the cycle of birth and death. But though endless it is not without a beginning. It is an event in the history of a soul and thus is a definite chronological fact. The rule breaks out in this instance again. The conclusion is inevitable that pre-non-existence is a fact and a positive fact at that, the denial of which entails the absurdity of the continuous existence of the effect in the infinite past. There is no incongruity in the fact that though positive it should be construed in terms of negation. It is true that the negative judgment 'there was no jar in the past' arises only on the emergence of the jar. It is also true that the pre-non-existence of the jar is a positive real, being regarded as identical with the immediate antecedent phase of the causal stuff or the causal stuff as a whole. But it is not necessarily true that a positive fact is always interpreted by an affirmative judgment or that it is repugnant to a negative judgment. The vacant ground is referred to by the negative judgment viz., 'There is no jar on the ground', although the content of the judgment is nothing more than the positive fact, the ground. We shall conclude the present chapter by adverting to the problem of post-non-existence and happily it will prove a lighter task as all the formidable difficulties have been disposed of in the course of the dissertation on pre-non-existence. Post-non-existence is also a positive real. It is identical with the phase of the causal stuff which arises on the emergence of the effect. The emergence of the effect implies the cessation of the previous phase. To take a

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204 Anekantavada and Syadvada concerete example. When a jar is shattered to pieces by the stroke of a club, it is replaced by potsherds. There is a change in the material cause, viz., the clay-substance. It was previously of the shape of the jar and upon the destruction of the jar it assumes the shape of potsherds. The clay continues as a substance despite the change of shapes. Shapes are but passing phases and their appearance and disappearance do not affect the identity of the causal substance in which they occur. The disappearance of the previous phase does not imply that the cause ceases to exist--which is the position of the Buddhist fluxist. The appearance of the subsequent phase is construed as the disappearance of the previous phase. So post-non-existence is nothing but the immediate subsequent phase, just as pre-non-existence has been found to be identical with the immediate previous phase. The immediate previous phase qua pre-non-existence is the cause of the subsequent phase qua post-non-existence. And though post-nonexistence as identical with the subsequent phase does not and cannot persist through the endless course of time and ceases to exist on the appearance of a third phase, still the cessation of post-non-existence would not entail the resurrection of the defunct negatum. This will be evident from a consideration of the relative character of cause and effect. The emergence of effect is possible only on the disappearance of the antecedent phase of the cause and so there is opposition between effect and cause. It is the effect which is hostile to the cause provided the cause and effect are understood as passing phases. But the cause even as the phase is not hostile to the effect, as emergence of the cause is not in any way dependent upon the cessation of the effect. The cause, on the other hand, is conducive to the emergence of the effect. Since the emergence of the cause is not identical with the cessation of the effect, though the emergence of the effect is identical with the cessation of the cause, the cessation of the effect would not entail the re-emergence of the defunct cause. But what about the dictum that post-non-existence is endless ? The dictum can be justified by the same line of argument as applied in the case of pre-non-existence. Though the particular non-existence as identical with a phase of the causal substance cannot continue in future, the post-non-existence of the first non-existence and that of the second and third and so on to infinity will continue unhampered. And the infinite chain of post-non-existences in future will each

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 205 typify the non-existence of the defunct cause. Thus the endlessness of post-non-existence will be assured, even when the causal relation is understood to subsist between the passing phases. But if the whole causal substance irrespective of the passing phases in considered as one identity which it is in virtue of its character as substance, the problem of endless continuity of post-non-existence will find an easy solution. The substance continues as substance even after the disappearance of the passing phase known as post-non-existence. An example may elucidate the point we are maintaining. The jar is transformed into potsherds and potsherds may again be transformed into a mass of powder. The potsherds represent the post-non-existence of the jar and the powder represents the post-non-existence of the potsherds. But the emergence of the mass of powder would not entail the revival of the iar on the ground that the potsherds constituted the post-non-existence of the jar. So though the clay-stuff will continue without end, it will never come to be re-invested with a defunct phase. It is a wholesome truth which it will be wise for us to remember that there is not revival in the scheme of things. There may be emergence of a similar phenomenon and this may be mistaken for the revival of the past event. What is past is irrevocably gone. We may expect a better state of things or a worse state of things, but there is neither stagnation nor revival. This is a momentous truth, which has its value not only for the professional philosophers, but also for reformers and philanthropists. A correct realization of this philosophical truth will save much useless lamentation for the past and will put the reformer in a correct perspective. Instead of trying to restore the old order of things, the reformer should address himself to bring about a better and happier state of affairs. This does not mean that the past has no lesson for us. The laws of nature, spiritual and material alike, are eternal verities and the past will be a source of inspiration and enlightenment if it is studied as the field of verification of these laws. The study of history should enable us to avoid the mistakes and disappointments of our ancestors by understanding the root-causes of their failure. The past failure lay in the failure of understanding the laws of nature and the discovery of the truth will serve as a warning against the repetition of past errors. The knowledge of the achievements and glories of our ancestors should help us and inspire us with hope for the future, as by the

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206 Anekantavada and Syadvada pursuit of the same causes and effects, by observance of the same discipline and avoidance of past errors we may be enabled to achieve, though not a new heaven on earth, at least a better and worthier world. It is some comfort that philosophy in spite of its dry dialectic and forbidding use of logic is not without a lesson for the practical man of the world. The Jaina conception of the dynamic constitution of reality and the eternity of existence may be applied in the various fields of human activity to ensure our progress towards the summum bonum, which is the goal of our destiny. The Dialectic of Sevenfold Predication The Jaina affirms that an existent is possessed of an infinite number of attributes, and though the knowledge of infinite attributes is not attainable on this side of omniscience, the affirmation or negation of a predicate is not untrue. The affirmation or negation gives only a slice of the existent, but that does not afford a reason to doubt its authenticity. The most characteristic contribution of Jaina thinkers lies in their formulation of the theory of sevenfold predication, which for its originality and novelty roused the philosophical conscience of India at the time of its promulgation. We do not undertake the baffling task of tracing the chronological landmarks in the evolution of this theory and we deliberately address ourselves to the purely philosophical interest and value that this theory possesses in so far as it has been interpreted by philosphers of the Jaina school from the medieval ages down to very recent times. Our interest is purely philosophical and we leave the historical problem to be tackled by other scholars. The Jaina asserts that even the knowledge of a single attribution in respect of a substance must assume the form of seven modes, if it is to be free from obscurity and inadequacy. The sevenfold predication is, thus, a representation of this sevenfold conception and is expressed in a set of seven distinct propositions from which the knowledge of mutually consistent predicates, affirmative or negative, in respect of one subject is derived. The full predication of an attribute, it is asserted, requires seven distinct propositions and an additional proposition is superfluous and the suppression of any one results in incomplete knowledge. But why should the number be seven, neither more nor less ? The anwer is that each proposition is an answer to a question, possible or actual. And only sevenfold query is possible with regard to a thing. The questions are seven because our desire of knowledge with regard to any subject assumes seven forms in answer to our doubts, which are also seven.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 207 Doubts are seven because the attributes, which are the objects of doubt, are only of seven kinds. So, the sevenfold assertion is not the result of a mere subjective necessity, which has nothing to do with the objective status of attributes. All assertions are in the last resort traceable to an objective situation, which actually possesses seven modes or attributes as an ontological truth. The seven attributes are, thus, real properties in a subject and they are stated as predicates in seven different propositions (bhangas). The assertions derive their genesis from an initial doubt which is occasioned by the prima facie opposition of the positive and negative attributes. Take a concrete example of the attribute of existence, and we can illustrate the sevenfold proposition. Does a pen exist or not ? This is an instance of doubt, since the opposition of existence and non-existance is seif-evident. The predicates, it should be remembered, are but the expressions of real attributes. The full formulation of the predictaes will assume the form as follows: (1) existence in a specific context); (2) non-existence in another specific context); (3) successive occurrence of both the attributes; (4) inexpressibility; (5) inexpressibility as qualified by the first predicate: (6) inexpressibility as qualified by the second; (7) inexpressibility as qualified by the third. These are seven attributes which are expressed by seven propositions. The same rule holds good of any other attribute. The seven propositions distinctly stated will be as follows: (1) The pen exists (in a certain context); (2) the pen does not exist in another context); (3) the pen exists and does not exist (respectively in its own context and in a different context); (4) the pen is inexpressible (qua having both existence and non-existence as its attributes at the same time); (5) the pen existes (in its own context) and is inexpressible; (6) the pen does not exist ( in other than its own context) and is inexpressible; (7) the pen exists and does not exist and is inexpressible. All these assertions are to be understood as subject to the conditions which objectively demarcate the attributes. Thus, existence can be predicated of the pen only in relation to a definite context. The pen exists in so far as it is a substance and a specific substance at that. that is to say, in so far as it is a pen. Thus, existence can be predicated of it conformably to reality only by qualifiying it by a necessary proviso indicated above. Again, the pen exists in its own space which it occupies and in the time in which it is known to 4. bhangah sattadayah sapta, samsayah sapta tadgatah, jijnasah sapta, sapta syuh prasnah, saptottarany api, SBHT, p. 5.

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208 Anekantavada and Syadvada endure. Further, the pen has a particular size, colour and shape and so on. The pen is not the pen if it is abstracted from these attributes which give it a definitive individuality. Thus, substance (dravya), attribute (bhava), time (kala) and space (ksetra), form the context, in relation to which an attribute, existence etc. can be predicated. As has been observed more than once, the affirmation of an attribute necessarily involves the negation of its opposite, and, thus, the predication of the opposite attribute is also a logical necessity. The existence of a pen is necessarily bound up with its non-existence in an other context. So both are to be predicated. But a question naturally arises. If existence and non-existence are understood in relation to definite contexts, then there is not only no opposition between them, but one is the necessary concomitant of the other. Such being the case. there is no possibility of a doubt regarding them, and in the absence of doubt, no enquiry is felt and, consequently, no answer is necessary. Where then is the psychological necessity which was propounded as the basis and occasion of the sevenfold predication ? The answer is that the opposition in question is not between existence and non-existence as part-characteristics, but between unqualified existence and qualified existence. The affirmation of existence is, thus, necessary in order to rebut the possibility of unqualified existence irrespective of time, place, substance and attribute, which give the predicate a determinate reference. Thus, the assertion of the first proposition is logically necessary and significant. And if, again, we are to take the opposition to refer to the opposite of existence, viz., non-existence, there would not be any difficulty either, as non-existence, too, is to be understood in an unrestricted reference. The assertion of determinate existence in the first proposition, thus, rebuts the possibility of absolute non-existence or absolute existence. The second proposition is also significant as there is opposition between determinate non-existence and absolute non-existence or absolute existence. It can be shown in this way that each predicate is asserted in response to a logical necessity, viz., the exclusion of its opposite. It may be contended that the opposites under consideration viz., absolute existence or absolute non-existence, are not objective facts, as no existent is known to have absolute existence or absolute non-existence as its characteristic. Thus, the opposite in question is unreal and the exlusion of an unreal opposite is not necessary, as an unreal fact cannot be the object of doubt. But the contention is not true to psychology. Though absolute existence or non-existence be

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 209 not real facts, it cannot be denied that a thing may be conceived as existent or non-existent without reference to their ontological context. Though not ontologically real, absolute existence or non-existence is conceivable, and doubt as a psychical fact has reference to this conception. So, the charge of lack of logical necessity for the sevenfold proposition is not founded ipon a fact. The opposition is a logical relation and it is not necessary that the opposite must be of the same ontological status. The very fact, that absolute existence is opposed to even limited non-existence, and absolute non-existence is not compatible even with limited existence, shows that the relation is true, though as a matter of fact, absolute existence and absolute non-existence are not ontologically real. The Vedantist, who holds absolute existence to be the only reality, cannot believe in the reality of non-existence, absolute or qualified. Similarly the Sunyavadin who does not believe in any existence, absolute or limited, cannot but regard absolute non-existence as standing in opposition to existence. The opposition between existence and non-existence has, thus, a logical or psychological value and does not involve the reality of the terms in opposition. It is enough if the other opposite is conceivable. In point of fact, opposition may hold between two ontological facts or between an ontological fact and an unreal fiction, provided it is psychologically conceivable. The first two propositions in the sevenfold chain of predication are, thus, logically valid and psychologically necessary inasmuch as they serve to exclude absolute existence or absolute non-existence from their respective loci. The insertion of the qualifying phrase "syat.' which emphasises the relative truth of the predication, is dictated by a twofold necessity of, firstly, furnishing a necessary proviso and, secondly, a corrective against the absolutist ways of thought and evaluation of reality. In the evaluation of the necessity and justice to the assertions in the chain of sevenfold predication, which the Jaina thinks to be the universally valid form, whatever be the predicates, we shall have to take into considertaion two facts, one logical and another ontological. The logical criterion is satisfid by considering whether the assertion is in response to a genuine desire for knowledge of a fact and the ontological criterion is the consideration whether the assertion is true of the fact. The word fact is to be understood in the present context as standing for anything possessed of a characteristic. In the first proposition the pen exists,' existence is predicated of the pen. The

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210 Anekantavada and Syadvada existence is a determinate characteristic having reference to a definite context. But is there any necessity for this assertion ? Does not the factuality of the pen carry the assurance of existence by itself? The answer is simple. The proposition in question may be viewed as analytical and synthetical according to our intellectual equipment and psyshological interest. If perfect knowledge were possible, the assertion would be redundant for such a person, as nothing is unknown to such an omniscient person; but philosophical enquiry is instituted only for the benefit of persons who are aspirant for perfect knowledge, but have not reached the level. A perfect man, who knows all things and each thing as possessed of characteristics which follow from the very nature of each, will regard all assertions as analytical. But the consummation is not the possession of imperfect human beings like us, for whom the growth of knowledge is a slow process proceeding by stages, and for such each stage is a discovery attained after a laborious investigation of the nature of reality. It is not necessarily true that existence is understood only as a part of the connotation of the subject, since there has been a class of thinkers who call in question the reality of all things in an unrestricted reference. Again, 'existence' by itself is not capable of being understood in a uniform sense. Existence may be absolute or relative and, as such, there is room for misconception. Moreover, the assertion of all predicates is subjected to a question, which has been made a peg upon which the idealist and the sceptic hang their respective theories Is the predicate a real characteristic of the subject, which belongs to it in its own right, or a characteristic which is foisted upon it from outside ? In the first alternative, the predicate is useless as it does not assert anything new. In the second alternative, it is false as it does not belong to the subject of which it is affirmed. But the question is neither fair nor sincere. The necessity of predication lies in the subjective necessity of attaining knowledge of an objectively real characteristic. The very fact that there has been a difference of views among philosophers about the authenticity of the predication shows that the problem is not so simple as the question seems to indicate. The predicate 'existence' may be a part of the connotation of the subject, but it is discovered only after the meaning of the assertion is understood and verified. So the proposition is synthetic before it is ascertained and verified, and is analytic after such discovery. The sceptic ought to be satisfied by the answer that all propositions are analytical to an omniscient soul, but synthetical to an enquirer of

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 211 truth, who has his doubts and difficulties about everything. The Jaina asserts that unguarded predications have been a source of confusion and misconception in the history of philosophical speculations, and in the interests of precision of thought and clarity of our conception it is imperative that the predicates should be so asserted that the chances of misconception are eliminated as far as possible. It is for this reason that he adds the corrective proviso syat to every assertion, which serves as a warning-post. But it is certain that whatever attribute may be predicated, it must not be understood to exclude the other attributes. Every predicate involves the concomitance of its opposite, and we shall see that the compresence of the two gives rise to a different attribute. Each predicate in the sevenfold proposition is distinct and different from the rest and so none of the propositions is superfluous. That the first predicate is different from the second is obvious. 'Existence' and 'non-existence' are not the same attribute. The combination of the two, successive or synchronous, gives rise to a distinct attribute and so also the combination of the these derivative attributes with the original attributes of the first two modes is the occasion for the emerge novel attributes. But however much we may vary the combination, the number of attributes and consequently the number of propositions will neither be more nor less than seven. It is to be remembered that the seven attributes stated as seven predicates in the sev propositions are numerically different from one anoth secondly, that whatever ways of permutation and combination may be resorted to, the number of the attributes and of the consequential modes will remain constant. We now propose to substantiate the thesis stated here in dogmatic form by arguments. Assuming for the present that the seven propositions state seven numerically different attributes, it may be questioned why the combination of the first and the third, and of the second and the third, modes should not give rise to different attributes in their turn. The successive occurrence of the first two attributes, positive and negative, is believed to evolve that third attribute, and it is quite conceivable that the same law of synthesis should operate in the combination of the first and second attributes respectively with the third, which is believed to be distinct and different from the first and second. If this possibility is conceded, we should have two other additional attributes and, consequently, two other additional modes and propositions. In answer to this question the Jaina avers, that the

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212 Anekantavada and Syadvada assertion of the first and third attributes, either successive or synchronous, does not evolve a novel attribute is obvious from the consideration that the combination of the first and third attributes involves false tautology. The first proposition states existence as the predicate and the third asserts a combination of existence and non-existence as two distinct individuals. The combination would imply the addition of another 'existence'. But neither experience nor reflection reveals the reality of two existences in the subject. The combination may result in such a proposition as 'The pen exists and exists and does not exist'. But the assertion of existence twice is useless, as the pen does not appear to have more than one existence. It may be contended that the existence of the pen, as qualified by the pen-character, and the existence of the pen, as qualified by the character of the stuff of which it is made, are different and so the assertion of the two existences is neither illegitimate nor unnecessary. But the contention is hollow. Granted that the existence of the pen qua pen and its existence qua 'wood' are different, the latter existence as contrasted with its non-existence qua earthy substance would necessitate another sevenfold proposition. The upshot is that the predication of double existence in the same reference is logically impossible as it is ontologically false. It is maintained that the sevenfold predication as generated by a psychological and a logical necessity, which are based upon an ontological situation, and further that the predicates, in their different combinations, are to be understood in reference to the same context and not different contexts. The apparently 'identical pen' in reference to different material, as e.g., the pen made of the wood and the pen made of steel, is only identical in one reference, but as concrete existents they are not absolutely the same. In the sevenfold predication, the subject and the predicate are to be understood as standing for the same ontological facts, subject to the same universe of discourse. The subject "pen' in all the seven propositions is the same pen, of the same material, and not of different material. The combination of the first and third propositions is, thus, not logically factual. The combination of the second and third modes is equally a logical impossibility. The nonexistence of the pen as other than pen is one identical attribute and the addition of another non-existence is logically false and ontologically unreal. It follows that the emergence of two other additional modes as the result of the synthesis of the first and second modes with the third alternately is not possible, logically and ontologically, and,

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 213 consequently, the number of propositions cannot be multiplied. But a difficulty may be raised with regard to the last three modes, which arise from the synthesis of the first three modes consequently with the fourth mode. The fourth predicate is inexpressibility, which is but the abbreviated formula for the simultaneous co-existence of the positive and the negative attributes asserted in the first two propositions. "The pen is inexpressible' is but an abbreviated assertion of the attributes of existence and non-existence at the same time in the same subject. Such being the case, the combination of the first and the fourth modes is not any more possible than in the case of the first and the third modes. The fifth mode is but the systhesis of the first and the fourth, but this should be impossible in view of the impossibility of the coincidence of two existences. The sixth mode should also be regarded as an impossibility, as the coincidence of two non-existences in the same reference is ontologically impossible and logically absurd. The seventh, again, being a combination of the first, second, third and fourth modes is vitiated by the same defect. But the difficulty raised is unreal. The simultaneous compresence of the positive and negative attributes, e.g., of existence and non-existence, is not a mere summation of the two attributes, existence plus non-existence, nor is the expression, "inexpressibility' only an abbreviaied formula for the combination of the such attributes. The compresence of the two opposite attributes is no doubt a fact, but the very compresence of the two attributes engenders a novel attribute, which is incapable of being expressed by human language. The inexpressibility is a synthetic attribute, different from its elements, and, so, the combination of the first, second and third attributes is neither ontologically impossible nor logically absurd. We shall subject the concept of inexpressibility to a further scrutiny when we shall discuss its difference from the third attribute. To be brief, the import of the seven propositions may be asserted as follows. The first proposition asserts 'existence as the principal predicate, the second asserts 'non-existence'; the third both existence and non-existence in succession, the fourth 'inexpressibility'; the fifth inexpressibility as qualified by 'existence', the sixth affirms the same as qualified by non-existence; and the seventh asserts inexpressibility as qualified by the successively occurring existence and non-existence. The assertion of the predicates only 'serves to emphasise the prominence of the attributes as psychologically felt. It is a matter of attention and interest that stress is laid upon one, but it

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214 Anekantavada and Syadvada never means that the precedence accorded to it excludes the other attribute. The affirmation of existence in the first proposition does not exclude "non-existence', which is stated in the second proposition, but implies it. We shall deal with the matter at greater length later on. A question may be raised. If 'inexpressibility' be a distinct attribute, why should not 'expressibility be considered another different attribute being its opposite ? If so, the assertion that attributes are of seven kinds only falls to the ground and, consequently, there should be eight modes of predication. But the Jaina does not think that expressibility is a novel attribute. That a thing is expressible as existent or non-existent is implied in the first two propositions, and, so, the predication of expressibility would not serve an additional purpose. And if for the sake of argument 'expressibility' be regarded as a novel attribute different from existence and non-existence and so on, still this would not cause a difficulty, as the attribute 'expressibility' together with its opposite 'inexpressibility' would give rise to a new sevenfold predication, as was seen to be the case with the attribute of existence and non-existence. We have seen that the number of propositions cannot be multiplied further than seven. But is it not possible to reduce the number ? Are the attributes, whatever be their logical status, ontologically different ? But the attributes, existence and non-existence, are not ontologically different. A pen is existent qua pen and non-existent qua not-pen. But ontologically the existence of the pen is not different from its non-existence as not pen. The difference is only relative and as such is only an intellectual construction. The difference, though psychologically necessary, does not argue the ontological reality of two attributes. So, the first two propositons are not logically necessary, since either of them is adequate to account for the other. With the collapse of the first two propositions as logically superfluous, the rest of the propositions will fall to the ground automatically as they are founded upon the former in the ultimate analysis. It is submitted in reply that the position, no doubt, follows from the denial of negation as a factual characteristic, but the denial of the factuality of negaiion has been shown to lead to absurdities. It will suffice to observe that 'existence is always determined by the self-identity of an entity and non-existence has reference to another entity in respect of another identity. So, the determinants of existence and non-existence are different and,

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 215 consequently, the determined should also be held to be different. Existence, undetermined by reference to the individuality of different entities, is only a blank abstraction. The existence of the pen is determined by its self-identity, and the self-identity in the very act of determining its existence implies its non-existence in the role of another entity possessing an identity different from it. Thus, it is the self-identity of an entity that determines its existence and the non-existence is determined by other-identity. Without these determinants, existence and non-existence are but nonsensical terms. It is the diversity of determinants which constitutes the diversity of the entities and the difference of existence and non-existence as ontological facts. If existence and non-existence were not ontologically different, a pen should be existent as not-pen as it is qua pen and should be non-existent qua pen as it is non-existent qua not-pen. That the difference between existence and non-existence, as entailed by the difference of determinants (avacchedaka), is real and factual difference can also be deduced from an analysis of the import of the positive and negative propositions. There is a material difference between the propositions The jar exists on the ground and the jar does not exist on the ground.' The first proposition asserts the presence of the jar and the second asserts the absence of the jar, on the ground. If there were no difference between presence and absence, absence of the jar could be asserted even when the jar was present. But this is not possible and this is proof of the difference of existence and non-existence. The Buddhist insists on the triple characteristic of a logical probans as the ground for inferring the probandum. The probans, e.g., smoke, niust be shown to exist in the subject (minor term) and in the homologue (sapaksa) and to be absent from the heterologue. If there were no difference between existence and non-existence, the triple character would be impossible. The result may be summed up as follows. The first two propositions are significant and neither is a reduplication of the other. But what is the raison d'etre of the third proposition ? The third proposition only states the successive occurrence of the two predicates noticed above. Suppose that a jar and a chair are successively perceived in a room and we assert the existence of the two entities therein. But the two are not different from each one of them. If 'two' is but a summation of the units, the third proposition is nothing but a summation of the first two. But the Jaina here would appeal to experience. That the combination of two units gives rise to

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216 Anekantavada and Syadvada a separate entity is a matter of experience. Take for instance the word go'. It is nothing but the successive occurrence of two letters 'g' and o'. That the word 'go' is different from both 'g' or 'o' is a matter of perception. If the distinctive unity of the word 'go' were not a fact, and it were identical with the constituent letters, the pronunciation of 'g' or 'o' would be sufficient for communicating the meaning of 'go'. It cannot be, therefore, denied that the successive presence of two things gives rise to a third thing, which has a distinctive individuality from the constituent elements. We can elucidate the matter by adding further examples. A garland of flowers has no existence outside the flower-units, no doubt. But it cannot be denied that the garland is different from the flower-units, as the latter, outside the juxtaposition that gives rise to a garland, do not serve the purpose of a garland. It is a matter of experience, and not of pure logic, that the combination of two units gives rise to a distinct third, which is both different and non-different from the constituent units. The Jaina is emphatically empiricist here as elsewhere, when the nature of existence of an entity becomes the object of a doubt. The Buddhist and other idealistic logicians would scent a contradiction in such cases, but this is only another instance of the incompetency of pure logic to deal with the nature of existents a priori and independently of experience. The third proposition, it has been seen is not a mere reduplication of the first two. That the combination of the predicates of the two propositions is a different predicate is, we trust, I to sincere doubt. Let us now consider whether the fourth proposition is logically necessary. The logical necessity of the fourth proposition can be established if the simultaneous presence of two attributes can be shown to evolve an attribute distinct from the attributes predicated in the third proposition. The fourth predicate 'inexpressibility', it is urged, is but the abbreviated formula for occurrence of the positive and negative attributes. The third predicate also states the presence of these two. The difference between the third and fourth predicates consists in the difference of time of their occurrence. But is the difference of time a proof of an ontological difference ? Let us consider the proposition, 'There are pen and paper on the table.' Our knowledge of the presence of pen and paper, in so far as it is derived from the knowledge of the proposition, is no doubt derived in succession. But this is due to the exigency of attribution, which cannot take place in one and the same time. It is obvious that the difference in the time of our cognitions cannot argue an ontological

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 217 difference. The presence of the two in one substratum is a fact which does not admit of a difference in the nature of their existence, though there may be a difference in the time-order of their cognition. The difference is at most subjective. Some exponents of the Jaina dialectic have tried to meet the objection on logical grounds. They assert that though there may be no ontological difference between the third and the fourth predicates, the logical difference between them cannot be denied. The difference is a matter of formal logic, and this is not incompatible with the lack of objective material difference. After all, the sevenfold predication is only a series of formal predications, the validity of which is to be deterimined by canons of formal consistency. The demands of formal consistency can be satisfied by the application of the test of redundance. The fourth proposition would be redundant, if its import were self-identical with that of the third in form. But the identity of formal import is not present in these two proposions. This will be apparent from the consideration of the import of two propositions we have given in the beginning of the present chapter. "The pen exists and does not exist is the third proposition and the pen is inexpressible' is the fourth proposition. The predicate "inexpressible' is but the abbreviated formula for the simultaneous presence of existence and non-existence in the subject, 'pen'. Even admitting that there is no material difference between the successive presentation and the siinultaneous presentation of the two attributes in the selfsame substratum, the difference in the formal import of the two propositions in not liable to doubt. In the third proposition, the principal predicate is non-existence, and existence is only its adjectival adjunct. In the fourth proposition the predicate consists of both existence and non-existence having co-equal status and prominarice. In the latter proposition 'existence' is not a mere appendix to non-existence, which is the case in the third proposition. Thus there is no logical redundancy and this is the logical warrant for their separate assertion. But this defence of the fourth proposition on grounds of formal logic has not commented itself to all. The difference must be ontological and objective, otherwise the sevenfold predication would be only a matter of subjective necessity, which should not have validity apart from its foundation in objective truth. Moreover, this formal defence would not preclude the admission of two other propositions in addition to the seven. The order of predication may be reversed in the third and seventh propositions, and this should

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218 Anekantavada and Syadvada occasion two other propositions, the predicates having different formal import. Thus instead of asserting existence and non-existence in the order noted above, one may assert non-existence first and existence next, e.g., the proposition may be stated as "The pen docs not exist and exists.' Here the element of non-existence is given the formal status of an adjective to 'existence', and, so, its logical import is different from that of the third. In the seventh proposition the same reversal of the order of the two elements, existence and non-existence, would yield a different formal import. If formal logic were the determinant of the sevenfold predication, the introduction of the two additional propositions resulting from the admitted formal difference of import cannot be debarred by any logic. The difference of the predicates in the third and fourth propositions must be shown to be based upon a material difference, or either of them has to be expunged. Later exponents of the sevenfold dialectic are emphatically of the opinion that the difference is material and objective and not formal or subjective. The third predicate asserts the co-equal primacy of the two predicates taken together and the fourth predicate stands for a new attribute different from both. Let us examine the import of the predicates of the seven propostions seriatim, and the material difference of the attributes will become apparent. The first predicate 'existence' is true, as the reality of the subject in its own context cannot be denied. The pen is really existent in so far as it is its own self. But this does not give us full insight into the nature of the pen. The pen is pen only because it is not not-pen. It can have a determinate existence only by virtue of its non-existence as anything else than pen. This attribute is asserted in the second proposition. Thus each of the two attributes belongs to the pen. But each by itself does not lay bare the individuality, but the two together do. The compresence of the two, again, does not exhaust the nature of the pen. It is equally a felt fact that the compresence gives rise to a novel attribute, which derives from the two and at the same time is different from both of them. The attribute, engendered by ihe synthesis of the two attributes, is different inasinuch as it not only contains the two elements but transforms them. The synthesis of the opposite attributes, existence and non-existence, stated in the third proposition, is only a synthesis of togetherness. But the fourth predicate goes further than this togetherness, inasmuch as it asserts an attribute which not only is a compresence of the two, but a novel attribute in which the two attributes are dissolved into one. A concrete

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 219 example may illustrate the truth of our contention. A beverage is made of several ingredients, sugar, curd, spices, and so on. It is a matter of perception that beverage has a self-identity of its own different from that of the ingredients. The beverage is a unit--an organic whole. Likewise the synthesis of the two attributes, existence and non-existence, gives rise to a novel attribute, which transcends the two and at the same time comprises them as distinct elements in its being. It would be a mistake to suppose that this novel attribute, which cannot be grasped by a definite concept and, so, inexpressible by a definite linguistic symbol, is the exclusive characteristic of a real. That inexpressibility or indefiniteness is a factual characteristic, and that it emerges on the synthesis of the opposites is a truth which cannot be denied without stultiyfying experience. But this does not mean that the indefinite' or the inexpressible' (avaktavya) annuls the distinctive individuality of the elemental attributes, existence and non-existence. We must appeal to experience to determine the nature of existents; and, as has been set forth in the first chapter, reliance on abstract logic in this matter is more often than not a source of error and positive misconception. The indefinite or inexpressible is felt together with the definites, existence and non-existence. The pen is indefinite, but is felt as definite qua existent and non-existent at the same time. The fifth proposition asserts the compresence of 'existence with the indefinite, the sixth affirms the compresence of non-existence, and the seventh completes the modes by affirming the consecutive presence of the two, with the indefinite. The indefinite or the unspeakable is a characieristic concept of Jaina philosophy. The Vedantist has proved that the nature of existents, as revealed to empirical knowledge, is a complex indefinite, cannot be characterized either as real, or unreal, or both, or neither. By reality the Vedantist understands logical being, which does not admit of lapse or negation in time, space and its uniformity. Phenomenal reals have reality in their own context and are non est outside this context. So, they cannot be regarded as having reality in their own right. In the ultimate analysis, phenomenal objects are unspeakable as real or as unreal, since reality, absolute and unconditioned, is lacking in them. The very fact that they are non-existent elsewhere and elsewhen is proof of their lack of reality in their own nature and right. But they are not unreal fictions, as they are objects of experience while fictions are not. Thus, they are unspeakable and indefinable as real or unreal. The Vedantist

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220 Anekantavada and Syadvada concludes from these premises that the phenomenal objects are the creations of ignorance, cosmic or individual, and are unreal in the absolute sense. The Jaina admits the truth of the premises. But does not think that the Vedantist conclusion is inevitable. The Jaina does not admit that reality is free from determinations. It is experience alone that can give us insight into the nature of reality, and experience acquaints us with determinate existents. Indeterminate or universal existence is only a matter of abstract thought. It has been said in the beginning of this chapter that the opposition of determinate being with indeterminate being is the startii:g point of the sevenfold dialectic. It has also been made clear that indeterminate being is only a logical thought and not an ontological fact, and that the relation of opposition does not presuppose the co-ordinate status of the opposites in the ontological order. The Jaina agrees with the Vedantist that reals are indefinites, but this does not afford a logical warrant according to the Jaina for declaring them to be unreal appearance, engendered by ignorance. It is not untrue because it cannot be expressed by a single positive concept. We have to take it as it is, although it refuses to fit in with the logical apparatus, as employed by traditional philosophy. I take the liberty of quoting the pregnant observations of Prof. K.C. Bhattacharya and present them in spite of their difficulty to the reader without any comments. Prof. Bhattacharya with his microscopic vision has seized hold of the secret of Jaina thought and no better elucidation seems possible. The determinate existent is ...being and negation as distinguishably together, together by what the Jaina calls kramarpana. The given indefinite--the 'unspeakable' or avaktavya as it has been called as distinct from the definite existent, presents something other than consecutive togetherness; it implies saharpana or co-presentation which amounts to non-distinction or indeterminate distinction of being and negation. ... It is objective as given, it cannot be said to be not a particular position nor to be non-existent. At the same time it is not the definite distinction of position and existence, it represents a category by itself. The common sense principle implied in its recognition is that what is given cannot be rejected simply because it is inexpressible by a single positive concept. A truth has to be admitted if it cannot be got rid of even if is not understood.'! 5. 6. The matter of predicaticn of the third proposition. The Jaina theory of Anekanta-Vada by prof. K.C. Bhattacharya, p. 13. (The italics are mine.)

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 221 Section II We now propse to discuss the import of each term of the propositions. Each term is logically significant and the significance of the terms contributes to the significance of the proposition as a whole. Let us consider the first two propositions. The first proposition is : "The jar exists certainly in a context (syad astyeva ghatah). The formal definition of the first proposition may be propounded in the following terms. It is an affirmative proposition which asserts a positive fact without negating other characteristics in respect of a subject. In the example given the jar is the subject and 'exists' is the predicate, which is a property of the jar. The second proposition may be formally defined as follows: 'It is a negative proposition importing negation of a certain property without negating other characteristics.' *The jar does not certainly exist in another context'. In the original proposition in Sanskrit two qualifying prepositions, viz., syat and eva are employed. It is difficult to find exact equivalents of these two terms in English. We have tentatively rendered syat as 'in a context' and eva as certainly'. We are conscious of the inadequacy of the English terms to connote the sense that the original terms signify. But the elucidation of the meaning of the terms will serve to preclude misconception and so we do not wait for exact equivalents. In our opinion the term syat is untranslatable. Let us examine the logical value of the terms of the first proposition. The particle 'certainly (eva) is logically necessary inasmuch as it serves to exclude an undesirable consequence. The existence of the jar is to be understood as existence in reference to its own context constituted by its own individuality and specific spatio-temporal setting, and not in reference to a different context. The particle 'certainly' (eva) is calculated to exclude this contingency. It helps to clarify the import of the predicate that it relates to the subject in reference to a particular context and not in a different reference. The negative implication is derived from the use of the particle eva, which we have tentatively translated as "certainly.' It has a restrictive force and this should be understood as the meaning of the English equivalent. The exact implication of eva in the proposition is the exclusion of the negation of 'existence'. The predicate 'existence is affirmed of the subject, and this affirmation can be significant, only if the predicate belongs as a matter of necessity to the subject. The element of necessity is indicated by the adverb 'certainly' (eva). It means that the predicate is a necessary concomitant of the connotation of the

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222 Anekantavada and Syadvada subject, though not a part of it. It may be a synthetic proposition and the predicate may be a new attribute. But the very fact of predication implies that the attribute is not absent in the subject. The adverb 'certainly' implies that the attribute predicated is a necessary concomitant of the connotion of the subject, though not a part of the implication of the term, and the negation of the opposite follows from the necessity of the relation that is emphasised by it (eva). The term syat is untranslatable. It means that the subject possesses a manifold of attributes. In the proposition syad ghato 'sty eva the particle syat implies that the subject is a manifold of attributes of which the predicate is one as a matter of fact. That the predicate is one of the attributes possessed by the subject and that as a matter of necessity is implied by the term 'certainly' (eva). The full meaning of the first proposition may thus be stated as follows: "The jar is a substance of which 'existence' is one attribute as a matter of necessity among the pluralit of attributes that belongs to it. The phrase "as a matter of necessity' implies that the predicate is never absent in the subject. It may be urged that the element of necessity is falsely introduced inasmuch as the opposite of existence, viz., non-existence, is also predicated of it in the second proposition. And the form of the proposition being the same, existence and non-existence, both being predicates, would belong to the subject as a matter of necessity. This seems to be a case of self-contradiction. But the Jaina does not find any contradiction in the two predicates belonging to the same subject, as existence and non-existence are determinate. If they were indeterminate, the contradiction would be inevitable. And the contradiction would again be irresistible if existence and non-existence were affirmed of the subject in the same reference. The jar is existent as a jar and non-existent as other-than-jar. There is no contradiction here. But if the jar were affirmed to be existent and non-existent both as a jar, the contradiction would be apparent. As in the first two propositions existence and non-existence are predicated in a determinate sense, there is no contradiction between them. It is worthy of remark that the qualifying phrases syat and eva are not absolutely indispendable for logical precision. It is necessary for those who have not realized the indeterminate nature of reality. Reals are indeterminate in the sense that they cannot be determined as possessing only such and such attributes and not the rest. The

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 223 particle syat is employed only to emphasise this truth. But it is not necessary for a person who is aware of the manifoldness of reals. Similarly the particle 'eva is redundant. They are employed only to guard against a customary misconception, and if such misconception be not present, thye are not logically necessary. But a logical discourse is always aimed at persons, who are in doubt, but inquisitive for truth, and with regard to such persons the logical form has its significance and necessity. Let us now eum up the results of the analysis of the import of the individual terms and determine the total import of the propositions. The import of the first proposition is thus to be stated as follow : "The jar is possessed of existence as determined by its own nature and so on." The second proposition means 'The jar is possessed of non-existence as determined by other individuality and so on.' The existence and non-existence that are predicated of the subject are determinate. "The jar used as the subject in the proposition is only illustrative. We can substitute any existent for it and the predicate will relate to it. And as regards the predicates, "existence or 'non-existence,' they are also specific instances and can be replaced hy any other attribute. The principle governing predication is that an attribute is necessarily concomitant with its negative. Whatever attribute, quality or action, may be predicated, it can be true of a subject only in reference to a context. The jar, for instance, exists in so far as it possesses the nature of jar and does not exist in the nature of a pen. Existence is determined by non-existence and vice versa. We have seen in the second chapter that non-existence is a case of other-existence. The jar is the non-existence of the pen and vice versa. Existence without reference to and independent of individual entities is only an abstraction of thought. 'A' can have existence because it has not existence as 'B' Existence is always concrete and as such is defined and determined by other concrete existence. In other words, existence cannot be separated from what exists, though it is distinguishable in thought. What is said of existence also holds good of other attributes. A real is possessed of infinite attributes and these cannot be separated from the real. They are one with the real in the sense that they have no existence apart from and independent of the real, in which they are embodied. Thus all attributes are determinate in the sense of having determinate being. And determinate being means being in a particular reference outside which it is simply non est. So being and non-being are correlates and the predication of one

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224 Anekantavada and Syadvada implies the predication of the other. It follows then that the negative proposition is as much true as the affirmative one. It has been contended by others that being or existence constitutes the nature of a real and non-being only relates to another real. The import of the predicate in the proposition "The jar exists' is that existence is a part and parcel of the reality of the jar. "The jar does not exist' is really an apparent proposition, having only a formal similarity with the affirmative proposition. The predicate 'non-existence' does not in reality belong to the jar as a jar, but to what is not jar. The Jaina is also agreed that the negation of the attribute has reference to something else. The jar really exists as jar and not as pen. So negation of existence can have reference to the pen and other things which are not jar. If the non-existence of pen were an attribute of the jar, the colour, shape and other chapracteristics of the pen should also be the attributes of the jar. But this is absurd. The Jaina, however, does not think that the two cases are similar or that the contention is tenable. The colour, shape and other qualities of the pen are the exclusive properties of the pen and so cannot be predicated of anything else. But non-existence-as-pen is an attribute of the jar. The jar has a self-existence and a self-identity which is inseparable from its non-existence-as-pen. As has been said above, existence has no objective status apart from the concrete real, ard since one real is distinguished from another real, the existence of one is ipso facto distinguished from that of others. That one existence is distinct from another existence means that the two are not identical, that is to say, each has an identity of its own, which can be understood fully in refernce to another existence. To know is to distinguish. A thing can be known fully as it is in itself only when it is known to be what it is not. It is really difficult to determine the status of the element of negation in the knowledge of a real-whether it is antecedent or consequent to the knowledge of the positive aspect. But the question of precedence is not material. It is undeniable that conception of a real is a complex of a positive and a negative aspect. The Jaina does not seem to be wrong when he insists that the determinate cognition of a real as what it is and as what it is not is a matter of intuition, sensuous or non-sensuous according to the nature of the object. It has been said ourth chapter that conceptual knowledge according to the Jaina 7. The Jaina does not distinguish between being and existence, which are always concrete.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 225 is as much derived from objective reality as sense-intuition is. Another consideration may be put forward in favour of the Jaina contention. 'The jar does not exist' is a proposition which has the same formal consistency as the affirmative proposition has. If non-existence be a characteristic, it must have a substratum of its own. The Naiyayika would have us believe that it belongs to what is not-jar, since existence as pen and the like is denied of the jar, and the jar's non-existence is equivalent to the negation of existence as pen. But that only shifts the difficulty and does not solve it. The coincidence of non-existence and existence in the pen again would raise the same difficulty. The pen is a pen because it is not not-pen, that is to say, jar and the like. The negation of not-pen, is thus as much an element of its being as the pen-character is. The Jaina again substantiates his position by a different line of approach. He examines the implication of the substantive-adjective relation and arrives at the same result. 'Whatever is an adjectival determination is necessarily concomitant with its opposite. The predicate is an adjectival determination. The predicate is concomitant with its opposite.' This is a perfect syllogistic argument and is alos materially true. Take any proposition and the truth will be obvious. "The pen is red' is a proposition with 'red' as the predicate. Now, the predicate 'red' has significance only, because it is a determinate attribute, which it is by virtue of its negation of the opposite, not-red. Many things may be not-red, but the negation of not-red would apply only to what is red. The implication of the proposition the pen is red' is that 'the pen is not not-red as distinguished from diamond.' Not only is the law true of positive attributes, but it equally holds good of negative attributes also. "The pen is not red,' though apparently a negative proposition, has a positive implication. The pen has some colour, which we know to be different from red. Even in what is held to be an absolutely negative proposition, e.g.. 'Air has no colour,' the negation of colour has a positive implication in that colour is existent in some other substance. If we now apply the law to the cases under consideration, we shall see that the propositions 'The jar exists' and 'the jar does not exist' are rather complementary to one another and not inconsistent. Existence, being a predicate and an adjective, must be concomitant with its opposite, non-existence, and similarly non-existence, being a predicate, will be concomitant with existence. The Vedantist vinabhavyekadharmini. nastitvam pratisedhyena' 8. astitvam prastisedhyena vinabhavyekadharmini. AS, verses 17 & 18.

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226 Anekantavada and Syadvada complains of contradiction in the coincidence of existence and non-existence in one substratum. But the Jaina is emphatic in his repudiation of the charge. There is no incompatibility, as the existence of a thing qua itself and non-existence qua others are not unperceived. It is non-perception of co-existence, which is the determinant of contradiction, but this is conspicuous by its absence here. It is not a fact that existence is incongruent with non-existence, or that one supersedes the other as light does darkness. We have fully discussed the nature and scope of the Law of Contradiction in the first chapter and the arguments need not be reproduced here. The justification of the first two propsotions in the chain of sevenfold predication has drawn us into a discourse on the subject-predicate relation. But the position adopted by the Jaina involves him in open conflict with the Naiyayika and we cannot avoid adverting to the controversy even though it may necessitate a digression. The Naiyayika believes in certain facts which are always existent and their opposites are inconceivable. For example, 'expressible,' 'cognisable'knowable' are attributes which are not inapplicable to anything and as such have no opposites. They are universally predicable. But as they have no opposites the Jaina's position that all predicates are concomitant with their opposites cannot hold good in these cases. Is there anything which is inexpressible or unknowable ? To assert that A exists and is inexpressible or uknowable involves self-contradiction, inasmuch as the very assertion of it as A presupposes its being known and the act of assertion constitutes its expression. This is certainly a plausible argument against the Jaina position. But the plausibility will not bear scrutiny. 'Knowability' is a definite concept and it can have a meaning only if it negates its opposite. If a thing is called knowable by virtue of its being cognised by an accredited instrument of cognition, then of course fictions are not knowable. So the opposite of 'knowable' will not be wanting. If, however, 'knowable' be taken to stand for thinkable,' then also such expressions as square circle" are available as the examples of 'unthinkable.' The question can be decided by a dilemma. Is the expression "unknowable 'unmeaning ? It cannot be entirely meaningless, as nobody would then care to assert it or feel called upon to rebut it. So the opposite of 'knowable' is not absent. Further if we descend from the realm of abstract speculation

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 227 to the field of concrete reals, we shall have to acknowledge that the proposition, "The jar is knowable' affirms the predicate in a determinate sense. The jar is knowable as a jar and not as a pen. Here the 'pen' will stand as its opposite. So all concepts, in so far as they have meaning, will have their opposites. The Naiyayika's advocacy of purely positive attributes thus cannot create a difficulty form the Jaina standpoint. The fact can be made further clear from the consideration that the Naiyayika would not have an occasion to make such assertions as that there are purely positive attributes, if there was no possibility of dispute. The Naiyayika may succeed in exposing the inconsistency in the position of the opponent who would deny it. But the very necessity of logical defence shows that "unknowable' may be logically untenable, but psychologically possible. As regards 'expressibility the Jaina does not think it to be without its opposite. This has been made clear in our treatment of the concept of inexpressibility in Chapter V. We have seen that the law that the predicable attribute has its negative concomitant holds good also in the case of so-called purely positive attributes. We must consider the cases of fictions, e.g., sky-flower, a barren woman's son, square circle, phoenix, centaur and the like. Nobody would commit the absurdity of supposing that they are existent in any reference. These absolutely unreal fictions are logically predicable, but they have no positive concomitant, which they should have if the law of the mutual implication of opposites were universally true. But the Jaina would not take these fictions as purely negative ideas. If they are thinkable, they exist as thought constructions, though not as objective facts. Viewed from this point of view their objective non-existence is found to be commensurate with conceptual existence. It is not maintained that the negative concomitant should have coordinate statusan objective non-existence having subjective existence as its implicate or vice versa will equally meet the requirements of the law. And if we look deeper, coordinate status of the positive and negative ::concomitants can also be discovered in these cases. These fictions are *: complex constructions of incongruous elements. Both square and circle, sky and flower, a barren woman and a son, are objectively existent facts. But their combination is only non-existent. So the concomitance of existence and non-existence is found to hold good in these cases also. The law of concomitance of opposites is only a deduction from the Jaina conception of determinateness of existence and as such

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228 Anekantavada and Syadvada holds good of all reals, irrespective of their role in logical thought. We have applied the law to predicates, but that is only by way of illustration. Predicate or subject, the law holds good of all facts. The conception of determinate existence is in direct opposition to the Vedantist position of one universal existence which admits of no negation. It is again opposed to the Fluxist position that non-existence is only a fiction. A determinate existence is a complex of existence and non-existence, both being real elements of it. The first proposition is thus in need of being supplemented by the second--each being an incomplete description taken by itself. Let us now elucidate the import of the propositions in the light of the results of our speculations. "The jar exists' would thus be correctly interpreted as 'X (the jar) is the substratum of existence as determined by the nature of jar'. The existence predicated of the jar is thus determinate and we mean this when we further amplify the original proposition, 'The jar exists,' by adding the restrictive clause 'as jar' to it. The second proposition is 'The jar does not exist which is further amplified as "The jar does not exist as pen and so on.' The non-existence of the jar is determined by the pen and the like which stand for the whole class of not-jar. The negative particle 'not in connection with the verb means 'non-existence and the latter is determined by the pen and like. The non-existence predicated would thus be determinate. The full import of the second proposition thus amounts to the following-- 'The jar is the substratum of non-existence * as determined by the nature of pen-and-the-like.' A non-existence is identical with the reality in which it subsists, the non-existence of pen and the like would be identical with the jar. The propositions only affirm the truths which have been established by us in th. Chapter We have repeatedly asserted that existence and non-existence are always determinate. Existence is determined by the specific nature or individuality of the subject (svarupa) and non-existence is in its turn determined by the nature or individuality of things, which are different from the subject (pararupa). There are also other determinants of existence and non-existence, viz., substance (dravya). location (ksetra), and time (kala). What are we to understand by these determinants ? To return to the example given. 'The jar exists,' the predicate 'existence' is said to be determined by the nature of the jar. But what is the exact significance of the expression 'nature' of the jar ? The Jaina answers the question in his characteristic way. It is not

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 229 necessary according to him to enter into a metaphysical discourse to determine the nature of the jar. It all depends upon the universe of discourse. By the nature of the jar' one can understand the connotation of the term, which, in terms of ontology, is the uniform attribute or attributes that characterize all jars, and by the nature of others' one can understand the connotation of the terms expressing pen and the like. The existence of the jar would thus be determined by the attributes which invariably present themselvs to our mind when we think of the jar. The result is the same. A jar exists so far as it possesses the attributes which we associate with it in our thought. If a jar were to exist as partaking of the attributes of a pen, the jar would not be distinguishable from the pen. And if, again, it did not exist as possessed of the attributes which characterise it just as it 'oes not exist as possessed of the attributes of pen and the like, it would be a non-entity like a sky-flower. The nature of a real is, however, composed of an infinite number of attributes, which cannot be fully comprehended by the limited intellect that mankind normally possesses. But that does not make our knowledge unreal or false, though undoubtedly it must be incomplete as we are at present constituted. Any attribute that we comprehend in a real will be a real part of its nature. What is necessary in a philosophical discourse is that we must stick to it throughout. Thus, one is at liberty to think of the jar as a name, as a substance, or as a mode. And in affirming its existence we must remember that the predicate belongs to the subject in respect of the nature in which we understand it. The predication of non-existence likewise will have reference to a nature other than this. It is quite legitimate again to take the jar in a very restricted sense, for example, as possessed of a distinctive magnitude. The affirmation of existence of the jar would then be determined by this magnitude and the negation of existence would then be determined by other magnitude, which it does not possess. The logical consequences will be the same in spite of the variation of our conception, as the affirmation and negation of existence will have reference to the particular conception. Thus, if the jar as possessed of the name, or the mode or magnitude were not to exist qua these determinations like the pen, it would be a non-entity, and if it were again to exist in respect of opposite determinations, it would not be distinguishable from things which possess the latter determinations. We do not think it necessary to multiply instances. What is necessary is to recognize the metaphysical truth that things are possessed of an

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230 Anekantavada and Syadvada infinte plurality of attributes and the predication of one among these attributes is not false, though it is admittedly incomplete as a description of the nature of the subject. Every one of these attributes is true, but it would be a mistake, which is however traditional, to suppose that these alone constitute the nature of things. We are now to consider the nature of other determinants, viz., substance, time and location, which we have referred to. The word 'substan nce' (dravya) here stands for the material or stuff of which it is made. The substance of the jar is thus clay. It exists as made of this material and is non-existent in respect of another material, e.g., gold, The proposition the jar exists' is thus to be completed by the insertion of the qualifying phrase 'of clay'. The jar of clay exists and not the jar of gold. That the material stuff is a necessary determinant of the predicate is obvious from the consideration that it has the same logical cosequences as the first determinant notified above. Thus if the jar were to exist in respect of another material, it would not be possible to assert that the jar is of clay and not of gold. A rich man may have a jar made of gold. But the gold jar would not be the same thing as the clay-jar. The difference is due to the difference of the material, though shape, size and function may be similar. The difference of material is only an instance of the difference of substance. The jar exists in clay and has no reality outside it. The same truth holds in the case of qualities also. The qualities must inhere in their respective substances and outside these substances, they have no being. Even in the case of those qualities which are known to inhere in more than one substance, the determination of the existence of these qualities by means of substance is also not wanting. Conjunction and disjunction, for instance, are qualities which relate to two things. It requires two things to be conjoined together and two again for one to be disjoined from the other. Though one substance cannot determine the existence of these qualities, the two together as their substrates will have the determining influence. Conjunction and disjunction can have existence only in their own substrates and not in others. Thus, the third substance will determine their non-existence. If these attributes were to have indeterminate substance, that is to say, if they could be supposed to exist in other substances than those in which they actually exist, the predicate of determinate conjuction or disjunction would be impossible. And if again they were not to exist even in their own substrates as they do not, in fact, in different substrates, they would be non-existent fictions.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 231 Similarly, location is to be taken into account as determinant of the existence of things. The jar exists on the ground and not on the wall. The ground will be the specific location of the jar and the wall will be the location of other than jar. If a jar were to exist both in its own location and in the location of other things, the jar would not be a determine existent. And if it were not to exist even in its own location, it would not exist anywhere, as it admittedly does not exist outside its own location. Location is thus a determinant of the existence of things, which are what they are by virtue of their possession of specific locations, which cannot be interchanged. Time again is a determinant of existence. The jar exists in its own time and not in other time. The jar's own time is the present time and other time is the past or the future. If time were not a determinant of its existence, the jar could exist in the past and the future and thus would be an eternal substance. By the present time we must understand the duration of time during which a jar endures. It has an upper and a lower limit constituted by its origin and its end. Th limit separates the past from the present and the lower limit furi by the end of the jar constitutes the future. Certainly it is absurd to suppose that the jar can exist in all these three divisions of time, or to suppose that it does not exist in its own time as it does not in the past and the future. The Vedantist denies the reality of these determinations, but the denial of determinations is itself a case of determination. But unless a person is prepared to acquiesce in the Vedantist's conclusion, or the Sunyavadin's conclusion that nothing exists, he will have to accept the findings of the Jaina on the reality of these determinations. The full import of the proposition 'the jar exists' is thus to be elucidated as follows: "The jar is the substratum of existence as determined by the nature of the jar, its substance (of clay), its present time and its own location. The non-existence of the jar would likewise be determined by reference to time, place and substance. The affirmation of the universal proposition, that the nature of reals is determined by the fourfold internal determinant as what it is and by the fourfold external determinant as what it is not, raises a problem about these determinants themselves. Are the determinants determinate ? If so, they must have internal and external determinants. And the same question will be raised regarding the second set, which again will require a third set of internal and external determinants, and the third set will require a fourth set and so on to

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232 Anekantavada and Syadvada infinity. The universal necessity insisted upon will lead to a regressus ad infinitum and the denial of this necessity at any stage will amount to surrender of a fundamental doctrine. It may be maintained on the analogy of the final self-determined stage that reals may be self-determined. The Jaina meets the problem by taking his stand upon concrete realism. He refuses to accept the solution that experience determines the nature of things as it is without r to any determinant, external or internal. In the determination of the nature of reals the Jaina banks upon the testimony of experience, but he refuses to be a party to deliberate or undeliberate twisting of it. It is experience which envisages a real determined as existent and non-existent by its internal and external determinants respectively.If a priori considerations were depended upon in the determinati reality, there would be no check and no uniform standard. A reali be accepted to be what it is found to be in experience. The dict Things are determined by their proofs'' cannot be denied. If the knowledge of the determinant required another determinant, we would admit its necessity. If it did not require such determinants, we would not insist upon it. If the determination of the nature of the determinant actually depends upon another determinant, that need not cause a difficulty. A thing has a nature of its own and if the determination of the nature actually requires another nature of its own and that is found in experience, the first nature will be determined. And the second nature may or may not have a third nature. What is determined by another or is determined by itself has to be discovered by experience. The matter can be explained by reference to concrete facts. The specific nature (svarupa) of a self (jiva) is to change into mental states and this mental change assumes one form as cognitive activity. Thus cognitive activity will be its internal determinant and the subsence of cognitive activity will be its external determinant. This determinant again has its specific determinants. Thus cognition is of two kinds-mediate or nonperceptual and immediate or perceptual. The nature of immediate cognition is its lucidity (vaisadya) and that of the mediate is the lack of lucidity. Immediate or perceptual cognition has again two varieties-perfect and imperfect. Perfect perception is cognisant of the complete nature of all things and imperfect perception takes note of parts of things. It is thus a matter of experience whether a 9. vastuno hi yathaiva 'badhitapratitis tathaiva svarupavyavastha, manadhina meyasiddhir iti vacanat. SBT, p. 34.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 233 determinant has another determinant. If a determinant is found ultimately to be self-explanatory and self-determinant, there is no reason whatsoever to question its validity. The contention that everything should be regarded as self-determined on the analogy of such determinants is a piece of hollow sophistry. Now, consciousness is found to reveal itself and its objects. Will it be a sound argument to maintain that brute material facts should be self-revelatory like consciousness ? The nature of reals should be determined to be exactly what they are found to be and not otherwise. Fire is hot and water is cold, though both are substances. Is it sound logic to argue that fire should be cold like water, as both are substances ? The difficulty raised by the opponent regarding the nature of determinants is thus found to be imaginary. As regards external determinants, there is absolutely no problem, since the number of reals being infinite and their nature being distinct and different in each, the nature of one can be easily distinguished from that of others. It cannot be maintained that things may be numerically different, yet they may have the same nature. 'A' is different from 'B' because 'A' has a nature different from that of 'B'. Either it has to be said that there is no plurality of things, or their different nature is to be conceded. Even it more than one entity is admitted, the second will determine the first and the firsc will determine the second externally. The difficulty aboui external dctermination is thus non-existent. And as regards internal determination we have shown that the difficulty is a figment of pure logic. Another problem and we shall finish with the first two propositions. Let us examine the relation of subject and predicate in the first proposition. Let the proposition be "The self exists. Is 'existence, the predicate in the proposition, different and distinct from the subject, 'self" ? Or, are they identical ? If the subject and predicate meant the self-identical thing, the relation of subject and predicate, substantive and adjective, and the relation of coincidence of the predicate with the connotation of the subject in the subject (samanadhikaranya) would not be possible. The subject and the predicate denoting the same things would be two synonymous terms and the proposition would be tautologous. The statement of either the subject or the predicate would be sufficient. Of course it is possible to regard all propositions as analytical in character. But we do not solve the problem by such terminological devices. An analytical proposition is a proposition nonetheless. If the predicate did not mean

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234 Anekantavada and Syadvada anything different from the subject and vice versa, it is patent on the face of it that there would be no proposition. The problem is, 'Is a proposition possible'? We see that it is not possible if the subject and the predicate are of self-identical import. The self-same difficulty is confronted even in what are called synthetic propositions. Let the proposition be "The pen is red.' It is a synthetic proposition inasmuch as the predicate, 'red,' stands for a quality which does not follow from the connotation of the subject. But the question may be raised, does red mean the same thing as the subject ? Are they identical in meaning ? If the answer be in the affirmative, the objection of tautology stands unrefuted. Apart from this difficulty which is common to all propositions, the propositions the pen exists' or 'the self exists' are instances, in which the problem is further aggravated by grave difficulties. The predicate 'existence' is to be asserted of all entities and if the relation of the predicate to the subject were 'identity all entities would becoine identical, being identical with a self-same predicate, existence.' This will be manifest from analysis of the proposition we have taken for consideration, viz., "The self exists.' The self is identical with existence, which is identical with all that exists. The result is. the self would be everything. This is the conclusion of the Vedantist, but a realist would not take it to be true. Identity cannot then be the relation between the subject and the predicate in a proposition, because of its untoward consequences, one logical and another ontological. The logical consequence of this view is the fallacy of tautology and the ontological consequence is the abolition of diversity and pluralism. Vedanta deduces these very consequences as evidence of the unreality of diversity, but a realist cannot be a party to it. Let us then consider the other alternative. Let the relation between the subject and the predicate be one of difference. "The pen is red' is a proposition. If the pen were different from 'red,' it would not be red, and if 'red' were different from the pen, it would not be affirmed of it. But the diffculty is accentuated in a pronounced form in the proposition, 'The self exists. If the self were different from existence, it would have no existence and it would be a fiction. And as has been observed before, existence being a universal predicate, each and every thing would be a fiction, being the subject of 'existence and being different from it like the self. The consequence will be nothingness of the universe--the conclusion of sunyavada. The consequences are equally fatal to logic and realism. But it is equally difficult to maintain that the relation of the subject

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 235 and the predicate is neither numerical identity nor numerical difference, since the two are contradictorily opposed and the denial of one involves the affirmation of the other according to the Law of Excluded Middle. The Naiyayika solves the problem by means of `inherence' (samavaya). He would have it that though existence be different from the self, the former can be in the latter by relation of samavaya or inherence. Existence inheres in the self, though numerically different from it. But samavaya or inherence is a logical fiction apart from identity-cum-difference, which is the Jaina position. We shall examine this Nyaya-Vaisesika concept in a separate chapter and shall see that it is only a device of philosophical escapism. The Jaina meets the difficulty by practically denying its reality. The difficulty is a creation of abstract logic, which the Jaina has condemned. The relation of the subject and the predicate is neither identity alone nor difference alone, but both together. If 'existence', as the predicate, were identical with the subject, the subject would be absolutely existent, and if it were different, the subject would be absolutely non-existent. But concrete reals are neither absolutely existent, nor absolutely non-existent. They are existent and non-existent both. If the predicate 'existence' be taken to stand for the whole substance, being concurrent with it, the relation can be taken to be identity. Existence as an attribute has no objectivity apart from the subject and is inseparable from it. Inseparability is concomitant with identity. The identity of a real is inseparable from it. And only that is inseparable from a real which constitutes its identity. Existence is inseparable from the self or the pen, because it constitutes its identity. But though inseparable and so identical, it does not constitute the whole of the identity. The pen and the self are both identical with existence, but still they are different and diverse, because existence is only a part of their being. We have to admit that the subject and the predicate are identical and different both, because we cannot get rid of the two, unless we are prepared to escape into the strangle-hold of Vedanta or to court intellectual death which the nihilism of sunyavada holds out as a temptation. Section III We have completed the survey fo the first two propositions and discussed all the relavant problems in connection therewith. We now propose to survey the remaining propositions. "The jar exists and does

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236 Anekantavada and Syadvada not exist in their relavant contexts)' is the third proposition. Herein the two attributes, existence and non-existence, are successively predicated of the subject, 'jar'. It has already been established that the two attributes together form a different attribute from each of them and the resulting attribute is not a mere mechanical juxtaposition of two separate attributes, predicated respectively in the first and the second proposition. We shall further discuss and evaluate the objections that have been advanced by the absolutist philosophers against the entire system of predication at the end of the chapter. The import of the predicate and of the subject has been fully discussed and that makes further discussion of the import of the proposition unnecessary. As regards the fourth proposition, the crux of the problem centres upon the predicate 'inexpressible and we have discussed threadbare all the problems involved in the concept in the preceding chapter. It will be sufficient to observe here that the fourth proposition may be defined as one in which the attribute of inexpressibility is predicated of the subject. But inexpressibility is not the sole and sufficient characteristic. It is only one among many. That it is a different attribute from the predicates of the first, second and third propositions has been fully made out and we do not see anything to add to what has been said already. The Jaina prefeces all the propositions by the word syat,' which indicates that it is only a partial characterization. Our previous investigations have made the task of explaining the remaining propositions rather an easy affair. The fifth proposition asserts the compresence of two attributes, existence and inexpressibility. Both are real and necessary attributes. Existence relates to the subject qua a substance in respect of its internal determinations. The 'inexpressibility' is an attribute which relates to the substance standing in the relation of identity and distinction to its changing modes. The subject, so far as it is identical with and immanent in the changing modes which are continually passing from being into non-being, is certainly not expressible by a word. It is also beyond the realm of logical thought, but is to be apprehended in intuitive experience alone. Logic can show only the possibility of such a concern. The sixth proposition stresses the negative aspect together with the attribute of inexpressibility. Each one of these attributes has been proved to be true of the subject and the compresence of the two is also a matter of fact. The seventh proposition asserts 'existence-cum-non-existence-cum-inexpressibility. It gives a fuller

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 237 and more comprehensive picture than the preceing ones, but does not supplant them. The predicated attribute is a synthesis of these attributes, which are separately asserted in three propositions. It has been shown that synthesis is not a mere summation, but entails the emergence of a new attribute different from the three elements. The seventh predicate is thus not a reduplication. It is one and three attributes at the same time. If it were three, it would be superfluous. But the unity is not secured by superseding the elements. The elements are preserved intact with all their individuality and it is through their co-operation that the seventh attribute is evolved into being. Each of the seven propositions has been examined and none being found to be unnecessary in virtue of the predicates being in each case new and real. The predicates from the third onward are synthetic in character, but their separate individuality has been proved. Each proposition constitutes an estimation of reality, which has been either advocated by the school of philosophers as a matter of historical fact or is capable of being entertained as a possible evaluation. The Sankhya believes in one Prakrti, the prius of the material world. It is a substance which is undergoing constant change into modes and attributes. But still the plurality constituted by the modes is ignored and the unity is thought to be the sole characteristic. The assertion of the first proposition would explain the Satnkhya position. But this is only a partial and incomplete representation of reality. The Jaina supplements it by the second proposition, and the remaining modes, being consequential, would ipso facto be true. The Buddhist fluxist concentrates his attention on the aspect of change and declares it alone to be the character of reality. The second proposition would represent his position. This is corrected by the introduction of the first. The Sankhya represents one extreme by upholding the unitive character of substance, whereas the Buddhist advocates the other extreme by asserting the plurality constituted by the changing modes to be the sole reality and dismissing the unitive substance behind them. The Jaina asserts the reality of both in one, as each is attested in uncontradicted experience. The Sunyavadin finds it impossible to reconcile the unchaning substance with its changing modes and he thinks being and non-being to be niutually contradictory. But he does not fail to recognize the factuality of both, though he characterizes it as inexpressible, and inexpressibility or

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238 Anekantavada and Syadvada logical indefinability is according to him the proof of the unreality of things. We have found that things are not absolutely inexpressible and how the advocacy of inexpressibility, as the sole and whole character of reality, leads to self-contradiction. Inexpressibility is a real characteristic which is not susceptible of being dismissed as a false appearance, since it is not sublated by a subsequent corrective experience like an error of perception. Nor does the cognition of inexpressibility involve a logical error, as we have shown. The Vedantist rightly shows that inexpressibility is invariably associated with the being of a real, but he is convicted of extremism by the jaina for asserting the element of being as the sole and exclusive character of reality and for construing the element of inexpressibility as proof of the unreality of empirical facts following the lead of the Sunyavadin. Jain logic does not endorse this interpretation, since it finds no contradiction in the coincidence of being and non-being. The coincidence of being and non-being in a real is certainly not capable of being grasped by a single concept or a linguistic symbol; but that is not proof of its unreality, but of the limitation of human language and conceptual thought. The Jaina accepts each one of the conclusions of these philosophers, as representative of a different aspect of reality. He does not repudiate their findings as false, but he insists that the fallacy of these philosophical positions lies in their exclusiveness and extremism. These philosophers taught true doctrines, but they erred by insisting on their discoveries being the exclusive nature of reality. The Jaina profits by their speculations and in his comprehensive philosophy finds room for them all. Each taken by itself is a true evaluation, but inadequate. He charges the philosophers with inadequacy and extremistic outlook, which, he thinks, is due to their preoccupation with their findings and impatience to look at the other side of the shield. The Jaina makes the extremes meet in his system of thought and calls his own philosophy by the name of non-extremism and non-absolutism (anekantavada). The non-absolutism of the Jaina is not the result of negation of absolutes and extremes, but of comprehension of them in a system. The empirical reality of the Vedantist called vyavaharikasatta is the absolute truth of the Jaina, and the latter refuses to accompany the Vedantist in his philosophical excursion into the transcendental plane, which the Jaina thinks to be an ainy abstraction hypostatized, as it lacks the sanction of experience, which is the only proof of existence.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 239 The theory of sevenfold predication may be regarded as a logical elaboration of the position of the Jaina that each position is concomitant with its negation, or which is the same thing, that position is inconceivable without negation. This logical theory is in its turn derived from Jaina ontology that reality is determinate. We have shown that determinate reality is the focal point in which being and non-being coincide. Absolutism consists in maintaining either being or non-being as absolute truth and in holding that one is in absolute opposition to the other. The Vedantist and the Sunyavadin are paragons of absolutism. The former holds being, absolute and undetermined by non-being, as the whole truth, whereas the Buddhist nihilist accepts non-being as the only truth. The Jaina is non-absolutist in that he accepts both as the true determinations of the real, which is unique and common, particular and universal, positive and negative, rolled into one. But is this non-absolutism absolute and universal ? The proof of non-absolutism is the sevenfold predication. Does the sevenfold predication apply to non-absolutism itself ? If it does apply, non-absolutism will be concomitant with its opposite, which is the subject-matter of the second predicate. The first proposition will be non-absolutism exists' and the second proposition will be 'non-absolutism does not exist.' The negation of non-absolutism is equivalent to the affirmation of absolutism. Thus the universal advocacy of non-absolutism is vitiated by self-contradiction in that it ends in affirming absolutism. Non-absolutism is either absolute or non-absolute. If it is absolute, non-absolutism is not universal, which is the position of the Jaina, since at any rate there is one real which is absolute. If non-absolutism is itself non-absolute, it is not absolute and as such it is not the universal truth. Tossed between the two horns of the dilemma non-absolutism thus simply evaporates. The same result is attained from a further consideration of the implication of the second predication, which has been shown to amount to affirmation of absolutism. This absolutism, being in its turn, non-absolute,would require another absolute as its opposite, and the latter again another and so on to infinity. If sevenfold predication be not applicable to the truth of non-absolutism, the former would not be universal, which is again a contraction of the Jaina position. The Jaina holds non-absolutism to be the universal truth and as such it is not exempt from application of the sevenfold predication, which is the sole criterion of non-absolutism. The application of the

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240 Anekantavada and Syadvada test does not, however, lead of self-contradiction as alleged above. It has been observed, at the outset of the present chapter, that opposition is a logical relation and it is not necessary that the opposite must be of the same ontological status. It is enough if the other opposite if conceivable. Such being the case, the opposite of the non-absolute is not inaccessible. In point of fact, the absolute is of two types, viz., the true absolute and the false absolute and similarly also, the non-absolute is true and false. The true absolute is one of the infinite attributes that are actually present in a real and is envisaged by cognition as it is without implying the negation of the remaining attributes. Such cognition, which takes stock of one attribute without implying the negation of other attributes that are actually present in * it, is called 'partial knowledge' or naya. Naya is not false though it is partial knowledge, provided it takes stock of a real attribute without asserting or implying the negation of other attributes. Such an attribute or such partial cognition is regarded as the 'true absolute (samyagekanta). But when one attribute is apprehended as constituting the whole nature of the real and thus implies the negation of other attributes which are really present, such attribute and such cognition are example of 'the false absolute' (mithyaikanta). Thus there are two types of partial knowledge one true and the other false. The true nature of a real as consisting of an infinite plurality of attributes is, however, apprehended hy a valid knowledge which is called pramana. Such valid knowledge, which takes stock of the several attributes, existence and non-existence also, which are the real properties of the real, is the true non-absolute.' The false non-absolute is illustrated by that kind of knowledge, which takes stock of attributes, which are not really present in the object. It is non-absolute in the sense that it does not affirm one attribute only as constitutive of the whole nature of the real, implying the negation of the other attributes. It is the opposite of absolutism, which consists in the affirmation of one attribute to the exclusion of others. But it is false in that the attributes in question are unreal. So the non-absolute also admits of two varieties--one false and the other true. Let us apply the results attained to the problem raised, viz., whether sevenfold predication applies to the truth of non-absolutism. The "true non-absolute' has been found to have its opposite in the "true absolute and the sevenfold predication can start on with these tow opposites. 'It is absolute'; 'it is non-absolute'; 'it is both'; "it is inexpressible' (as the two opposites together cannot be thought by a

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 241 single concept or expressed by a single word); "it is absolute and inexpressible'; 'it is non absolute and inexpressible'; 'it is absolute, non-absolute and inexpressible.' It does not require any further proof to assert that the application of sevenfold predication to the universal truth of non-absolutism does not involve the consequences of self-surrender or infinite regression, which were believed by the opponent to be unavoidable. The non-absolute is constituted of absolutes as its elements, and as such would not be possible if there were no absolutes. If it be permitted to employ an imagery, the non-absolute may be compared with a tree and its absolute elements with the branches and members of the same. As the tree disappears if the branches and members are taken out, the non-absoltue would similarly vanish if the absolute elements were not there. We have established the sevenfold predication with the two attributes, existence and non-existence. Though we have repeatedly asserted that the attributes in question are only illustrative in character and our selection of these two was inspired by the recognition of the fact that the two attributes were the elemental characteristics of things, we now propose to add two more typical illustrations for the sake of easy understanding of the comprehensive scope of the doctrine. Let us take two pairs of attributes, permanent and impermanent, one and many, and illustrate the sevenfold predication with them. The jar is permanent and 'the jar is impermanent are the two elemental propositions and the predication is true of reality. The jar qua the unitive substance is continuous through all the modes and as such is permanent. The substance of the jar is again earthy material, which is ever present. From the point of view of the material substance, the jar is again a mode of it. So the affirmation of permanence in respect of the jar qua its material substance is true. The jar, again, as immanent in its modes and attributes, is identical with the latter and from the point of view of such identity the jar is as impermanent as the modes are. The construction of the derivative modes being quite consequential, it need not be discussed in detail. The import of the first proposition may be stated as follows: The jar is possessed of the attribute, permanence, so for as it is determined by its substantive character. The second proposition may present a problem according as the interpretation of the predicate may differ. 'Impermanent' may mean the attribute, 'absence of permanence,' or it may be interpreted as 'different from permanent. The first

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242 Anekantavada and Syadvada interpretation does not present any specific problem as it is quite on a par with the attribute of non-existence. There is no difficulty that permanence and impermanence may co-exist in one substratum in respect of different determinations, viz., as substance and as changing modes. There is absolutely no contradiction between the attributes as they relate to different facts, e.g., permanence relates to the substance and impermanence to the modes. The contradiction would arise if both the predicates were to relate to the self-same thing, that is to say, if permanance and impermanence were affirmed in respect of the substance or of the modes in the same reference. But that is not the case and so the propositions are not incompatible. But a real difficulty occurs if the second interpretation is followed. The jar is a unit and cannot be both permanent and impermanent in the contemplated sense. 'The jar is permanent' means the jar is identical with the permanent' and 'the jar is imperrnanent' means "the jar is different from the permanent.' The jar, which is permanent, cannot have difference' from 'permanent', since difference is an attribute which subsists in the whole of a real. It is not a part-characteristic like 'conjunction' (samyoga) or attributes derived from conjunction, red or blue. A jar may be red and non-red, red in one part and non-red in another part. These attributes are called part-characteristics, since the locus of one is not the locus of the other (avyapyavrtti). But difference is not a part-characteristic, as it belongs to the subject as a whole. Difference or identity, on the other hand, are whole-characteristics (vyapyavrtti). If 'A' is different from 'B', it can be so if 'A' as a whole would be different, in other words, if it has an identity unshared by 'B' in any aspect. The Jaina however does not believe in whole-characteristics at all and the denial of whole-characteristics is only a corollary of the dictum that the positive is the correlate of the negative." "Difference' would not be a determinate attribute, if it did not negate its opposite. An indeterminate attribute is only a contradiction in terms. The Jaina asserts that difference being a determinate characteristic must be concomitant with its opposite, otherwise it would cease to be an attribute at all. Such being the case, difference and identity, so far as they are determinate characteristics, must be co-existent in the same substratum, and this knocks out the Naiyayika's differentiation between whole-characteristic and part-characteristic and the difficulty based upon it. The hollowness of 10. astitvam pratisedhyena 'vinabhavy ekadharini AMI, Chap. I, verse 17.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 243 the Naiyayika's contention can be demonstrated further by the examination of concrete instance. Conjunction is a part-characteristic even according to the Naiyayika. Suppose a monkey is perched on a branch of a tree. It is to be said then that the tree is conjoined to the monkey in the top and not conjoined in the root. The 'conjoined' is a different attribute from the 'non-conjoined. There is nothing repugnant about it, if one asserts on the strength of this difference that the conjoined tree is different from the non-conjoined tree. The soldier in uniform is different from the same soldier in civilian dress. The same person as a judge of the High Court is different from the man in a private capacity or in a different capacity, say, as Vice-chancellor of a University. It is sometimes found that the grant sanctioned by the same person as the official Head of a University is negatived by the same person as Governor of a Province. We regard such a procedure as an oddity or even as a case of contradiction. But logically speaking there is no contradiction, as functional identity and personal identity are two things. We shall clarify this point further in a subsequent chapter, when we shall deal with the problem of inherence (samavaya) as relation. Let us consider the pair of 'one' and 'many' (in the sense of other than one') and see how the sevenfold predication unfolds itself. 'The jar is one' and 'the jar is many' are the basic propositions. The 'oneness' is true of it, as the unitive substance, which owns up the modes and manyness, is the underlying entity of the modes themselves, which are identical with the substance. The substance and the modes are not different. And this identity of the substance with the modes constitutes its plurality. Both unity and plurality are true of each real. The Buddhist affirms the truth of the modes and on the basis of the identity of the substance with each mode, asserts the plurality as the only reality. The result is the doctrine of flux. The Vedantist declares the modes to be unreal appearance in and over the unity. Both appeal to experience in support of their contentions, but as their logic stands in the way, the opposite aspect is repudiated as illusory. But the Jaina accepts the two together as constitutive of the true nature of reality and does not believe them to be incompatible, as they do not relate to the self-same thing, but to two different things, viz., substance and modes. The identity of the two is felt in experience equally with the difference of the modes and the unification of the plurality is certified by perceptual intuition. But are these determinations,

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244 Anekantavada and Syadvada unity and plurality, capable of being predicated of all taken as one ? It is the position of the Jaina that a determination is concommitant with its opposite. But what about the universethe totality of existents ? Is the totality an ideal unity and a real plurality ? If the position be this, it follows that the unity being a subjective construction, plurality will be true character of the totality of existence. So instead of a universe, we shall really have a pluri-verse. We postpone the discussion of the problem to a subsequent chapter, as we cannot do justice to the paramount importance which it possesses by dealing with it as a side issue. We may state in a dogmatic form that the Jaina takes the totality of existence as a unity with the plurality of existents preserved with all their individuality. The universe will be found on examination to be a unity of plurality exactly on a par with the individual, which is an epitome of the macrocosm, being a unity and a plurality in one and at the same time, though in a different reference. The universality of sevenfold predication with regard to all that exists cannot be called in question. Even the totality of existents does not prove an exception, as it is also one and many. It is one qua the universal being and many in reference to the plurality of things. So the sevenfold predication with the predicates, unity and plurality, is true of the totality as it is of the individuals themselves. As regards the individuals, all of which are undergoing change into modes, the plurality of the modes and the unity of the substance in each individual are attested truths and the sevenfold predication is the legitimate form of their evaluation. We have discussed all the problems that were raised in connection with the specific instances of sevenfold predication and we have cosidered the objections advanced by the opponents regarding specific attributes. We now propose to consider the objections that have been advanced, not against specific predicates, but against the theory as a whole. In the first place, it is urged that the theory of sevenfold predication is only a quibble (chala). Whatever is existent is affirmed to be non-existent, whatever is permanent is asserted to be impermanent, in the sevenfold predication. It is only a jugglery in words and a despicable sophistry as it continually shifts the ground whenever confronted with a difficulty. But the charge is unfounded as the definition of a verbal quibble does not apply to it. A quibble consists in alleging a contradiction in the assertion of a person by putting a construction upon his words different from the

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 245 intended sense. 11 It is resorted to when the assertion is susceptible of a double construction. In Sanskrit vocabulary which is exceptionally rich in sense. the occasions for quibble are numerous. The stock-in-trade example of quibble is the proposition 'The man has a new (nava) blanket.' The word for 'new' is nava, which also signifies the number 'nine'. The opponent charges the speaker with contradiction by taking the word 'nava' in the sense of 'nine.' He says that the assertion is false. "The man has not even two blankets, how can he have nine blankets ?'' But there is no ambiguity in the Jaina propositions, nor is the assertion of existence and non-existence intended in different senses. The Jaina, on the contrary, scrupulously defines the meaning of his words and he insists on the uniformity of the sense of the same words occurring in the different propositions. The charge of 'quibbling' is the unkindest and the most frivolous accusation that can be conceived of against the Jaina position. In the second place, it is alleged that the theory of sevenfold predication can only be the cause of doubt and not of certitude. The concurrence of opposite attributes in the same substance is impossible, yet the sevenfold predication asserts existence and non-existence, identity and non-identity, permanence and impermanence, of the same subject. This can only mean that the assertor is not sure of his position and is in doubt about the truth of either of the opposite attributes. What is doubt but this cognition of opposite attributes ? Take, for instance, the notorious case of doubt. "Is it a man or an inanimate tree ? Doubt arises since the mind is confronted with two conflicting alternatives, man and tree, in respect of a self-identical entity, which cannot both be true. Similarly in the sevenfold predication, the assertion of existence and non-existence, which are mutually opposed, in respect of the same subject canot but produce a doubt in the mind of the person to whom it is addressed. But the allegation is not well-founded upon truth. The conditions of doubt are not present in sevenfold predication. The conditions of doubt are three, viz., the cognition of attributes common to the alternatives, the non-cognition of distinctive attributes, and the recollection of the distinctive attributes. An analysis of the instance under consideration will prove the truth of the assertion. A man sees at dusk a tall object ahead and owing to insufficiency of light cannot observe the specific attributes of the tree, e.g., nests of birds upon it, the hollow in the trunk and the like, or of a human being, such as 1!. avisesabhihite 'rthe vaktur a bhiprayarthantarakalpana vakchalam NS 1.2.12.

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246 Anekantavada and Syadvada movement of hands and feet, the head-dress and so on. The object may be a man or a branchless tree, and whichever it is, it must have the attributes in question. But the attributes escape observation, though the man recalls them. He knows what is a man and what is a tree. But owing to the lack of perception of the specific determinations of either, he is in a fix and his mind oscillates between them. In the case of sevenfold predication, on the contrary, existence and non-existence are each defined by their specific determinations, internal and external, and the cognition of these determinations makes doubt impossible. The cognition of common characteristics, when it is accompanied by the absence of the cognition of specific determinations, causes doubt, but not when such determinations are congnised. There can therefore be no room for doubt in sevenfold predication. It has, however, been contended that though the conditions of doubt as enunciated above may not be present in full, there are certainly other conditions of doubt present in it. In the first place, there is divergence of opinion regarding the truth of the opposite attributes. Secondly, the Jaina must advance reasons in support of each of the opposite attributes and the consideration of such reason must result in doubt, as one set of reasons will offset the other, and so neither existence nor non-existence can be asserted with certitude. But the second contention is also hollow like the first, since it is inspired by misconception. It is assumed that the predicates, existence and non-existence, are mutually opposed and so they would cancel each other. But the predicates are neither indeterminate nor have they the same reference, which would make opposition inevitable. Existence has reference to the identity of the substance, which never suffers lapse in spite of the evanescent modes which happen to it and non-existence has reference to these modes, either defunctor unrealised. It may have reference to a distinct identity also. So there is no opposition, which would be irresistible, if the predication of opposite determinations were in the self-same reference. Fatherhood and sonship are opposed in the same reference. The same man cannot be the son and father of 'A.' But he can be the son of 'A' and father of 'B' and there is no contradiction, since the reference is different. A sound probans (hetu), e.g., smoke, is existent in the kitchen and the hill and is non-existent in the lake. There is no opposition here and so also in sevenfold predication, as the opposites are asserted to be true not in the same reference, but in a different reference.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 247 A charge-sheet of eight counts has been drawn up against the theory by another school of philosophers and this demands an examination and an answer. (1) The first charge is contradiction. It is asserted that affirmation and negation of the same attribute in respect of the same subject are not logically possible, since this would make self-contradiction inevitable. Existence is a positive attribute and non-existence is the negation of existence. The two are mutually repellent like heat and cold. (2) The second charge is consequential. The two opposites cannot exist in the same substratum and if existence and non-existence were predicated of the self-same subject, the identity of the subject would be split up into two-one as the substrate of existence and the other as the substrate of non-existence. (3) The third charge is that it makes infinite regress an unavoidable consequence. The Jaina position is that every real has a double character--one positive and another negative. Thus, jar, pen, table, chair and so on are all possessed of a double character, since they are both existent and non-existent according to the Jaina theory. Now 'existence' and 'non-existence' are real attributes and as such each of them must have a double character. Existence will have existence and non-existence in its turn, and the second element of existence will have again existence and non-existence and so on to infinity. What is true of existence will be equally true of non-existence, as the postulation of an endless series of non-existences and existences will be necessary in the latter case also. (4) The fourth charge is the consquence, of 'confusion' (sarkara)"2 A thing will have existence and non-existence in the same manner. What is existent will be non-existent and what is non-existent will be existent. This is a case of confusion which consists in the overlapping of all things in one substratum. (5) The fifth charge is 'transfusion' (vyatikara),13 the opposite of confusion. If existence were to occur in the very manner in which non-existence occurs, existence would be transfused into non-existence, and if non-existence were to have the same manner of incidence with existence, it would become existence. This is transfusion which is defined as the mutual transference of locus. (6) The sixth charge is the consequence, 'doubt.' If a real were existent and non-existent both, it could not be determined definitely as existent or as non-existent. The result is doubt as to which it is. (7) The seventh charge is 'indetermination,' which is the result of 12. sarvesam yugapat praptih sankarah. SBT., p. 42. 13. parasparavisayagamanam vyatikarah Ibid., pp., 42-43.

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248 Anekantavada and Syadvada doubt. (8) The eighth charge is the inevitable consequence which is deduced by the nihilist that nothing is real, as every phenomenon is asserted to be possessed of both existence and non-existence--which is impossible. This formidable catalogue of charges against the doctrine of non-absolutism, which is established by sevenfold predication, is really not so formidable as it appears at first sight. The fundamental charge is the allegation of self-contradiction and the remaining counts are only consequential. If the charge of self-contradiction can be shown to be unfounded and unreal, the disposal of the consequential charges will be a matter of methodical deduction. We have fully discussed the nature of opposition in the first chapter in connection with our critique of the Laws of Thought. The inflated list of objections recorded in the chargesheet is only an elaboration of the concept of contradiction as endorsed by formal pure logic; but it has been established that a priori conception of opposition is untenable. It should, we think, suffice to say that the criterion of opposition is absence of proof of the co-existence of the opposites. In other words, it is from experience and not from pure thought that we should derive our notion of opposition. We have shown how the denial of this fundamental truth has divided idealists and realists and driven them to hostile camps. The only consistent logical conclusion of the a priori concept of opposition is the philosophy of Vedanta as taught by Sankaracarya. Sankara succeeds in denying the plurality with their relations by the application of the Law of contradiction, based upon the difference and opposition of being and non-being, which he thinks to be absolute. But if we can persuade ourselves that a priori reasoning independent of experience is incompenent to yield insight into the nature of real and their relations, we cannot accept the findings of idealists. The Jaina is a realist and if Vedanta is the paragon of idealistic thought, as James has observed, Jaina philosophy is with equal propriety and truth entitled to be called the paragon of realism. If experience be the ultimate source of knowledge of reality and its behaviour, we cannot repudiate the plurality of things. The admission of plurality necessitates the recognition of the dual nature of reals as constituted of being and non-being as fundamental elements. One real will be distinguished from another real and this distinction, unless it is dismissed as error of judgment, presupposes that each possesses a different identity, in other words that being of one is not the being of

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 249 the other. This truth is propounded by the Jaina in that things are real, so far as they have a self-identity of their own unshared by other (svarupasutia), and they are unreal in respect of a different self-identity (pararupasatta). If being were the only character of reals to the exclusion of non-being, all reals would have the self-same being-in other words, there would be only one real, which is the conclusion of Vedanta. If non-being were the only character of reals, they would not be real even in their own self-identity, as the presupposition of self-identity is being, which is denied in the proposition. This is exactly the conclusion of sunyavada. Jaina thought steers clear of the Scylla of monisin and the Charybdis of nihilism by accepting the deliveries of experience as the final truth. Of course experience must not be contradicted by subsequent experience if it is to be an authentic source of knowledge. But the crux of the problem lies in the very conception of contradiction and the Jaina refuses to capitulate to the Vedantist or the Nihilist, who are adherents of pure logic. The logic of Jaina is empirical logic, which stands in irreconcilable opposition to pure logic, and the advocates of the latter have to part company with the advocates of the former. If one were to pose the difficult question, "Which of the two, realism and idealism, possesses the finai (ruth? We can only advise him usefully by testing his logical convictions. "If you are a believer in absolute being or absolute non-being and in the absolute opposition of the two, you will find satisfaction either in Vedanta or Sunyavada. If, however, you have no such preformed faith, study the different systems of thought and understand the logic upon which they are founded, and you will arrive at your own conclusion in accordance with your logical sympathies that you will come to develop. If you come to believe in the truth of pure logic, you will become an idealist by faith, If, on the other hand, you are convinced by the contentions of realistic logic, you will be a realist. The form and nature of your philosophy will be determined by the strength of your convictions either way." The 'aina position in logic, it can be expected, cannot be rejected by realistic philosophers. But as a matter of hitorical truth, realists also are not agreed in their views upon the nature of reality, although they are at one in rejecting the idealist's interpretation of logical truth. As regards the quarrel with the idealists, we do not want to act as umpire-an ambitious task which we leave to future prophets to adjudge. The realist can only show contradiction in the position of the

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250 Anekantavada and Syadvada idealist, which the latter does not believe to be a contradiction, and the idealist can show similar contradiction in the realist's position, which is believed by the latter to be the true description of the nature of reals as they are. I may be permitted to quote in this connection what I have said elsewhere about the differences of philosophers. "There is no reason to be optimistic that one day all philosophers will sink their differences and profess one philosophy. Philosophy is not so much a question of conviction or carrying conviction as it is a question of mental attitude and outlook of thought and habit of thinking. It will be therefore better and more consonant with truth to say that the task of philosophers is rather conversion than logical conviction. The phenomenon of rival schools of thought holding contradictory views and constantly fighting with one another, however unphilosophical it may appear, will not be a thing of past history, because the fundamental attitudes of mind, the bias of our thought movement, cannot be changed or destroyed.'14 We have already alluded to the truth that the differences among realists are not less fundamental with regard to the interpretation of experience and thought. The Jaina deduces the conclusion that a real is constituted of being and non-being from the determinate nature that it possesses. The Naiyayika also believes that existence are determinate, but declines to accept non-being as a factor of reality. The Naiyakika believes in the opposition of being and non-being like the idealist and hence does not agree with the Jaina in respect of his assertion that reals are existent-cum-non-existent. It is contended by him, "The proposition 'A' is not 'B' or 'A' has not being as 'B' does not admit of the construction that 'A' has non-being of 'B' as an element of its being, which is the Jaina conclusion. The negation of 'B' relates to 'B' and not to 'A'. The proposition 'A' is not 'B' or A has not the being of 'B' cannot be regarded as the equivalent of the proposition 'A' is not. What we seek to establish is that the identity of 'B' is absent in 'A' just as we assert non-existence of jar on the ground. The 'negation' is a determination of the jar and not of the ground and the legitimate form of assertion is "the jar does not exist on the ground' and not the ground does not exist.' Similarly we should assert 'B' does not exist (in 'A') and not 'A' does not exist.' But the second proposition of the sevenfold predication just takes this illegitimate form." The contention of the Naiyayika seems to have much 14. The Budd!uist Philosophy of Universal Flux, pp. 93-94.

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 251 plausibility, but it will not stand scrutiny. The non-existence of the jar is interpreted by the Naiyayika as the attribute (dharma) of the jar. The non-existence of pen in the jar is similarly held to be an attribute of pen and not of the jar. The Jaina holds the opposite view. The dispute can be terminated by the determination of the substratum of negation. Negation will be the attribute of the substratum of which it subsists, just as 'redness' is the attribute of its substratum. In the proposition "The jar does not exist (qua pen)" the non-existence of pen is predicated of the jar and the Naiyayika takes exception to it. The question can be put as follows : 'Is the non-existence of pen a property of the pen or of the jar' ? The first alternative is not entertainable. If the non-existence of pen were a property of pen, the pen would cease to be pen. It cannot be maintained that what is a property of a thing does not exist in that thing. If negation as the property of the pen would subsist in the jar, why should not the other properties of the pen exist in the jar ? The first alternative must then be rejected and it must be admitted on pain of contradiction that the negation of pen is an attribute of the jar and not of the pen. And it is his truth which is asserted in the second proposition. What the Jaina seeks to establish is the truth that the assertion of existence yields only the knowledge of a part-characteristic, which is completed by the assertion of non-existence. Non-existence of the pen does not belong to the pen, as that would make it a non-entity. The truth can be elicited by the question, 'Does not the pen exist as pen ?' To say that the pen does not exist even as pen is a contradiction in terms. The non-existence of the pen is then to be asserted as its non-existence qua not-pen. This is the Jaina position and no purpose can be served by twisting its plain meaning. The predication of existence and non-existence being thus necessary, the conclusion is undeniable that a real is existent and non-existent both. But the Naiyayika is not prepared to accept the Jaina interpretation so easily. It is contended by him that non-existence should be regarded as the attribute of the negatum. The meaning of the second proposition 'the jar does not exist as pen' is that the pen does not exist in the jar and it is plain that the non-existence belongs to the pen, which is non-existent. The non-existence is asserted of the pen and not of the jar. But here the Naiyayika only lays emphasis upon one aspect of a complex situation. The Jaina does not deny that the pen is negated. The point at issue is the relation of attribute and substantive. The Naiyayika admits that in the proposition 'The jar

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252 Anekantavada and Syadvada does not exist on the ground, the non-existence of the jar is an attribute of the ground, which is the substratum of the non-existence in question. The non-existence of pen in the jar is exactly on a par with the case. And if the non-existence of the jar can be accepted as an attribute of its locus, why should an objection be raised regarding the non-existence of pen being an attribute of the jar, which is the import of the second proposition. We shall show in a subsequent chapter that all relations, irrespective of their apparent distinctions, are reducible to the relation of identity-cum-difference and the predicate is always a term which stands in this relation of identity to the subject. Non-existence of the pen is affirmed in the jar and thus stands in a relation to the latter, and is thus a predicate of it. It is seen that from whatever angle ci vision one may approach the problem of negation, one cannot avoid the conclusion that non-existence is a real attribute of the existent. The Naiyayika sets out to demonstrate the impossibility of the co-existence of non-existence and existence in an entity, but ends in asserting non-existence as the attribute of another existent, viz., of the negatum. While he denies that non-existence of the pen is an attribute of the jar, he asserts that it is an attribute of the pen. But the pen cannot be non-existent as pen and existent as pen both---as that makes contradiction inevitable. It must then be admitted that non-existence can relate to the pen as determined by not-pen. The positive-cum-negative character of reals is the unavoidable conclusion even for the Naiyayika. As we had an occasion to observe that it is only the Jaina who is the only consistent realist, and his confreres, the Naiyayika and the Mimamsist, have at times succumbed to the temptation of pure logic. The present case is only an illustration of the truth of our assertion. But an objection of a formal nature has been raised. Granted that reals are positive-cum-negative in nature, still the form of the propositions as adopted by the Jaina is not correct. The propositions should be of the form, "The jar exists' and 'The pen does not exist' and not the jar does not exist.' The negation of pen has always this form with the negatum as the subject, though as a matter of ontological fact, the non-existence of pen may be regarded as an attribute of the jar. The Jaina does not attach undue importance to formal disputes. He will be satisfied if the Naiyayika accepts the Jaina position that reals are possessed of a double nature, positive-cum-negative, and abandons his wavering allegiance to the absolutist interpretation of the Law of Contradiction. As regards the

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 253 form of verbal representation, the Jaina would only appeal to convention, that is followed. The form of propositions is not necessarily determined by philosophical truth. Take for instance the proposition 'John is cooking. What is the meaning of the subject, John ? Do we mean that John is only a physical organism, or a spirit, or an embodied spirit ? According to the difference of import the subject should be stated differently in conformity with the objective truth. But no sane man, unless there is a special necessity for definition of the subject, raises any difficulty on the score of ontological truth regarding the form of proposition. It will suffice if the proposition is understood in the intended sense. As regards formal propriety the Jaina will only point to the large volume of usage and the time-honoured custom as his apology. It may be claimed that the Jaina has succeeded in establishing his position that reals are existent and non-existent both. But if there still be left a lingering doubt or hesitation and further demonstration needed, it can be supplied by the following consideration. The Naiyayika agrees that the pen does not exist in the jar.15 The non-existence of pen is asserted to subsist in the jar. But such assertions must remain vague and obscure unless the nature of subsistence is determined in precise terms. Is the 'non-existence in question numerically differnt from the jar in which it is asserted to subsist ? If it is different, it must be supposed that the non-existence is non-existent in its substratum. In other words, the identity of the jar and the identity of the non-existence being different, the latter must be non-existent in the former and vice versa. But the same problem will arise in the case of every subsequent non-existence and there will be no end of the process. The vicious infinite is not the only absurdity of the supposition. The second non-existence of the first non-existence will be equivalent to affirmation, according to the dictum 'Negation of negation is the origional position. 16 And, thus, this will be a case of self-contradiction, since the assertion of non-existence of the pen terminates in the affirmation of its existence. If, on the other hand, the non-existence of the pen be not different from the jar, the jar will have to be regarded as identical with non-existence, just as it is admitted to be identical with existence--the position advocated by the Jaina. 15. We have used 'pen' in the sense of penness or pen-character for the sake of brevity and for avoiding a clumsy expression. 16. abhavavirahatmatvam vastunah pratiyogita, NKU, Ch. III. 2.

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254 Anekantavada and Syadvada The aforesaid duality is repudiated by Prabhakara, the great Mimamsist, who denies the reality of non-bing. It is maitained by him that being is an indivisible simple characteristic of a real and non-being is only the self-same being as understood in reference to another real. It is being all the same and all the while and non-being is only another name of it. The difference of nomenclature, however, does not presuppose a factual difference in the make-up of a real. The Jaina affirmation of being and non-being as elements in the real is thus an assumption based on the assumption of numerical difference of non-being from being, which is not a fact. But the Jaina thinks this contention to be based upon an unsound principle, which, if admitted, will lead to the abolition of many an accredited characteristic of reality. It is true that a real generates a positive cognition of being' qua its self-identity as determined by its own context and the same real gives rise to the idea of 'non-being' in reference to another real in another context. If the difference of conditions and relations be a reason for denying the objectivity or numerical differnce of the contents of cognition, we do not see how being can be asserted as an objective characteristic in preference to non-being, both being equa y conditioned. Moreover, such attributes as fatherhood and sonship of the same person understood in relation to different persons would also be unreal, or be the same. Again, number will be an ideal creation, or there will be no difference of number as one, two, three and so on. A thing is one in its own self and thus has oneness as its determination, and the same thing together with another thing becomes two and thus comes to have the number 'two as its determination. It cannot be thought for the reasons assigned that the attribute of number is an ideal creation or the different numbers are not really different. Being and non-being have no doubt the same substratum, but the sameness of substratum does not argue the sameness of the attributes. Nor again can it be maintained that being and non-being are identical with their substratum and hence identical with each other. In that case, the different numbers would be the same number having the same substratum and having the same relation of identity to the same substratum. Nor can the difference of 'number' or other relative attributes, as fatherhood etc., be preserved by virtue of the relation of inherence (samavaya), as inherence will be found to be only a name for identity-cum-difference (tadatmya). There is, then, no logical justification for supposing that being and non-being are numerically identical. It ought to be accepted on

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 255 the contrary that difference of relations and conditions is the cause of real difference of ontological status. The criterion of difference is the opposition of character and the proof of such difference is the difference of conditions and this twofold criterion is fully applicable to the case of being and non-being. That being has a character which is the opposite of that of non-being and that the two are entailed by different conditions does not require proof, as the opponent also cannot deny them. The Jaina position that being and non-being are essential elements of the nature of a real should be taken as established. We have considered the various objections advanced by thinkers of opposite schools and it cannot be denied that the Jaina has met them with considerable force of logic. As regards the charge of contradiction involved in the compresence of being and non-being, which constitutes the main plank in the platform of the rival philosophers, the Jaina simply declines to accept the charge as authentic. We have considered the problem of contradiction in the chapter and therein we have dealt with the four types of itional relation. The Jaina has made out that none of these types is applicable to the case of being and non-being, as both are perceived elements in a real. The Jaina has further made out that experience is the ultimate determinant of contradiction and the compresence of being and non-being is endorsed by experience. The Jaina has further resolved the opposition of reason and empirical knowledge. We do not think it necessary to enter into arguments that we have produced in the first chapter. We had to deal with the concept of opposition repeatedly as occasion required and we are perfectly sure that the careful reader of the present book does not stand in need of being pumped with the arguments that the Jaina advances in support of his position and in answer to the animadversions of his opponents. Suffice it to say thah being and non-being are true elements of reality, which is determinante in all cases. The Jaina does not believe in indeterminate being and indeterminate non-being, which are according to him abstractions of formal logic. The opposition of indeterminate being with indeterminate non-being, on which the idealistic logician banks, has thus no force against the Jaina realist. The Jaina is an empiricist in the matter of determination of the nature of reality and it seems absolutely certain that in so far as the plain delivery of experience is taken into consideration the Jaina stands on 17. sa eva hi bhedo bhedahetur va yad viruddhadharmadhyasah karanabhedas ca--Quoted in the KP, Ch. V.

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256 Anekantavada and Syadvada unassailable grounds. It cannot be denied that the idealist also appeals to experience, but he subjects experience to critical analysis and examination. Uncriticised experience is suspect in idealistic philosophy. But the realist also has his own canons of criticism and he applies them to experiential data like the idealist. But there arises a fundamental difference in the results of the interpretation of experience by both the schools. It is no use making a complaint against the discrepancy of interpretation, which we must face as a necessary evil. The differences, on the contrary, should impel us to probe deeper and deeper into the problem. Differences of philosophy are not, to my mind, an unmixed evil. Criticism seems to be the very life of philosophy and it is necessary that we must stand by our convictions until we are made to see the drawbacks in our position by the criticism of the opponent. To return to our problem, the Jaina is emphatic that the charge of contradiction against the co-presence of being and non-being in a real is a figment of a priori logic; and his dismissal of this fundamental accusation entails the collapse of all other charges, which are consequential upon the truth of contradiction. As regards the charge of regressus ad infinitum, it has been disposed of before. It will suffice to say that a real is a manifold of infinite plurality of attributes, and the infinity of attributes, which is the consequence of the charge, is true and authenticated by logic. So the charge does noi invalidate the Jaina position. We have finished our survey of the sevenfold predication and we have given serious thought to its implications and the critisism thereof. The dialectic of sevenfold predication is not easy to understand. It is not surprising that the doctrine has been misunderstood even in India. The critics of Jaina non-absolutism have not shown a critical grasp of this abstruse theory and their criticism has been rather shallow and superficial. It cannot be expected that the idealist logician will accept the logical theory of the Jaina realist. But the pity is that its implications were not sought to be understood even by those schools of thinkers who had much in common with the Jaina. The affinities of Jaina thought with other schools of thought are pronounced and momentous. Barring the Monists of Sankara's school and the Buddhist Nihilist (Sunyavadin), almost all schools of Indian philosophy, particularly those who have realistic leanings, have consciously or unconsciously followed the logic that is advocated by the Jaina. We do not propose to enter into the tangled problem of

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 257 chronological priority and the consequent problem of influence of one school upon the other. It must be admitted that the systematization of Jaina philosophical thought and logic is rather a later phenomenon We are concerned with the Masters of Jaina thought, who, as a matter of historical fact, flourished after Dignaga and Dharmakirti. This has been a source of advantage to Jaina thought. It had the opportunity to study afresh the implications of the philosophy of non-absolutism called anekantavada, which seems to date back to a far remote past, But in spite of the chronological posteriority of the Jaina Masters, it must be admitted that the Jaina theory of sevenfold logical predication is the most original contribution of Jaina thought, which cannot be traced to the influence of other schools. In philosophy and other fields of abstract thought it is by no means the truth that the first is always the best or the most original. What we seek to emphasize is not the question of obligation this or that way, but the points of agreement among the different philosophies and their implications. It is undeniable that the Jaina siezes hold of these points of agreement and makes them proof of the inevitability of the truth of anekanta and not of personal or communal triumph. The Sarkhya believes in one Prakrti, the prius of the world of plurality, material and mental, standing in opposition to Purusa, the eternal, unchanging spirit. This Praksti is the unity of three principles, called sattva, rajas and tamas, which are mutually opposed in respect of their nature and functions. The compresence of three opposite principles in the unity of Prakrti can be upheld only by the canons of non-absolutist logic as systematized by the Jaina. It is not suggested that the Sankhya is indebted to Jaina thought. But the position of the Sankhya is only an illutration of the validity of Jain a logic, no matter whether the Sankhya is conscious of it or not. Moreoever, the Sankhya doctrine of the identity of substance in the midst of its changing modes is another illustration of the doctrine of identity in difference, which is another synonym of anekantavada. The Nyaya-Vaisesika school, wbich swears by the infallibility of the Law of Contradiction as interpreted in absolutist logic, advocates a number of universals of the second grade in contradistinction to the highest universal, 'existence'. Now these secondary universals, e.g., substance-universal, quality-universal and action-universal, exercise a double function, which is mutually opposed. Substance-universal synthesizes all substances and at the same time separates them from other universals. So also the universals of the same grade. As regards

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258 Anekantavada and Syadvada the universals of lower grades, viz., man-universal, cow-universal, horse-universal and the like, they also eminently discharge the opposite functions of unification and differentiation. These universals are therefore called universal-cum-particulars. This constitutes evidence of the truth of the synthesis of opposites, which the Jaina propounds to be the universal truth. As regards the Buddhists of Dignaga's school, who are the loudest in their protestations of the inviolability of the Law of Contradiction, they, too, are constrained to admit the validity of non-absolutism in exceptional cases. In the perceptual cognition of variegated colours in carpet, the unity of the content qua a carpet and the plurality qua colours are admitted to be present together. Besides, the plurality of contents of the cognition and the unity of the cognitive act are affirmed to belong to a seif-identical situation. The confession of the unity of the plurality is only an unconscious tribute to Jaina standpoint and if it is construed as corroboration of non-absolutism by the Jaina, we cannot accuse the latter of dogmatic zeal. The Sautrantika and the Yogacara believe in the plurality of powers of a single entity and this is an admission of the synthesis of plurality in one-which is the characteristic Jain position. The Carvaka materialist holds consciousness to be the product of four elements, earth, air, water and fire. The product is not numerically different from the elements, as that would make it a separate principle; nor is it identical severally with each, as in that case even jars and tables would possess spirit. It is thus one and the four at the same time. This is only a confirmation of anekantavada. The affinities of Mimamsist logic and ontology with the Jaina thcory are too pronounced to be ignored. The Mimamsist believes in the dual nature of reals, constituted by being and non-being as elements, and is thus at one with the Jaina. The later Vaisnava philosophers, who believe in unity and plurality both and in their ultimate synthesis, cannot but endorse the Jaina logical standpoint. As regards the Prabhakara school of Mimamsa, it also has to fall back on non-absolutist logic on occasions. One instance will suffice. According to Prabhakara all cognitions are cognisant of three elements, the content, the act of cognition (that is to say, their own identity), and the self as the knower. Accordingly all cognitions are held to be judgments by him of the form 'I know this.' The synthesis of three in one constitutes an endorsement of the Jaina logical standpoint. The purpose of this long schedule of affinities with other

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Non-Absolutism (Anekantavada) 259 schools of thought is to show that the doctrine of the manifoldness of truth called anekantavada, which is proved by the application of the logical form of sevenfold predication, is not the outcome of logical aberration or abnormality of thought-proclivities, as the critics profess it to be. The logic of non-absolutism, as illustrated by sevenfold predication, seems to be the only kind of logic, that should be followed by realists. The refutation of the commonplace charges of indetermination and doubt against the theory should entitle it to serious consideration. The Jaina has succeeded in establishing that sevenfold predication is not a frivolous estimation of truth. And if I have succeeded in driving home this truth, I shall consider that I have accomplished a difficult task and fulfilled a sacred duty, which we owe to the philosophers of old, who are our own kith and kin spiritually and ethnologically.

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Anekanta and the Problem of Meaning* S.M. SHAHA The Doctrine of Anekanta : The doctrine of Anekanta is the heart of Jaina ontology, epistemology and logic. It claims the indeterminateness of reality, its knowledge and its verbal expression. If reality is infinitely manifold, logically there must be infinite ways of intellectually cognizing it and verbally expressing its infinite aspects. This presupposition enables one to harmonize various apparently contradictory descriptions of reality. This doctrine of Anekanta also serves as a beacon in studying the epistemological problem of the meaning of 'Meaning'. Four types of meaning In India, various schools of philosophy including those of the Sanskrit grammarian and rhetoricians have devoted much thought to the linguistic prolem of meaning and have evolved different theories to explain the semantic aspect of language. As to the meaning, it is supposed that a word or a sentence may convey the primary or metaphorical or suggested meaning. In addition to these three types, some Mimamsakas, Naiyayikas and rhetoricians postulate Tatparya or the sentence-meaning as the fourth type. Some consider it to be independent of the first three, while others associate it with any one of them. Out of these four types of meaning, the suggested and purposive meanings are severally indeterminate, relative and, hence, anekantic in nature. But, in case of the primary and secondary meanings the * Annals of the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Vol. LXVII, 1986.

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Anekanta and the Problem of Meaning 261 principle of Anekanta or indeterminateness is involved in selecting either of them as per the context requires. Suggestive Meaning Of all the four types of meaning, the suggestive meaning is the most indeterminate. It depends on a number of contextual factors such as time, place, occasion, intention, intonation, gestures etc. of the listener or the spectator. It varies from person to person and context to context. Unlike primary and metaphorical meanings it includes various socio-cultural meaning and even an emotive element also. It is well known how numerous meanings are evoked in the minds of different persons by the stock example of suggestive meaning namely, gato 'stam arkah i.e., the sun is set. Though grammarians, scientists, logicians and philosophers, interested more in the accuracy, precision, clarity and objectivity of meaning, prefer the lexical or primay meaning to the suggested one, the very indeterminate and infinite potency of the suggested meaning has rendered it more competent than the primary meaning for expressing both the aesthetic and mystic experiences embodying fine literature and profound philosophy respectively. Thus, Bergsont in his Introduction to Metaphysics says, "Language is incapable of apprehending and expressing reality. But language may be used in another way, not to represent, but to bring the hearer to a point where he himself may transcend language and pass to incommunicable insight. It is a dialectical ladder which, when we have ascended, may be kicked away." This insight and intuition cannot be expressed directly by words, but they can be communicated through the power of suggestion. Tatparyavrtti or Sentence-meaning Thus, from the foregoing the anekantic nature of the suggested meaning becomes obvious. The same may be said in respect of even the Tatparyavrtti or sentence-meaning. There is a difference of approach between the abhihitanvaya theory of sentence-meaning advocated by the Bhatta school of Mimamsa and anvitabhidhana theory of sentence-meaning propounded by Prabhakara school of Mimamsa. The former holds that the unitary meaning of the sentence is indirectly conveyed through the recollection of the meaning of the words that comprise it, while the latter takes the view that the unitary 1. Indian Theories of Meaning (=ITM), K. Kunjuni Raja, Adyar, Madras, 1963, p. 293.

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262 Anekantavada and Syadvada meaning directly arises from the collection of the words. We need not enter further into the controversy. Here is suffice to state that those (like Abhinavagupta, Mammata, Visvanatha etc.) who refer to Tatparya as a separate vrtti or function of words hold that the intention of the speaker or the general purpose of the utterance obviously gives a united, purposeful sentence-meaning. Here the dependence of meaning on the intention of the speaker (i.e. what he intends to be understood by the listener) or the general purport of the sentence involves the element of Anekanta or indeterminateness, because so far as the intention of the speaker is concerned, it is associated with different psychological context. It is possible for the same sign to belong to different psychological context; a word may mean different things in different cases. Even the same thing can be examined from different angles without exhausting its characters; but from the linguistic point of view we are only concerned with so much of the thing as is required to elucidate what the speaker intended the listener to understand. Even though what is in the mind of the speaker at the time of utterance is something subjective and not capable of being subject to an objective analysis, the idea intended to be conveyed to the listener by the speaker could be determined to a great extent with the help of contextual factors. Thus, as in the case of suggested meaning the dependence on contextual factors while 'interpreting the sentencemeaning is indicative of Anekantic element in the Tatparyavrtti. It is true that the Mimamsakas even use the term Tatparya for the purport of a passage dealing with a particular topic, and refer to six lingas or indications by which it could be obtained objectively without any reference to the speaker or author. But in our opinion, whether the real purport of the passage is identical with or different from the intention of the author is immaterial. The very dependence of interpretation on the contextual factors such as six lin gas (as consistency in meaning between the introduction and conclusion [upakramopasamharau) etc), is indicative of anekantic nature of the Tatparyavrtti or sentence-meawning. Primary and Secondary or Metaphorical Meanings Now let us examine the anekantic nature of the primary and secondary 2. 3. 4. Ibid. p. 194. Ibid. p. 182. Ibid.

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Anekanta and the Problem of Meaning 263 or metaphorical meanings. We restrict our query to the domain of Philosophy only and that also particularly the Mimamsa, the Vedanta and the Jain systems. Mimamsa System The Mimamsa divides Veda into two parts: vidhi and arthavada. Vidhi refers to the supra-mundane affairs and has to be interpreted literally, that is, in the primary sense while the arthavada portion roughly refers to the matters of ordinary experience. It has no logical significance. It merely reiterates facts otherwise already known. Its purpose is to flatter a man into doing good actions or to frighten him out of evil ones. Taken independently the arthavad'a has no use. It ought to be taken as a corroborative statement of vidhi or action or injunction. Hence, the arthavada portion is to be interpreted liberally, that is, in a secondary, metaphorical or figurative sense. Thus, the Mimamsa lays down canons of interpretation in connection with determining what portion falls under these two heads, namely, vidhi and arthavada, the primary and secondary meanings respectively. It holds that only vidhis or injunctions are directly authoritative, for they teach us what to do and what not to do. Sentences which merely state something are of no use, for nobody gains thereby anything. Hence, all the arthavadas are authoritative only in so far as they form a unitary passage with command-sentences. For example, the arthavada, "vayu is a swift deity' forms a unitary passage with the injunction, 'one who wants prosperity should touch a goat relating to vayu', because taken independently the arthavada has no use, while taken as a corroborrative statement of the injunction, it praises the god Vayu and suggests that a rite in connection with god is highly prasieworthy Thus, according to the Mimamsakas, action is the guiding principle of interpreting a particular word or a sentence and ascribing to it a primary or a secondary meaning. In this respect they attach importance to the contextual factors as well as to the purport. Even they maintain that an action consists of parts; and words conveying it may also he divided into parts, if necessary, to express its idea. Consequently, it follows that not only the meaning but even the form of a word may also be indeterminate in nature. For example, the word 'svaha' may be divided into sva, a and ha meaning 'the soul (sva), leading to or associated with (a), an exclamation of satisfaction (ha). 5. Revelation and Reason in Advaita Vedanta (=RRAD) Murthy K. Sacchidananda, Motilal Banarsidass, Reprint, 1974, p. 68.

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264 Anekantavada and Syadvada Hence, the word 'svaha' expresses the satisfaction of the soul with action, with the result that it can continue to act. Similarly, if we divide the word dana into parts-d, a and na, the meaning would be sacrifice (d) associated with ( a ) the senses of knowledge; it would signify the sacrifice or proper function of the senses of knowledge', and the idea becomes different from that of a gift. These examples illustrate one of the Mimamsa methods of interpretation which ascribes a special meaning to a common word by dividing it according to the context, purpose and purport. This evinces the anekantic or indeterminate aspect of the Mimamsa concept of meaning. The canons of interpretation laid down by the Mimamsakas are of a great value not only to those who want to understand the Veda aright but to all who are engaged on the work of finding out the exact import of fixed texts like legal code.? Advaita Vedanta Badarayana's flexible usage of the primary and secondary meanings while interpreting Upanisadic passages and thereby reconciling even contradictory philosophical views is one more significant dimension of his anekantic philosophy. In the Brahmasutra he uses terms like mukhya, pradhana etc. for denoting the primary meaning while bhakta, gauna or gauni' in the sense of secondary meaning. Thus, for example, in the sutra caracaravyapasrayas tu syat tadvyapadeso bhaktas tadh havabhavitvat," he contends that the mention of these words (birth and death) with ralation to moving and the stationary bodies is in a primary sense while it is to be taken in a secondary sense with reference to the individual souls inhabiting them. The very idea that a meaning of a particular statement may either be primary or secondary according to the intention of the author as well as the context indicates its anekantic or indeterminate or relative nature. We may cite one more example. In the aphorism gaunyasambhavat 12 Badarayana contends "If it be argued that the seeing is in a secondary sense, we say, not so, owing to the use of the word self". The Samkhya wants to ascribe 6. Mi mamsa... (=Mimamsa), Thadani N.V., Bharat Research Institute, Delhi, 1952, p. 273. 7. The Essentials of Indian Philosophy, (=EOIP), Ailen and Unwin, London, 1969, p. 140. 8. Brahmasutra of Badarayana (BS), II. 3.15. 9. BS I. 1. 6. 10. BS III. 4. 6. 11. BS. II. 3. 16. 12. BS. 1. 1.6.

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Anekanta and the Problem of Meaning 265 . figuratively 'seeing to the insentient Pradhana which is referred to by the word existence and which is supposed to be the primordial cause of the universe. Badarayana objects it by discarding the secondary meaning of 'seeing' in favour of primary meaning and thereby he asserts that Brahman and not the Prakrti is the primordial cause of the universe. From Badarayana when we come to Sankara we find that Sankara lisely the concept of primary and secondary meanings while interpreting the aphorisms of the Brahmasutra. He employs the following terms in the sense of secondary meaning : gunavada, 13 gunanuvada, 4 gunavrtti, 15 gunavidhi, 16 gunavidhana, 17 gauna, 18 gaunatva, 19 gouri,20 gaunikalpana, 21 gaunartha, 22 gaunavrtti, 23 gaunabuddhi,24 bhakta or bhakta,25 upacara, 26 aupacarika, 27 upacaradarsana, 28 amukhya, 29 laksana, 30 laksana-vrtti, 31 laksanasrva, 32 laksanurthopalahdhi, 3, laksanika, 34 laksanikatvasiddhi, 35 arthavada, 36 arthavadakalpita, 37 arthavadamatra, 38 etc. while in the context of the primary meaning the terms used are 13. Brahmasutra of Badarayana with Sankara's Bhasya (=BSSB), I, 1.3; III. 1.7: III. 3. 42: III. 3. 6; III. 2. 3; IV. 1.3: IV. 1.5: IV. 3. 12 etc. 14. Ibid. I. 3. 33. 15. Ibid. I. 1.6. 16. Ibid. III. 3. 19: III. 3. 56; III, 3.58. 17. Ibid, III. 3. 19. 18. Ibid. 1.1. 4; I. 1. 6; 1. 1. 7; I. 1. 22: II. 3.3; 11. 3.5: II. 3. 7: II. 4. 1; II. 4. 2; II. 4. 3: III. 1. 4; III. 1. 25. 19. Ibid. I. 1. 6; 1. 1.7; 11. 3. 5: II. 3.7. 20. Ibid. IV. 3.8. 21. Ibid. 22. Ibid. 23. Ibid. 24. Ibid. 25. Ibid. II. 3. 15. 26. Ibid. 27. Ibid. 28. Ibid. I. 1. 5. 29. Ibid. I. 1.7; 1. 1. &; 1. 10. 12. 30. Ibid. III. 1. 22: III. 2. 21: III. 3. 7; III. 4. 20; IV. 1. 6: IV.2.1. 31. Ibid. III. 3.9. 32. Ibid. I. 4. 11. 33. Ibid. III. 3. 30. 34. Ibid. II. 1.9; III. 1. 10: III. 1.6. 35. lbid. II. 4. 17. 36. Ibid. I. 3. 32; III. 3. 38; III. 4. 2; III. 4. 28: III. 4. 31. 37. Ibid. I. 1.7. 38. Ibid. III. 3. 42; III. 3. 49.

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266 Anekantavada and Syadvada mukhya, 39 mukhyatva, 40 mukhyartha,41 mukhyasambhava, 42 mukhyarthatvopapatti43, etc. For example, Sankara, while commenting on the aphorism param jaiminir mukhyatvar44 contends that according to Jaimini the primary meaning of the term param is the Supreme Brahman and the secondary meaning is the inferior brahman. He further adds that between the primary and secondary meanings one readily understands the primary alone. Again, while commenting on the aphorism caracaravyapasrayas tu...45 Sankara argues that the words birth and death are used figuratively in the context of individual souls while primarily in respect of the material bodies which the souls inhabit. Thus, Sankara's interpretation of the aphorisms of the Brahmasutra in the light of the primary and secondary meanings is indicative of anekantic element involved in them. In passing we may add that the Advaita Vedanta school following Sankara has thoroughly developed the concepts of purport and primary as well as secondary meanings while interpreting the Upanisadic mahavakyas such as "That thou art' etc. For example, Suresvaracarya, Vacaspati, Vidyaranya, Prakasatman, Dharmaraja and Madhusudana consider the mahavakya "That thou art' to be the purport of the Upanisads. They further make distinction between the primary and the secondary meaning and try to interpret the mahavakyas by ascribing either of it to them. Suresvara is in favour of ascribing laksana to them while Dharmaraja rejects it.46 We need not enter into further details here. It suffices to state that their very difference of opinion with regard to the meaning of mahavakya evinces the indeterminate or anekantic nature of meaning in general. Jaina System Finally we shall turn our attention to the treatment of the primary and secondary meaning in Jaina system. The Jaina logicians, rhetoricians, grammarians and philosophers have dealt with different aspects of meaning right from the early centuries of Christian cra. For example, in the field of epistemology, the theories of Nayavada, Syadvada or 39. Ibid. I. 1.4, 8; III. 3. 29: III. 3. 43; III. 1. 7. 40. Ibid. I. 1. 16; 1. 3. 14; 1. 4. 9; II. 3. 5: II. 4. 17; IV 3. 12 etc. 41. Ibid. I. 1. 22. 42. Ibid. 43. Ibid. III. 1. 24. 44. Ibid. IV. 3. 12. 45. Ibid. III. 3. 16. 46. RRAD, p. 94.

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Anekanta and the Problem of Meaning 267 saptabhangi, Niksepa eto, deal with the problem of meaning and knowledge thoroughly. The terms sabdanaya and arthanaya are indicative of the linguistic views of the Jainas reflected in epistemology. Even to present a mere outline of their multifarious endeavours is beyond the scope of this paper. However, we shall discuss in brief Kundakunda's position with regard to the primary and secondary meanings. Kundakunda on Primary and Secondary Meanings Kundakunda in his monumental philosophical work Samayasara elucidates the empirical self from the empirical standpoint and the transcendental self from the transcendental standpoint. Since the empirical standpoint deals with the impure, accidental, pervert, superimposed and unreal condition of the mundane self, its statement may yield the figurative, metaphorical and secondary meaning. Again, since this accidental impurity is caused by the material body, the material qualities like colour, smell, touch, taste etc. are superimposed on or transferred to the self. And consequently, all non-self properties are figuratively affirmed of the self.47 Thus, for example Kundakunda says that from the empirical standpoint soul and body are certainly one and by lauding this material body which is really separate from the soul, one may think that the soul occupying it is lauded and adored. But, from the real standpoint the qualities of body are not found in the perfect soul. He who lauds the attributes of the perfect soul, really lauds the perfect soul,48 for just as admiring the city can never become admiration of the king, so by lauding the qualities of body the attributes of the perfect soul are never lauded.49 Again, from the practical standpoint the remark is made of (king's) military forces; "The king has gone out"' (although not) the king only but also his military forces are gone out with him." Common people, seeing someone looted in the way, say, "The way is looted, but no way whatsover is really looted. Similarly, seeing the karmic matter in the soul it has been said from the empirical standpoint, "This colour is of the soul''32 From the few example cited above it is obvious that 47. Samayasara (=SS); verse 61. 48. Ibid. verses 31-34. 49. Ibid. verse 35. 50. Ibid. verse 52. 51. Ibid. verse 63. 52. Ibid. verse 64.

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268 Anekantavada and Syadvada Kundakunda's statement of a practical standpoint may suggest the secondary meaning while his statement of transcendental or real standpoint may convey the primary meaing. It is needless to say that Kundakunda's doctrine of standpoint is a corollary of the theory of Anekanta or indeterminateness of reality, knowledge and meaning. Conclusion To conclude, we may observe that a word or sentence ma multivalence or multi-levels of meaning. Like the manifold, indeterminate and relative reality, its knowledge as well as verbal expression may also be manifold, indeterminate and relative. It is for our practical purpose only that we fix the meaning of a particular word or a sentence according to the context, the intention of the speaker, the general purport and so on. However, meaning is as inexhaustive as reality itself.

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10 The Development of the Doctrine of Anekantavada* JAGDISH CHANDRA JAIN Anekuntavada is a fundamental doctrine which forms the key-note to the philosophy of the Jainas. It is defined as the doctrine of manysidedness which proves the validity of two contradictory statements from the point of view of two different standpoints. For example, "let us take the antithesis of the swift and the slow. It would be nonsense to say that every movement is either swift or slow. It would be nearer the truth to say that every movement is both swift and slow, swift by comparison with what is slower than itself, slow by comparison with what is swifter than itself. And so with the other antithesis?. Anekantavada is a synthetic process which reconciles all the vexed questions of abstruse speculation which seem mutually conflicting, and helps us to acquire true knowledge. Different philosophies according to their personal, racial and historical endowment reflect different temperaments. The doctrine of Anekantavada or many-sidedness. taking a comprehensive view of all, shows that the different representations do not tell us what a thing is in itself but only what it is to us. In other words, according to this principle, the truth is relative to our standpoints. This doctrine of anekantavada finds the most important place in Jainism and on this very foundation other doctrines of the Jainas are built up. Not only this, but when this doctrine is viewed from the historical point of view, it is proved to be very ancient and popular. It is for this reason that considerable importance is given to it in the * Review of Philosophy and religion, 5/2, 1964 1. E. Holmes : In the Quest of Ideal, p. 21.

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270 Anekantavada and Syadvada Vedic, Buddhistic and the Western philosophies. In a hymn of the Rgveda (X. 129.1) it is said that then was not non-existent nor existent." Commenting upon the above Sayana writes: "Although the existent and the non-existent are different in nature, yet there is a possibility of their existing simultaneously."?? In other words, admitting that Brahman is neither existent nor non-existent and is beyond description, in the Rgveda it is accepted that in one and the same substance two contradictory aspects can exist together. In the earliest group of the Upanisads, Brahman is described as possessing opposite qualities. For instance, the Atman is said to be subtler than the subtle and greater than the great; it moves, yet it does not move; and it is far as well as near. In the epic age, we find reference to the doctrine of Anekantavada in the Mahabharata43 Nilakantha commenting upon it enumerates the famous seven bhangas of the syadvada." Now coming to the fifth century B.C, in Buddhistic period, we come across a sect called Ajivika. "They declared that of a thing beyond our experience the existence and non-existence or simultaneous existence and non-existence can neither be affirmed nor denied." Finding some similarity betwen the doctrines of the Agnostics and of the Syadvadins, Jacobi concludes that ''in opposition to the Agnosticism of Sanjaya, Mahavira has established the syadvada which served to silence some dangerous opponents." Undoubtedly the above statement of the learned scholar is thoughtful and requires considerable attention. To make the point more clear, in the words of Prof. Barua who follows the same view, we can say that "to avoid error Sanjaya contended with the four famous negative propositions: A is not B; A is not not-B; A is not both B and not-B; A is neither B nor not-B. It is with regard to the self-same qeustions that Mahavira declared from these alternatives you cannot arrive at truth; from these alternatives you are certainly led to error.''8 This is quite true. But thereby we cannot 2. yadyapi sadasadAtmakaM pratyeka vilakSaNaM bhavati tathApi bhAvAbhAvayoH sahavasthAnamapi sNbhvti| ef. also Sukla yajurveda samhita, XVI. 23. 32. 3. Katha UP. 2. 20; Isa, 5; also cf. Prasna, 2.5; Taittiriya, 2. 6: Svetasvatara, 3. 17; Tripadavibhuti-Mahanarayana, Ch. 11, etc. 4. Santi-Parvan, 238. 6. 5. ArhatamatamAha-etaditi tairhisyaadsti| syaannaasti| syAdasti ca nAsti c| syaadvktvyH| syAdasti caavktvyH| syAnAsti caavktvyH| sAdasti nAsti cAvaktavyaH iti saptabhaMgInayaH sarvatra yojyte| S.B.E. Vol. XLV. p. xxvii. 7. Ibid. Barua : Pre-Buddhist Indian Philosophy, Calcutta, 1921, p. 401.

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The Development of the Doctrine of Anekantavada 271 deny the existence of the doctrine of Anekantavada in Jaina philosophy before Sanjaya. We quite agree with the view that the doctrine of Syadvada or Saptabhanginaya may be a later development in Jainism, but the doctrine of Anekantavada, the first and the most fundamental aching of Mahavira seems to have been at the root of Syadvada. The reference in the Jain conons of the Svetambaras are in fovour of this view. Further, when we pass to the various systems of Indian philosophy we find that here the ideas similar to the doctrine of the 'many-sidedness' find a very important place. For instance, we come across the doctrine of Ksaraksarabhavana in the Upanisadass and the Bhagavadgitaly, Utpadasthitibhangavada in the Purvamimamsa, 11 Parinamavada in the Samkhya, Anirvacaniyavada in the Vedanta, and the doctrine of Madhyamamarga in Buddhism.12 Now when we turn to Western philosophy, instances of the ideas similar to the doctrine of Anekantavada can be multiplied. In Greek philosophy, first of all, in trying to solve the riddle of permanence and change, Empedocles, the Atomists and Anaxagoras declared that absolute change is impossible. So far the Eleatics are right. But at the Same time we see things growing and changing. Thus stating that the original bits of reality cannot be created or destroyed or change their nature, but they can change their relation in respect to each other,"13 they concluded in favour of relative change. When we read the dialogues of Plato we find that everything which we originally suppose to be one is described as many and under many names, and when we speak of something, we speak not of something opposed to being, but only different.14 Coming to modern philosophy, Hegel was the first philosopher who expounded that contradiction is the root of all life and movement, that everything is contradiction, that the principle of contradiction rules the world. To do a thing justice, we must tell the whole truth about it, predicate all the contradictions of it, and show how they are reconciled and preserved.15 Bradley has described siinilar ideas. According to him everything is essential 9. Svetasvatara 1.8. 10. Ibid. 15. 16. 11. Minamsa Slokavartika, p. 619. 12. For further references see 'Darsan aur Anekantavada' by Hamsaraj Sharma. 13. Thilly, History of Philosophy, p. 31. 14. Dialogues of Plato, Vol. iv. pp. 361, 383. 15. Thilly, History of Philosophy, p. 465 ff.

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272 Anekantavada and Syadvada and everything worthless in comparion with others. Nowhere is there even a single fact so fragmentary and so poor that to the universe it does not matter. Thus, he says, that there is truth in every idea however false, there is reality in every existence however slighi. 16 Joachim expresses the same thing when he says that no judgment is true in itself and by itself. Every judgment as a piece of concrete thinking is informed, conditioned to some extent, constituted by the apprecepient character of the mind. 17 Such and similar ideas are expressed by Prof. Perry, 18 William James, 19 John Caird, 20 Joseph.21 Edmond Holmes22 and many others. Lastly, we turn to the Jaina literature itself. A great logician, Mallavadin, quotes a passage from the Bhagavati where Mahavira replying to his disciple Gautama, describes Alman both as consciousness and not-consciousness (taking in view the different standpoints).23 There are other passages in the Bhagavati" and Jnatadharmakatha25 which indicate the form in which the doctrine of Syadvada existed in its infancy. In the len Niryuktis of Bhadrabahu there is no mention of the Saptabhanginaya.26 Even in the works of Umasvati, who is honoured by both the sects of the Jainas, we do not find the doctrine of Svudvada, Saptabhanginaya although the materials are there27 and it was ripe time for the appearance of this doctrine. It is for the first time in the works of Kundakunda, a Digambara Jaina, that the seven bhangas are enumerated only in one gatha 28 From this time onward begins a very important period in the 16. Appearance and Reality, p. 487. 17. Nature of Truth, ch. III, pp. 92-93. 18. Present Philosophical Tendencies, chapter on Realism. 19. The Principles of Psychology, vol. I, ch. xxi. p. 291. 20. An Introduction to Philosophy of Religion, p. 219. 21. Introduction to Logic, pp. 172-3. 22. In the Quest of Ideal, p. 21. 23. sarvanayAnAM nibNdhntvaat| kimasya nibaMdhanamiti cet / ucyte| nibaMdhanaM cAsya 'AyA bhante nANe annANe' iti svAmI gautamasvAminA pRSTo vyAkaroti 'godamA NANe niyamA' ato jJAnaM niyamAdAtmani / jJAnasyAnvayavyatirekeNa vRtyadarzanAt / 'AyA paNa siya NANe siya annaanne'| Nayacakra Ms. Jaina Sahitya Samsodhaka. 24. 1. 3, p. 55; 12. 10. p. 592. 25. Ch. V. p. 177. 26. Dr. S.C. Vidyabhusana in his History of Indian Logic p. 167 mentions a verse of the Niryukti which contains a reference to Saptabhanginava, but it is wrong. Cf. also Das Gupta: History of Indian Philosophy, p. 181. 27. For example see Sutras 1. 6.33; 5. 30, 32. 28. Pancastikava I. 14, Pravacanasara, 2. 23.

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The Development of the Doctrine of Anekantavada 273 history of Jaina philosophy. In the words of Dr. S.C. Vidyabhusana during the era of tradition there existed no systematic Jaina treatise on logic, its principle being included in the works of metaphysics and religion. With the commencement of the Historical period in 453 A.D. there grew up, among the Jainas of both the Svetambara and Digambara sects, a band of scholars who devoted themselves to the study of logic with great interest and enthusiasm.":29 It is during this period that we meet for the first time two great logicians-Siddhasena Divakara and Samantabhadra. By intro- ducing a systematic study of logic they laid the foundation of logic among the Jainas for the first time. Both of them were brilliant scholars who acquired a great prominence in their epoch. Siddhasena and Samantabhadra composed works where they elaborately discussed logical principles and gave an authoritative exposition of the Syadvada doctrine. Their review of the contemporary schools of philosophy and the declaration that all the heretical doctrines combined form the true Jaina doctrine of Syadvada",30 a synthetic and comprehensive view, is really very remarkable in the annals of the Jaina tradition. Then we come to Mallavadin and Jinabhadragani. The former is called vadin or logician, and it is said that defeating the Buddhists in a dispute he reestablished the Jaina faith.31 Jinabhadra is called a great authority on the sacred literature of the Jainas. He almost followed the method of Siddhasena. After this in the eighth century A.D. again we come to two great exponents of Jaina philosophy who spread the Jaina principles far and wide and thereby contributed much to the uplift of the Jaina religion. They are Akalanka and Haribhadra. They were most celebrated writers on Jaina logic. Akalanka is called 'the crest gem of the circle of all logicians', while Haribhadra is described as having protected the word of the Arhats like a mother, by his 1,400 works. Logic had gained a very important place during this era. Akalanka and Haribhadra devoted themselves to the study of Jaina logic, they entered into discussion with their opponents, and thereby they carried the Jaina mission. It is for the first time that we come across a very minute and scholarly description of the doctrine of Syadvada.32 The important treatment of the six 29. History of Indian Logic, p. 172. 30. Sanmatitarka 3-69; 3-47. 31. Unfortunately no work of Mallavadin has come out as yet. 32. vide Rajavartika, I. 6.5, p. 24 ff.

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274 Anekantavada and Syadvada systems of Indian philosophy in the Saddarsanasamuccaya and its popularity among the scholars preserves the fame of Haribhadra even now. Afterwards, we come to the great logicians Vidyananda and Abhayadeva. Both the learned Jainas gave a very prominent place to logic (Jaina nyaya) in Jaina philosophy. Here we find a synthetic review of the Samkhya. Yoga, Vaisesika, Advaita, Mimams, and Buddhist philosophy. Vidyananda in his works A.stasahasri and Slokavartika expounded the various logical principles of the Jainas together with the special criticim of Kumarila, a famous logician. Abhayadeva, on the other hand, is the author of a treatise on logic called Vadamaharnava or the Ocean of Discussions' a commentary on the Sanmatitarka. He is described as a lion who roamed at ease in the wild forest of books on logic. Coming to the twelfth century, we meet Vadideva and Hemacandra, the well-known figures in Jaina literature. The former was a great debator and it is said that as a debator he seemed to have no rival. To establish the doctrine of Syadvada, he wrote Pramananayatativalokalankara and a voluminous exposition of it, called Syadvadaratnakara. Hemacandra is a most celebrated author on Jainism. He composed thirty-two verses called Anyayogavyavacchedika, a beautiful exposition of the six systems, in a very lucid and charming language. Last of all, we come to Upadhyaya Yasovijaya, a man of extraordinary talent. He was a distinguished logician and he has written more than one hundred works. He has preserved a critical survey of all the Indian systems with special reference to Siromani, the greatest exponent of Modern logic of Navadvipa.33 After this in the eighteenth century there begins the period of transition and decline in Jaina philosophy. However, the development of the doctrine of Anekantavada has a very important and unique place in the history of Jaina literature. One of the most peculiar characteristics of the Jainas was that they had the capacity of absorbing anything good from outside and of giving it a new form. Their strong protest was against social and philosophical exclusiveness. They took a most comprehensive and synthetic view of all existing philosophies of their time. A Jaina Pandit is aptly said to view every other 33. Yasovijaya. S.C. Vidyabhusana. History of Indian Logic. P. 218.

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The Development of the Doctrine of Anekantavada 275 philosophy in a sympathetic way just as a mother looks at her baby.34 "Truth is one and there are various ways of approaching it,''--this is really a great truth propounded by the doctrine of Anekantavada which leads us to understand the truth comprehensively and at the same time shows the liberal and all-compromising spirit of Jainism. 34. Adhyatmopanisad, I. 61.

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11 The Rudiments of Anekantavada in Early Pali Literature* BHAGCHANDRA JAIN Anekantavada is the heart of Jaina philosophy. Reality possesses infinite characters which cannot be perceived or known at once by an ordinary man. Different people think about different aspects of the same reality and therefore their partial findings are contradictory to one another. Hence, they indulge in debates claiming that each of them was completely true. The Jaina philosophers thought over this conflict and tried to reveal the whole truth by establishing the theory of non-absolutist standpoint (anekantavada) with its two wings, Nayavada and Syadavada. Rudiments of Anekantavada are traceabble in the Buddh's approach to questions. Pali literaturel describes how he answered a question in four ways. The four ways are : (i) Ekamsa-vyakaraniya (answerable categorically); (ii) Patipuccha-vyakaraniya (answerable by putting another question); (iii) Thapaniya (questions that should be set aside); (iv) Vibhajja-vyakaraniya (answerable analytically). The Buddha, who adopted these techniques in answering numerous metaphysical and ethical questions put to him by various disciples and disputants, himself claims to be Vibhajjavadin. The + Nagpur University Journal, 17/12, 1967 1. A. ii. 46; Milinda Panha, iv. 2.5. Also see A. i. 197. : Ekamsa-vacanam ekam vibhajja-vacanam param Tatiyam patipucheyya catutthan pana thapaye. 2. M. ii 46.

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The Rudiments of Anekantavada in Early Pali Literature 277 Sutrakstanga of the Jainas requires the Jaina monk to explain a problem with the help of Vibhajjavada'. It shows that the Jainas as well as the Budhists followed the analytical method of explanation. It is possible that the earliest division of the above questions was into (1) Ekamsa-vyakaraniya-panha, and (2) Anekamsa-vyakaraniya.. panha corresponding to the Jaina classification of two kinds of statements-ekamsika dhamma and anekamsika dhamma. Later, the latter calss would have been sub-divided into the (1) Vibhajja-vyakaraniya and the (2) Thapaniya. Patipuccha-vyakaraniya is a sub-ciss of vibhajja-vyakaraniya". A point to be noted here is that the Buddha used the word "Anekamsa'' in his preachings. For instance, in reply to a question asked by Potthapada, the Buddha says "I have taught and laid down doctrines (of which it is possible to make) categorical (assertions) and I have taught and laid down doctrines of which it is not possible to make categorical assertions." (ekamsika pi.....maya dhamma desita, pannatta anekamsika pi...maya dhamma desita pannatta"). Here "Anekamsika" like "Vibhajjavada'' is similar to Anekantavada" of Jaina. The etymolcgy and meaning are also similar. But the difference between these two theories is that the Jainism accepts all statements to possess some relative (anekantika) truth, while Buddhism does not accept that all non-categorical statements (anekamsika) can be true or false from one standpoint or another. Anekantavada, unlike Anekamsikavada, conceives of the possiblity of knowing reality from one or more standpoints. Pandita Durvekamisra, a Buddhist philosopher in the Hetubindutikaloka, summarized this concept as follows: "Syacchabdo" nekantavacano niyatosti tena syadvado anekantavado yadva syadaksanikah ityadi..... A developed form of this doctrine is referred to in later Sankrit Budhist philosophical literature. This theory continued to develop still further upto the time of Kundakunda. Nayavada Nayavada or the theory of partial truth is an integral part of the conception of Anekantavada, which is essential to conceive the sole nature of reality (vastu nayati prapayati samvedanakotimarohati). It provides for the acceptance of different viewpoints on the basis that each reveals a partial truth (vastvamsagrahi). about object. Naya 3. Vibhajjavayan ca vyagarajje, Sutrartanga, 1. 44. 22. 4. Early Buddhist Theory of Knowledge, p. 292. 5. D. i. 191 6. HBT. p. 284

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278 Anekantavada and Syadvada investigates analytically a particular standpoint of the problem (abhiprayavisesasya?). But if the problem is treated as the complete uth, it is not Naya, but Durnaya or Nayabhasa or Kunaya. For instance. "It is' is Naya, and "It is and is only" is Durnaya, while "it is relatively (syat)' is an example of Syadvada. Naya can be as many as there are ways of speaking about a thing (jabaiya vayanapaha tavaitya hontinayavaya"). This infinite number of mayas has been reduced to seven, viz. (i) Naigama (figurative), (ii) Sangraha (general or common), (iii) Vyavahara (dustributive), (iv) Rjusutra (the actual condition at a particular instant for a long time). (v) Sabda (descriptive), (vi) Samabhirudha (specific) and (vii) Evambhuta (active). The first four nayas are Sabda Nayas and the rest are the Artha Nayas, for thoughts and words are the only means by which the mind can approach reality. These seven nayas have been also divided i two categories. Dravyarthika or Samanya (noumenal or intellectual intuition relating to the substance), and Paryayarthika or Visesa (phenomenal view relating to the modifications of substances). The ee nayas are connected with the former division and the rest to ter. In the scriptural language these are named the Niscayanaya (real standpoint) and the vyavaharanaya (practical standpoint). The Theory of Naya in Buddhist Literature Pali literature indicates some of the characteristics of Nayavada. The Buddha mentions ten possible ways of claiming knowledge in the course of addressing the Kalamas. The ten way are (i) anussavena, (ii) Paramparaya, (ii) Itikiraya, (iv) Pitakasampadaya, (v) Bhavyarupataya, (vi) Samano na guru, (vii) Takkihetu, (viii) Nayahetu, (ix) Akaraparivitakkena, and (x) Ditthinijjhanakkhantiya'o. Out of these, the eighth way, viz Nayahetu is more important for our study. Here Naya is a method of a statement which leads a ineaning to a particular judgement (nayena neti, S. ii. 58 anayena nayati dummecho, J. iv 241). The Jataka says that the wise man draws a particular standpoint (nayamnayati medhavi, J. iv. 241). In about the same Anirakrtapratipaksa vastvamsagrahi. 7. Nayo jnaturabhiprayah, L.T. 55, jnaturabhiprayo nayah. PKM. p. 676. 8. Sadeva sat syat saditi tridhartho. Miyet durnitinayapramanaih. SM. 28. 9. SP. 3. 47. 10. A. ii 191-193.

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The Rudiments of Anekantavada in Early Pali Literature 279 meaning, Naya is used in Jaina philosphy, as we have already seen. This Nayahetu of Buddhism appears to indicate the Jaina influence of Naya, and it would have been made a part of its own in the form of two types of saccas, viz. Sammutisacca and the Paramatthasacca* which are used in about the same sense as Paryayarthika naya and Dravyarthikanaya or Vyavaharanaya and Niscayanaya. The words "Dunnaya" is also found in Buddhism used in identical way.11 The Suttanipata indicates that the Summutisacca was accepted as a common theory of the Recluses and the Brahmanas!?, and the Paramatthasacca was treated as the highest goally. These two Saccas are characterised as Nitattha (having a direct meaning), and Neyyattha (having an indirect meaning14) The Commentary on the Anguttara Nikaya says that there is no third truth (tatiyam n'upalabbhati). Sammuti (conventional statement) is true because of convention and Paramattha is true because of indicating the true characteristics of realities : Duve saccani akkhasi Sambudho vadatam varo. Sammutim paramatthan ca tatiyam n'upalabbhati. Sanketavacanam saccam Lokasammutikaranam. Paramatthavacanam saccam dhammanam tathalakkhanam's. On the other hand, it is also said that there is only one truth, not second (ekam hi saccam na dutiyamatthil). This contradictory statement appears to give an impression that even in Buddhism the nature of things is considered through some sort of relativistic standpoint which is similar to the theory of Nayavada of Jainism. Buddhism was aware of the conception of the Nayavada of Jainism, since the Anguttara Nikayal7 refers to the several Paccekasaccas (individual truths) of the several Recluses and Brahmanas. If it is so, the conception of Paccekasacca (partial truth) of Buddhism is definitely influenced by the Nayavada of Jainism. There is no doubt that Jainism founded this theory earlier than Buddhism. * Dve satye samupasritya buddhanam dharmadesana. Lokasamvrisatyam ca satyam ca paramarthatah. M.K. Aryasatya Pariksa 11. A. iii. 178: Netti, 21; J. iv. 241. 12. S. N. 897, 904, 911, Cf, Milinda Panha, 160. 13. S.N. 68, 219. 14. Dve' me Tathagatam Abbhacikkhanti, Katamam dve ? Yo ca Neyyattham suttantam nitattho suttanto ti dipeti: yo ca nitattham. 15 A. A. i. 95; Cf. Kathavatthu, Atthakatha, 34. 16. SN. 884. 17. A. i. 41; v. 29.

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280 Anekantavada and Syadvada The Theory of Syadvada We have observed in our discussion on Nayavada that it is not an absolute means of knowing the nature of reality. The further examination of truth is attempted by the theory of Conditional Dialectic or Syadvada. The nayavada is analytical in character, while the Syadvada is synthetical in method. The latter investigates the various standpoints of the truth made possible by naya and integrates them into a consistent and comprehensive synthesis. It reveals the certainty regarding any problem and not merely the possibility or probability. Syadvada Conception in Pali Literature The rudiments of the Syadvada conception are found in Vedic and Buddhist literature. It appears to have originally belonged to the Jainas, if we accept Jainism as pre-Vedic religion, and all the subsequent thinkers adopted it as a common approach to the nature of reality. That is the reason why various forms of Syadvada are found in the different philosophical schools. Vedic literature records negative and positive attitudes towards problems. The Rgveda which is supposed to be of the earliest period. preserves the rudiments of this doctrine in the Nasadiya Sukta. It manifests the spiritual experience, of great sage, who describes the nature of the Universe as : Nasadasinno sadasit tadanim nasidrajo na vyoma paro yat. Kimvavarivah kuha kasya sarmnanambhah kimasidgahanam gabhiram. Na mrtyurasidamstam na tarhi na ratrya ahna asit praketah. Anidavatam svadhayatadekam tasmadhanyatna parah kimcanasa "There was not the non-existent nor the existent : there was not the air nor the heaven which is beyond, What did it contain: Where? In whose protection ? Was there water, unfathomable, profound ? There was not the becon of night, nor of day. That one breathed, windless by its own power. Other than that there was not anything beyond.":18 This indicates inexpressibility (anirvacaniyatva) about the nature of the universe. The Upanisadic period presents this speculation in a more concrete form by taking a positive step. The Chandogyopanisad represents the idea that being (sat) is the ultimate source of existence, 18. Rgveda, x. 129. Tr. Macdonell, A Vedic Reader for students, p. 207-8.

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The Rudiments of Anekantavada in Early Pali Literature 281 while some Upanisads uphold the view that Non-being is the source of Being (asad va idam agra asit tato vai sat ajayata!'). On the other hand, some Upanisads assert that it is both, being and non-being (sadasadavarenyam20), and some later Upanisads maintain that Non-being cannot be expressed by using a particular name ar (asad avyakrta namarup Thus the concept of Syadvada found in Vedic literature commences from polytheism and goes on the monotheism and is later replaced by monism. This indicates that the theory was not rigid. The later developed Vedic philosophical systems were also influenced by this idea and they conceived the problems from different si with the exception of that of complete relativism. The Naiyayikas,22 though they used the word "anekanta":23 could not support the Anekantavada entirely and they accepted the atoms, oul, etc., as having absolute unchangeable characters. The Vedanta philosophical attitude also runs on the same lines. Even considering a thing through empirical (vyavaharika) and real (paramarthika) standpoints, it asserts that all standpoints are inferior to the standpoint of Brahman24 The Syadvada conception is found in a more developed form in Buddhist literature. The Brahmajalasutta refers to sixty-two Wrong-views (micchaditthis) of which four belong to the Sceptics. They are known as "Amaravikkwepika" (who being questioned resort to verbal jugglery and ell-wriggling) on four grounds25. The commentary of Dighanikaya presents its two explanations. According to first, Amaravikkhepika are those who are confused by their endless beliefs and words. The second explanation gives the meaning that like a fish named Amara, the theory of Amravikkhepika runs hither and thither without arriving at a definite conclusion26. The first of the four schools is defined thus: "Herein a certain recluse brahmin does not understand, as it really is, that this is good (Kusalam) or this is evil (akusalm). It occurs to him : I do not 19. Chandogyopa. vi. 21-2., TUP. II 7: abso see the CUP. III. 19.1. 20. MUP. 2. 2. 1. 21. CHC'P. III. 19.1 !. 22. Sankhyapravacanabha'sya, p. 3. 23. Nyayabha'sya. 2.1.18. 24. Vedantasara, p. 25. 25. Santi....eke Samanabrahmana amaravikkhepika, tattha tattha paham puttha samana vacavikkhepam apajjanti amaravikkhapam catuhi vatthuni, D. i. 24. 26. Amaraditthiya vacaya vikkhepo ti Amaravikkhepo. Apara nayo Amaravinama macchajati. Sa umajjana nimajjanodivasena....vucati., DA. I. 115.

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282 Anekantavada and Syadvada understand what is good or evil, as it really is. Not understanding what is good or evil, as it really is, if I were to assert that this is good and this is evil, that will be due to my likes, desires, aversions or resentments. If it were due to my likes, desires, aversions, or resentments, it would be wrong. And if I were wrong, it would cause me worry (vighato) and worry would be a moral danger to me (antarayo). Thus, through fear of lying (musavadabhaya) and the abhorrence of being lying, he does not assert anything to be good or evil and on questions being put to him on this or that matter he resorts to verbal jugglery and ell-wriggling, saying : I do not say so. I do not say this, I do not say otherwise, I do not say no, I deny the denials (I do not say "no no'') Idha... ekacco samano va brahmano va idam ti yathabhutam ti nappajjanati, idam akusalam ti yathabhutam nappajjanati. Tassa evam hoti. Aham kho idam kusalam ti yathabhutam nappajanami idam akusalam ti yarhabhutam nappajanami. Ahan c'eva kho pana idam kusalam ti yathabhutam appajananto, idam kusalam ti yathabhutam appajananto idam kusalam ti va vyakareyyam idam kusalam ti va vyakareyyam tattha me assa chando va rago va doso va patigho va tam mam' assa musa. Yam mam'assa musa so mam' assa vighato. Yo mamassa vighato so man' assa antarayo ti. Iti so musavadabhaya musavadaparijeguccha n'ev'idam kusalam ti vyakaroti na pana idam akusalan ti vyakorati, tattha tattha panham puttho samano vacavikhepam apajjati amaravikkhepam : Evam ti pi me no. Tatha ti pi no. Annatha ti pi me no. No ti pi me no. No no ti pi me no ti27 According to this school, it is imposible to achieve knowledge which is a hinderance to heaven or salvation (Saggassa c'eva maggassa ca antarayo).28 The second and the third school of sceptics do noi assert anything to be good or evil through fear of involvenient (upadanabhaya) and a fear of interrogation in debate (anuvyogabhaya). The fourth school of sceptics followed the philosophy of Sanjaya Belathiputta who fails to give a definite answer to any metaphysical question put to him. His fourfold scheme or the fivefold formula of denial is based on the negative aspects which are as follows29 27. D. i. 24-5. 28. DA. i. 155. 29. Idha, bhikkhave, ekacco samano va brahmano va mando hoti momuho. So mandatta momuhatta tatha tattha puttho samano vacavikkhepam apajjati amaravikkhepam.....marana. D. i. 27.

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The Rudiments of Anekantavada in Early Pali Literature 283 (i) evam pi me no (I do not say so). (ii) tathapi me no (I do not say thus). (iii) annathapi me no (I do not say otherwise). (iv) no ti pi me no (I do not say no). (v) no no ti pi me no (I do not deny it). This formula is applied with regard to the answering of several questions as 30 : (i) atthi paro loko (there is another world): (ii) natthi paro loko (there is not another world): (iii) atthi ca natthi ca paro loko (there is and is not another world): (iv) natthi na natthi paro loko (there neither is nor is not another world). The commentary presents two explanations of the meaning of this formula. According to the first explanation, proposition (1) is an indefinite rejection or denial (aniyamitavikkhepo). Proposition (2) is the denial of specific proposition, e.g. the denial of the eternalism (asassatavada) when asked whether the world and the soul are eternal. Proposition (3) is the denial of a variant of (2) e.g. the rejection of the semi-eternal theory (ekaccasassatam), which is said to be somewhat different from (annatha) Proposition (4) is the denial of the contrary of (2) e.g. the denial of the nihilist theory (ucchedavadam) when asked whether a being (tathagato) does not exist after death. Proposition (5) is the rejection of the dialectician's view (takkivadam) of a double denial, e.g. denying the position if asked whether a being neither exists nor does not exist after death. According to the second explanation, proposition (1) is the denial of an assertion e.g. if asked whether this is not good, he denies it. Proposition (2) is the denial of simple negation, e.g. if asked whether this is not good, he denies it. Proposition (3) is a denial that what you are stating is different from both (1) and (2) e.g. if asked whether his position is different from both (1) and (2) (ubhaya annatha) he denies it. Proposition (4) is a denial that you are stating a point of view different from the above e.g. if asked whether his thesis (laddhi) is different from the three earlier points of view (tividhena pi na hoti), he denies, it. Proposition (5) is a denial of the denials, e.g. if asked whether his thesis is to deny everything (no no te laddhi ti), he denies it. Thus he does not take his stand (na titthati) on any of the logical alternatives (ekasmim pi pakkhe). 30. D. i. 58-59.

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284 Anekantavada and Syadvada Both these explanations show that the fifth proposition of Sanjaya's philosophy is the rejection of denial. Therefore only four propositions of the theory remain. They can be compared with the first four predications of the Syadvada theory of Jainas 31 : (i) Syadasti (relatively it is). (ii) Syannasti (relatively it is not). (iii) Syadasti nasti (relatively it is and is not). (iv) Syadavakta vyam (relatively it is inexpressible). Observing this similarity several scholars like Keith 32 are ready to give the credit to Sanjaya for initiating this four-fold predication to solve the logical problems. On the other hand some savants like Jacobi think that in opposition to the Agnosticism of Sanjaya, Mahavira has established the Syadvada (Jain Sutras, Pt. 11. Uttaradhyana and Sutrakstanga, SBE., Vol. 45, p. intro p. xxvii). Miyamoto asserts in his article "The Logic of Reality as the Common Ground for the development of the Middle Way" that Sanjaya's system is quite close to the Buddhist standpoint of the indescribable or inexpressible':33 These views are not quite correct. As a matter of fact, the credit should not go only to Sanjaya for the adoption of the four-fold scheme, since there were other schools of sceptics who also accepted a similar scheme. Silanka referred to four groups of such schools Kriyavadins, Akriyavadins, Ajnanavadins and Vainayikas. These are further sub-divided into 363 schools based on purely the nine categories (n padarthas) of Jainism34. These schools were mainly concerned with four questions. They are as follows: (i) Who knows whether there is an arising of psychological states (sati bhavotpattih ko vetti ?); (ii) Who knows whether there is and there is no arising of psychological states (Asati bhavotpattih ko vetti ?); (iii) Who knows whether there is and there is no arising of psychological states (sadasati bhavotpattih ko vetti ? ); (iv) Who knows whether the arising of psychological states is inexpressible (avaktavyo bhavotpattih ko vetti ?). 31. DA. i. 115: See, Jayatilleke, Early Buddhist Theory of Knowledge, p. 136. 32. Keith writes: "He (Sanjaya) seems as an agnostic to have been the first to formulate the four possibilities of existence, non-existence, both and neither.....". Buddhist Philosophy, p. 303; P.T. Raju also suppports this view stating the principle seems to have been first used by Sanjaya :-an article "The Principle of Four-Cornered negation in Indian Philosophy. 33. Buddhism and Culture, ed. Susuma Yamuguchi, Kyoto, 1970, p. 71. 34. Asiasayam Kriyanam Akriyavadan hoti culasie. Annaniya sattathi veniyana--Sutra Krtanga.

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The Rudiments of Anekantavada in Early Pali Literature 285 These question are similar to first four Syadvada predications. The main difference between the predications of sceptics and Jainas was that the former doubt or deny the logical problems altogether whereas the latter assert that they are true to a certain extent. Makkhali Gosala and Syadvada Makkhali Gosala, the founder of the Ajivika sect and an earlier companion of Nigantha Nataputta has contributed to the development of the Syadvada conception. He considered problems through the three-fold standpoints, called Trirasis, a short version of Saptabhangis. On the basis of the Nandisutra commentary, Basham observes : "the fact that the Ajivika heretics founded by Gosala are likewise called Trairasikas, since they declare everything to be of triple character, viz. living (jiva), not living (ajiva) and both living and not living (nojiva): world, not world and both world and not world : real, unreal and both real and unreal, in considering standpoints (naya) regarding the nature of substance, of mode, or of both. Thus, since they maintain three heaps (rasi), or categories, they are called Trairasikas.'' Further he says, ''the Ajivakas thus seem to have accepted the basic principle of Jaina epistemology, without going to the over-refined extreme of Saptabhangi, as in the orthodox Jaina Syadvada and Nayavada353) This reference indicates that the Ajivikas were aware of the Saptabhangi of the Jaina logic and they reduced them to three. Dr. Jayatilleke remarks on this reference : "But judged by the fact that the three-fold scheme of predication is simpler than the four-fold scheme of the Sceptics and Buddhists and the corresponding seven-fold scheme of the Jainas, it would appear to be earlier than both the Buddhist and the Jaina Schemes, with which the Ajivikas could not have been acquainted when they evolved theirs''. Further he says, "In fact, it can be shown that in the earlist Buddhist and Jain texts the very doctrine of the Trairasikas, which seems to have necessitated the three-fold scheme, is mentioned, thus making it highly probable that it was at least earlier than the Jain scheme''. He accounts for this view by 35. Tatha te eva Gosala-pravartita Ajivikah pasandians Trairasika ucyante, yatas te sarvam vastu tyatmakam icchanti tad yatha jivo jivo jivajivs ca loko lokalokasca, Sadasat sadasat. Nayacintayam dravyastikam paryayastikam ubhayastikam ca.Tatas tribhi rasibhis caranti iti Trairasikah--Nandi Comm., fol. 113, quoted Weber Verzeichniss, ii. p. 685. Cf. Samavaya Comm. fol., 129. History and doctrines of the Aji vikas, p. 275. Also see for reference Uttaradhyayana. 3.9. Priyadarsini Tika, p. Vol. 1. P. 742.

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286 Anekantavada and Syadvada saying that while the earliest stratum of the Pali Nikayas knows of the four-fold scheme, one of the earliest Books of the Jainas Canon, the Sutrakstanga, which makes an independent reference to this Trairasika doctrine, does not mention the seven-fold scheme,although it is aware of the basic principle of Syadvada" (Early Buddhist Theory of Knowledge, p. 156). Here Jayatilleke tries to prove that the three-fold scheme appears to be earlier than the Jaina scheme. He gives a reason in support of his view viz, the Sutrakstanga does not mention the Seven-fold scheme. I too hold the view that the three-fold scheme had come into existence earlier than the four-fold scheme. Dighanaka Paribhajaka, who seems to be a follower of Parsvanatha tradition, also maintains, as we have already found, this scheme. As regards the absence of the reference in the Sutrakstanga, it should be remembered that it is not totally unaware of the basic principles of Syadvada, as Jayatilleke himself accepts. It is said that "the wise man should not joke or explain without conditional propositions":36. He should 'expound the analytical theory (vibhajjavayam ca vyagarejja) and use the two kinds of speech,living among virtuous men, imparitial and wise'37. Further it does not deal with the Jaina Philosophy. It is a concise compilation of the Jaina doctrines as well as others of that time. It was, therefore, not essential to deal with Syadvada in detail. Kundakunda, who flourished in first century B.C. or in the beginning of the Christian era, described the Saptabhangi himself in the Pancastikayasara. He says that "Dravya can be described by the seven-fold predication : (i) siya atthi or syadasti, (ii) siya natthi, or syannasti, (iii) siya uhayam or syadasti nasti, (iv) siyaavvattavva or syadavaktavya (v) siya atthiavatavya or syadastyavaktavya, (vi) siya natthi avvattavva or syannastyavaktavaya, and (vii) siya atthi natthi avvattavva or syadastinastyavaktavya : Siya atthi natthi uhayam avvattavvam puno ya tattidayan Davvam khu satta bhangam adesavasena sambhavadi38. This means the Syadvada and its predications were well known at 36. Na ya vi panne parihasakujja, na ya siyavaya viyagarejja, SuKr. 1. 14. 19. 37. Sankejja ya samkitabhava bhikkhu, vibhajjavayam ca viyagarejja. Bhasadukam dhammamsamujjhitechim, vyagarejja samaya supanne. SuKr 1.14 22. 38. Pancastikayasara, 14. Jaina Acharyas give other interpretations also of seven Bhangas. For instance, Dr. Upadhye (Pravacanasara, intro. p. LXXXV mentions an interesting verse from the Jayadhavala commentary :Kathancit kencit kascit kutascit kasyacit kvacit. Kadacic ceti paryayat syadvadah saptabhangibhih.

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The Rudiments of Anekantavada in Early Pali Literature 287 the time of the Buddha, and upto the time of Kundakunda they were developed still further. The Buddha and Syadvada During the Budda's time there were certain philosophical points which became the subjects of violent debate. Having realised the futility of such debates the Buddha became an analyist, like the Jainas 39. In the Dighanikaya the Buddha is reported to have said that he had taught and laid down his doctrines with categorical (ekamsika) and non-categorical (anekam sika) assertions40. The theory of Four Noble Truths is an example of the former, while the theory of Avyakatas is of the latter. Here the terms "ekamsika" and "anekamsika" are very similar to ekantavada and Anekantavada. The former is concerned with the non-Jaina philosophies and the latter with the Jaina philosophy. The difference between the Buddha's and Nigantha Nataputta's standpoints is that according to the former's conception the non-categorica: assertions are not true or false, from some standpoint or another, unless we analyse them further, while the latter upholds the view that all the statements are relatively (syat) correct, i.e. they contain some aspect of the truth. The theory of Avyakata does not consist of any such quality. The Buddha adopted the four-fold scheme to answer the logical questions of that time as outlined below: (i) atthi (it is). (ii) natthi (it is not). (iii) atthi ca natthi ca (it is and it is not). and (iv) n'ey'atthi na ca natthi (it neither is, nor is not). This four-fold scheme has been used in several places of the Pali Canon. For instance : (i) Chinnam phassayatananam asesaviraganirodha atth'annam, kinci ti ? (Is there anything else after complete detachment from the cessation of the six spheres of experience ?). (ii) Channam.......natth'annam kinci ti ? (iii) Channam ...... atthi ca n'atthi c'nnam kinci ti ? (iv) Channam.......n'ev'atthi no n'atth'annam kinciti ? Miyamoto41 observes that the seven-fold scheme of the Jainas is 39. Vibhajjavayam ca viyagarejja, Sukr. 1. 14. 22. 40. Ekamsika pi...maya dhammadesita pannatta, anekamsika pi desita, pannita, D. i. 191; Cf. Vibhajjavado...aham...naham....ekamsavado, M. ii. 197. 41. "The Logic of Relativity as the Common Ground for the Development of the Middle Way". Buddhism and Culture, Ed. Susuma Yumuguchi, Kyoto, 1960, p. 80.

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288 Anekantavada and Syadvada equivalent to the four-fold scheme of Buddhists in the following manner :? (i) Syadasti=I (ii) Syarnasti=II (iii) Syadastinasti=III (iv) Syadavaktavya (v) Syadastyavaktavya (vi) Syannastyavaktavya=IV (vii) Syadastinastyavaktavya But this observation is not perfectly right, since the Jainas pondered over the problems more profoundly than the Buddhists. It would be more appropriate if we think of the first four propositions of the Buddhists. But there are differences between the Jaina and the Buddhist schemes. According to the Jaina Scheme, all the seven propositions could be true from relative standpoints, while in the Buddhist scheme only one proposition could be true. The propositions are not considered logical alternatives in Jainism as considered in Buddhism. It is more problems that the Buddha's "Catuskoti" formula has been influenced by the four-fold formula of Sanjaya, although there are also traces of the influence of the seven-fold formula of Jainas. Such formulas, it must be remembered, were commonly accepted at that time by teachers with different attitudes. The Pali Canon considers Anekantavada or Syadvada as a combination of both Uccedavada and Sassatavada. Buddhaghosa was of the opinion that Nigantha Nataputta presented his views in contradictory ways42. As a matter of fact, he could not understand the real nature of Syadvada. We know that Jaina philosophy considers problems neither by absolute eternalism nor absolute nihilism, but eternalismcum-nihilism. Apart from the confusion regarding Sassatavada and Ucchedavada, there are no explicit references to Syadvada in the Pali Canon. The absence of direct reference does not mean that the Syad-vada conception was not a part and parcel of the doctrines of the Nataputta at that time. This conclusion is further strengthened by the fact that Buddhist books appear to be aware of some characteristics of Syadvada, which might have belonged to the tradition of Parsvanatha. In the course of a discussion, the Buddha says to Saccaka, who was a follower of the Parsvanatha tradition and converted later into the Nataputta's religion, that his former statement is not in keeping with 42. MA. ii. 831.; DA iii. 906.

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The Rudiments of Anekuntavada in Early Pali Literature 289 the latter, nor the latter with the former (na kho te sandhiyati purimena va pacchimam pacchimena va purimam)43. Here attention is drawn to self-contradictions in Saccaka's statements. This might have been an early instance of adducing self-contradiction (svatmavirodha) as an argument against Syadvada. This has been a repeated criticism against Syadvada hy opponents of different times. Likewise in the course of a conversation held between Nigantha Nataputta and Citta Gahapati, the latter blames the former for his self-contradictory conception. He says : If your former statement is true, vour latter statement is false, and if your latter statement is true. your former statement is false (sacepurimam saccam, pacchimam te miccha, sace pacchimam saccam purimam te miccha)4+ Another reference found in Pali literature helps us to understand the position of Syadvada. The Dighanakha Sutta of the Majjhima Nikaya mentions three kinds of theories upheld by Dighanakha paribhajaka. They are as follows45: (i)Sabbam, me khamati (I agree with all views). (ii) Sabban me na khamati (I agree with no views). (111) Ekaccam me khamati, ekaccam me na khamati (I agree with some views and disagree with other (views). The Buddha criticises Dichanakha's views in various ways, and expresses his own views towards the problem. Dighanakha's views are similar to the predications of Syadvada, and represent its first three bhangis as follow: (i) Sabbam me khamati=Syadasti (ii) Sabbam me na khamati=Syannasti (iii) Ekaccamme Khamati, ekaccam me na khamati =Syadastinasti Now the problem is to consider to which school of thought Dighanakha belonged. According to the commentary on the Majjhima Nikaya. he is said to be the holder of the view of Ucchedavadano. which is a part of Syadvada in the opinion of Buddhaghosa47. He might 43. M. I. 232. 44. S. iv. 298-99. 45. M. i. 498 ff. 46. MA. iii. 294. 17. Avuso tvam accacena Sascatam ti, ganhapesi. Evam dve pi jane eka laddike akat va bahu-nana-nih: na ugganhanetva kalam akasi, tassa sarirakiccam taktva sannipatita annam anaan pecchimou- kass" avyso ecariyo saram ecikhi ? ti *Sassatam'' ti. Aparo tam patibacetra Mahyam saram ecikhi to'' aha. Evam sabee : Mahyam saram acikhi....DA. 11. 906-7. MA. ii. 831.

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290 Anekantavada and Syadvade have belonged to Sanjaya's school of Paribbajakas who were followers of Parsvanatha tradition converted later into Nataputta's religion before he joined the Buddha's order. Dighanakha was a nephew of Sanjaya. It seems therefore that he was a follower of Jainism. This inference may be confirmed if Dighanakha can be identified with Dighatapassi of the Upalisutta of Majjhima Nikaya, who was a follower of Nigantha Nataputta. In the above propositions of Saccaka, Citta Gahapati and Dighanakha Paribbajaka, we can trace the first three or four predications (including Syadavaktavya) of Syadvada conception of Jainism. It is not impossible that the term "Syat" had been used by Jainas in the beginning of each predication to justify correctly the other's views on the basis of non-absolutism. The word "syat" (siya in Pali), which indicates the definite standpoint towards the problems, is also used in the Cula Rahulovadasutta of the Majjhima Nikaya, where the two types of the Tejodhatu are pointed out in definite way48. It seems that this word "syat" originally belonged to Jainas and was later used by the Buddhists in a particular sense. The defect of self-contradiction in Syadvada conception of Jainas is a criticism levelled against it by the Buddhists. It happened so, only because of ignorance of the meaning of Syat. As a matter of fact, the Jainas had concentrated their attention on the matter of controversial points in different theories of the then philosophers and had trid to examine their views from differnt standpoints. By this method, the Jainas could figure out the real nature and consider the problem in a non-violent way. 48. See B.C. Jain on the Refutation of Syadvada in Buddhist Literature: Anekantavada and Buddhist Philosophers, Vidharbha Samsodhana Mandala Varsika, 1966.

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12 References to Syadvada in the Ardha-Magadhi Canon* A.N. UPADHYE The approach to reality adopted by Anekanta-vada strikes an original note in the history of Indian logic. If rightly grasped, Anekanta-vada prepares a percipient for an all-sided apprehension of reality. The object of knowledge has to be realised as itself and as related with all others : the Anekantavada aims to achieve this purpose in a successful manner. Unfortunately it has been a neglected branch of study ; it is often either misunderstood or half-under-stood : that is why it is often adversely criticised. Many points connected with Anekanta-vada require to be cleared by studying the original texts. It has been ususal with us nowadays that an idea, an institution or a doctrine should be studied historically detecting its various stages of development as gleaned from the available tracts of literature. Many religious institutions and philosophical doctrines are subjected to this method of study, and Syadvada cannot be excepted. It is really an useful line of study but very oftern its value is overstated. It is remarked that "Syad-vada or Saptabhanginaya may be a later development in Jainis hit the doctrine of Anekanta-vada, the first and the most fundamental teaching of Mahavira, seems to have been at the root Syadvada. The references in the Jain conons of the Svetambaras are in favour of this view." The statement appears to mean much, but it is not so clear. Syadvada and Saptabhangi are * Proceedings and Transactions of the 9th All India Oriental Conference, Trivandrum, 1937. 1. Review of Philosophy and Religion, Vol. 5, No. 2, p. 181. .

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292 Anekantavada and Syadvada accepted as synonyms, and Anekanta-vada is said to precede Syadvada in time. This last remark possibly means that the Jaina canon of the Svetambaras does not refer to Syadvada or Saptabhangi. So far as the pro-canonical texts of the Digambaras are concerned, Kundakunda, who is one of the earlier author-saints, mentions, as I have shown elsewhere,2 full fledged Syadvada in Pancastikaya and Pravacanasara ; and the former work gives the name Saptabhangi. Turning to the Svetambara canon, it has been already pointed out that the three primary predications are mentioned in Bhagavatisutra or Viyahapannatti. As yet the Ardhamagadhi canon of the Svetambaras is not exhaustively studied in all its details. Quite recently, however, that great German orientalist, Dr. Walther Schubring of the Hamburg University, has given to us an authentic resume of the entire Ardhamagadhi canon in his 'Die Lehre der Jainas.' He states that the basic material for Syadvada is already there, but the complete structure, which is later on known as Anekanta, is not explicitly found there. The Sanskrit commentators do help us in interpreting the texts of the Ardhamagadhi canon, but at times we have to ignore their explanations, when they are not satisfactory, and try to construe and interpret certain passages on comparative and philological lines of study. I purpose to draw the attention of scholars to a couple of passages, which, I think, refer to Saptabhangi and Syadvada b names. (i) The Vacaka family of religious teachers, to which Nagahastin and many other famous personages belonged, is thus glorified in Nandisutra, verse No. 30 : "vaDDau vAyagavaMso jasavaMso ajjnaaghtthiinnN| vaagrnnkrnnbhNgiykmmpyddiiphaannaannN||" The second line is explained by Malayagiri in this manner : "kathaMbhUtAnAmityAha-vyAkaraNakaraNabhaGgIkarmaprakRtipradhAnAnAm, tatravyAkaraNaM saMskRtazabdavyAkaraNaM prAkRtazabdavyAkaraNaM ca praznavyAkaraNaM vA, karaNaM piNDavizuddhAdi, uktaM ca-'piMDAvisohI samiI bhAvaNa paDimA ya iNdiyniroho| paDilehaNaguNio abhiggahA ceva karaNaM tu||' bhaGgI bhaGgabahulaM zrutam, karma prakRtiH pratItA, zabdeSu 2. My Introduction to Pravacanasara, p. 87. 3. Ibid. 4. Ibid.

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References to Syadvada in the Ardha-magadhi Canon 293 prarUpaNamadhikRtya prdhaanaanaam"| The term bhangiya or bhangi in the above passage, I think, refers to Saptabhangi; and Malayagiri's interpretation 'bhangabahulamsrutam' possibly means the same. The second line mentions various branches of study rather than the names of particular texts. This excludes the possibility of interpreting bhangi as the name of a text, now obsolete and lost. (ii) In the 14th chapter of Suyagadam we have the following warning to the pious monk : "no chAyae no vi ya lUsaejjA mANaM na sevejja pagAsaNaM c| na yAvi panne parihAsa kujjA na yAsiyAvAyaM viyaagrejjaa||19||" We are concerned with the phrase 'na yasiyavaya viyagarejja' which Silanka explains in this manner : "tathA nApi cAzIdiM bahuputro bahudhano [bahudharmo ] dIrghAyustvaM bhUyA ityAdi vyaagRnniiyaat| So far as Ardhamgadhi and Jaina Maharastri are concerned, the normal equivalent of asis is asi, and another form asisa is noted by Hernachandra. With Hemchandra's illustration that siavaosvadvadah in view, it is more reasonable to render that passages thus : vyagrniyat, i.e., he shouid not explain anything which is not (conforming to) Syadvada. We know from many early Jaina stories that Jaina monks were not prohibited from giving blessings in the form of dharmalabha. Thus it is more consistent to interpret the phrase yasiyavayam as ca asyadvadam than as ca asirvadam. Silanka would not object to author's mention of Syadvada in this context, as it is clear from verse No. 22 which runs thus : "saMkejja yAsaMkiyabhAva bhikkhU vibhajjavAyaM ca viyaagrejjaa|' bhAsAduya dhammasamuTThiehiM viyAgarejjA samayA supnne|" The phrase vibhajjavayam etc. is explained by Silanka in this manner: "tathA vibhajyavAdaM pRthagarthanirNayavAdaM vyAgRNIyAn, yadi vA vibhajyavAdaH syAdvAdastaM sarvatrAskhalitaM lokavyavahArAvisaMvAditayA sarvavyApinaM svAnubhavasiddhaM vadet, athavA samyagarthAnvibhajya pRthak kRtvA tadvAdaM vadet, tadyathA-nityavAdaM dravyArthatayA paryAyArthatayA tvanityavAdaM vadet" etc. 5. 6. 7. Prakrtavyakarana VIII, ii. 174. Ibid. VIII ii. 107. [bid.

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294 Anekantavada and Syadvada Even though it may be disputed whether Vibhajjavada meant Syadvada at the time when Suyagadam was composed, this much is certain that Silanka accepts the possibility of Syadvada being mentioned in this context. So we may accept that verse No. 14 mentions Syadvada according to which the monk is expected to explain the various topics. 8. Dr. Jacobi translates the phrase thus : 'he should expound the Syadvada', and adds in a footnote : The Sapatabhanginaya or seven modes of assertion are intended by the expression in the text (SBE vol. 45, p. 327). We cannot, in this context ignore another important significance of the word Vibhajjavaya or Vibhajyavada. Literally it means "explanation (vaidah, from vad to speak, to propound) by division or analysis (vibhajya from bhaj with vi); and in the Pali cannon an answerer in detail is called Vibhajyavadin (Keith : Buddhist Philosophy in India and Ceylon, p. 152). In Majjhima nikaya Buddha declares that he is a Vibhajyavadin and not an Ekamsavadin, indicating thereby 'that his method was analytic and not synthetic (N. Dutt: Early History of the Spread of Buddhism and the Buddhist Schools pp. 249-50). The term Vinhajyavadin means 'one who distinguishes or discriminates referring specially to a method of philosophical discussion (E.J. Thomas : History of Buddhist Thought p. 39). As reported, when Theravadins described Buddha as a Vibhajyavadin to Asoka, it only means that the term was not a party designation as yet in the days fo Asoka but implied only the peculiar philosophical approach. According to the later Chronicles Vibhajyavada is the name of a school and it is identical with Theravada; both following the same canon and the tenets (Kern: Manual of Indian Buddhism, p. 111). Some of the lists of Buddhist schools have been drawn up in the 5th or 6th century A. D., though they contain older elements (E.J. Thomas: Ibid. p. 38). When the passage from Suyagadam of Sutrakrtanga asks a Nirgrantha monk (the title of the chapter being Gamthajjhayane) to explain in conformity with Vibhajyavada, in all probability this passage must have been composed at a time when Vibhajyavada had not become a term of party designation. The ideas underlying Mahavira's Anekantavada and Buddha's Vibhajyavada appear to have been similar; and as contemporaries living in the same part of India their methods of explanation must have been similar though not identical. Even to-day Pali and Ardhamagadhi canons show many points of similarity so for as expressions and expsition are concerned. Buddha's differen- tiation of Vinhajyavada from Ekamsavada, noted above, reminds us of Jaina differentiation of Syadvada from Ekantavada. So Silanka has suffucient justification in paraphrasing Vibhajavada as Syadvada. Siddhasena uses two words vibhajyavada as Syadvada. Siddhasena uses two words vibhajjamaamana and Vibhajjamana and vibhajjavayam in Sammatitarka l. 14 and III. 57; both the terms are used with reference to Anekanta. though Abhyadeva's commentary on III. 57 is not so consistent.

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13 An Analysis of 'syat' in Syadvada* M.P. MARATHE Many scholars have acknowledged the importance of the role that Syadvada or Saptabhangi plays in the exposition and explanation of central tenet of the Jaina Philosophy. In the elaboration of the doctrine of Syadvada the expression 'syat' is rendered by such corresponding expressions as 'possibly', 'may be', 'it is possible, probable 'perhaps' etc. The point of such rendering and their explanations is that some kind of modal predicate or possibility is involved in the doctrine. But, unfortumately, hardly any effort is made to analyse and explain the kind of possibility that is involved in such a doctrine. It is the object of this paper to focus attention on this issue. The entire paper falls into four main sections: the first deals with the brief statement of the various kinds of possibilities which western philosophical and logical discussion have brought to forefront, the second attempts to offer interpretation of 'syat', the third focusses on the question of the kind of possibility or possibilities that such an interpretation of 'syat' embraces and the final section discusses some of the important consequence this explanation leads to. Starting from Aristotle many philosophers and logicians have concentrated their attention on elaborate explanation of such modal predicates as necessity, possibility, impossibility etc. Of late, logicions like von Wright have also been maintaining that modes are principally of four kinds : Alethic modes or modes of truth, Existential modes or Journal of Pratap Centre of Philosophy, Amalner and Department of Philosophy, Poona University, Vol. V, No. 1, 1977

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296 Anekantavada and Syadvada modes of being, Epistemic mode of modes of knowing and Deontic modes of obligation. The entire discussion is very important. But we need hardly concentrate on it here. For Syadvada in particular and Jaina Logic and Philosophy in general do not talk about every modal predicate but rather about one modal predicate viz. possibility. Even if we decide to focus our attention only to one mode viz. possibility, we might not have to. as will appear latter, take into account all kinds of possibilites. We shall, therefore maily concentrate only on the mode of possibility. Various kinds of possibilities considered during the development of modal notions in Western thought may be grouped under these heads : (i) the Absolute possibility (ii) the Relative possibility (iii) the Epistemic possibility (iv) Possibility understood as ability capacity, disposition or what Aristotle called potentiality, (v) Technical or etiological possibility and (vi) Possibility as minimal probability. The first again is of two kinds : (a) Conceptual or apriori and (b) nomological, physical or real. Similarly, the relative possibility can be considered under (a) and (b) above. We shall presume the general sense in which these modal notions are understood in modern philosophical thought. However, some discussion about them may be useful to us for the consideration of the concept of 'syar'. First, the notion of possibility as minimal probability is not usually employed in technical language, although in our ordinary language we are familiar with such a notion. Secondly, not only the absolute nomological possibility can be subsumed under absolute conceptual possibility or the relative nomological possibility can be subsumed under relative conceptual possibility but also the relative conceptual and nomological possibilities are definable in terms of the absolute conceptual and nomological possibilities respectively. Thirdly, the major controversies that have arisen recently are about the possibilities of the first and fourth kind. Again, the way sometimes its explanation is given, the fourth kind of possibility is tied to an important presupposition about both the world and things in it. Lastly, possibility of the third kind presupposes the possibility of the fourth and sixth kinds but not vice versa. In connection with the discussion of possibility in Aristotle Hintikka' has argued that the Aristotelian broad notion of possibiltiy really embraces two important kinds of it within its fold: (a) possibility proper' or what we would term today to be conceptual 1. Hintikka, J. : Time and Necessity, 1973, Oxford.

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An Analysis of 'syat in Syadvada 297 possibility and (b) possibility as contingency. The latter kind of possibility, again is of two kinds : (a) Possibility that is short of necessity and (b) the one that is descriptive of something indeterminate. This kind of possibility is generally expressed in the form of 'thus' or 'not thus' without prevalence of either one of the alternatives. Hintikka has further argued that although Aristotle mentions and uses both these kinds of possibilities yet no sharp distinction between them is made by first and that the second kind of possibility is according to Aristotle connected with generation or change of a thing while the first is not. The first kind of possibility of these comes to be stated in terms of what Quine calls "eternal sentences' while that of the latter kind in terms of what Quine calls 'occasion sentences'. All these earlier considerations about possibility as also the points Hintikka has made have an important bearing on the discussion of possibility or possibilities indicated by 'syat'. Although there is an important relation between Anekantavada and Syadvada yet it should be borne in mind that the two are distinct. Similarly, although there is an important relation between Nayavada and Svadvada, one should not be confused with the other. The point, however, is made to avert the possible confusions of mixing between them. The expression 'Saptabhangi' suggests a set of seven formulae.3 Each one of such formulac is prefixeci by the expression 'syat. It is on account of this perhaps that the doctrine of Saptabhangi is also known as Syadvada. The expression 'syat, as mentioned in the beginning of the paper, is rendered and understood in a particular way; i.e. in the sense of a modal predicate or modal notion. It may be admitted that the epression syat is used by grammarians in different ways i.e. as a form of 'as' and as Avyaya. In the context of Syadvada these two uses seem to be important. Several scholars have used it as Avyaya (indeclinable or grammatical particle). In the sense of potential lin, however, Syat is left understood by some texts. This sense is clear, however, not only from dictionaries but also from reliable Jaina philosophical texts." 2. It would not be possible, in the paper, to deal in details with the relation between Anekantavada and Syadvada. 3. Vadideva Suri: Pramananayatattvalokalankara : IV. 14 4. Abhidhanarajendrakosa, VII. p. 848. 5. Monier-Williams, M. : Sanskri:-English Dictionary, p. 1273. Vimaladasa : Sptabhangitarangin i : p. 16.

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298 Anekantavada and Syadvada It is urged that although the word 'syat' is understood in the sense of anekanta, vidhi, vicara etc. yet in the context under consideration, viz in the context of Saptabhangi it is only to be understood in the sense of Anekaanta. Anekanta means that a given object or thing is (potentially) beset with many dharmas. The grammatical particle (avyaya) syat is indicative (dyotaka) of this. Syadvada as a doctrine arises from this consideration. Syadvada thus, essentially is theat abhyupagama in with which it is maintained that (any) one thing is beset with many dharmas, invariable or variable (nityanitya).8 Understood in this way Syadvada emphasises that different dharma can be predicated of a given thing. There is, however, another equally important, sense in which the word syat is used. In this use it is the potential third person singular of the root 'as'. But it is not merely the grammatical consideration that brings this sense to the foreground. Equally important are the philosophical and modal considerations. 'Syat' in this sense brings out symptomatically (pratirupakah) that a thing is a collection or conjunction (Nipatah) of dharmas potentially it is beset with." 10 If both these interpretations of the expression 'syat' are brought to bear upon each other then two important consequences seem to follow, the fuller implications of which will become clear as we proceed, and they are: (a) Syadvada is the explanatory foundation of anekantavada, the explanatory frame in terms of which anekantavada, the doctrine according to which a thing can have many dharmas without contradication,11 becomes significant and meaningful; and (b) Syadvada is connected with potentiality, capacity or dispositions of a thing which actualize. Such actualized dispositions are given either right with the emergence of a thing (sahabhavidharmas), in which case they are called gunas or as those which happen to be actualized collectively or sequentially (kramabhavi) in course of time. In the latter case they are called Paryayas. Both these interpretations have important consequences in the context of the Jaina Philosophical explanation, but more of it later. Vimaladasa: op cit p. 16. 6. 7. Op cit 8. Abhidhanarajendrakosa: Vol. VII, p. 848. 9. Monier Williams: Op cit 10. Devabhadra : Nyayavataravrttitippana, 30 11. Vimaladasa: Op cit.

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An Analysis of 'syat' in Syadvada 299 III In order, for us, to determine the kinds of possibilities that are involved in the doctrine of Syadvada we shall have to understand the expressions, Dharma, guna and paryaya. The nature of a Dravya can be understood only in the light of these expressions. To me it appears that the Jaina philosophers use the term Dharma for any potential feature of a thing. We need to assume that totality of such dharmas are given to us as dispositions. Guna, on the other hand, means for them the actual feature of a thing. But such a feature shall be either of the nature of a differentia or proprium, other features of a thing are given along with it. Paryayas, again, are those features of a thing which are actualized through a thing undergoing a change. Such features are actualized either simultaneously or successively in course of time. These features could be of the nature of accidents--inseparable or separable. 12 In Jaina philosophical texts, it appears that, the terms Padartha, Dravya, Tattva, Vastu and Sat are used almost interchangeably. This leads to a number of problems. But we need not bother about them here. It is for this reason, perhaps, that what is said about a dravya becomes inter alia applicable to a vastu or sat.13 We shall understand these terms broadly in the sense of any physical thing. One striking point about a thing that is brought out in one definition of it is that it has three kinds of charcteristics: (a) emergence (Utpada) (b) decay or degeneration or change (vyaya) and (c) some kind of permanence (dhrauvya.)14 that becomes the basis of re-identification and recognition of it. Such a definition of a thing reveals a general, although important, feature of a thing. Such a thing further has two kinds of features (on the plain of actuality): (a) gunas or those features that are given to us experientially along with the thing itself and are, as stated above, of the nature either of differentia or proprium, and (b) those features which the thing has only contingently. They, as argued earlier, could be of the nature of accidens. We describe a thing either in terms of gunas or paryayas or both.15 Since any feature 12. Abhidhanarajendrakosa : Vol. III, p. 510. 13. Tattvarthadhigamasutra, V. 37 V. 29. Pramananayatattvalokalankara : VII, 9. Nyayavatara, 29 Syadvadamanjari, 22. 14. Mallisenasuri : Syadvadatamanjari, 22. 15. Tattvarthasutra, V. 29.

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300 Anekantavada and Syadvada that is epistemically given to us is given in course of time and since epistemically any descriptive statement about a thing presuppose maximally the totality of such features that are either collectively or alternatively given to us in course of time, either along with the emergence of a thing or in course of its life-history, a thing is also defined as the one that has many (literally innumerable) such factures. 16 The reason being that a thing can change and through a change can come to have newer and newer features and never shall we be in a position to say that a thing has so many features and not more. A statement about a thing can be made only with reference to the given occasion. If we make a statement about a thing independently of the stipulation of occasion it would hardly be informative in the genuine sense of the term. A thing does not have those and only those features that are given to us in experience. Better it is to say that a thing either has at least these features which it is now having or those which it would have in the course of time. Thus a thing potentially has not only those features that are actualized but also those which were or will be actualised. That is, a thing potentially has all the features, whether they are actualized or not. This is how a thing is also defined as that which is beset with totality of all features potentially." If we bring to bear these three descriptions of the nature of a thing upon one another then it turns out that the possibilities that we can envisage with regard to a thing fall readily into two groups: (a) epistemic possibilities--the ones which figure in the descriptive statement about a thing, and (b) possibilties understood as capabilities, abilities or dispositions. Here capacities or dispositions or potentialities are understood perhaps as a sub-visible structure of a thing. Unless a thing has potentialities they will never be actualised. It is in this sense that dispositional possibilities are prior to epistemic possibilities. But, contrarywise, all our statements about dispositions of a thing are anchored in epistemic possibilities and which are, therefore, prior to possibilities as potentialities. But the features a thing comes to have either as differentia or otherwise are those and only those, it is maintained by Jaina philosophers and logicians, which it must have as dispositions. It is in this sense that epistemic possibilities presuppose possibilities as potentialities. One important question arises here. Granting that there are 16. Umasvati :Tattvarthadhigamasutra, V. 37 17. Kundakunda : Pravacanasara, I. 49.

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An Analysis of 'syat' in Syadvada 301 possibilities, what kind of possibilities are they ? In this connection four alternatives stand out prominently : (a) possible events, both specific and otherwise, (b) possible courses of events. (c) possible kinds of individuals and (d) possible individuals or particulars. Out of these, in the context of Syadvada, the first two are ruled out simply because they are basically technical possibilities. Although they are explainable in terms of nomological possibilties, to the extent to which they are at heart etiological or causal possibilities and to the extent to which Jainas are talking about physical objects independently of causal chain in the context of Syadvada, these possibilities are out of question. The basic issue the Syadvada is concerned with is to describe a thing vis-a-vis the features it has and these are given alongwith other features the thing comes to have in course of time, either simultaneously or in succession. This issue is different from the issue of the explanation of the either emergence of a thing or the features. It is in this context that etiological possibilities will figure. More importantly, however, we should understand that every genuine characterization of a thing consists in giving a determinate value of determinables; and for this determinables need not at all be conceived as causally enchained possibles. But what about the last two ? In some text it is argued that the expression syat' is envisaged to bring forward the possiblities in the sense of such objects as a ghata.18 But an object may be considered as a kind of individual or as an individual or a particular. Now, out of these the former is ruled out at least so far as the contention of some texts is concerned. The reason for this is that same text adds that such an entity, which is potentially beset with many dharmas, must be the one that is existent. But this view does not seem to be uniformly borne out by all scholars or Jaina philosophers would not have an objection, it seems, to the acceptance of the kind of individuals. In this case, however, the possibilities that would figure in our consideration would not be existential possibilties but nomological possibilties although they are explicable in terms of conceptual possibilities. But the issue being of the description of a thing absolute concepual possibilities are out of questions, as such statements would be descriptively impotent and irrelevant. The conceptual possibilities would figure on the level of explanation and justification of descriptive statements. But that is quite different a story. Even then a question may be posed that can we not say that 18. Vinaladasa: Saptabhangitarangini, p. 16. 19. Op cit.

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302 Anekantavada and Syadvada although the Jaina thinkers do not expressly deal with formal possibility in the context of the descriptively significant statements, might they not be dealing with relative possibility ? This alternative too is ruled out. For the question of relative possibility arises only where we talking about a thing either with reference to another thing or a prior state of itself. The descriptive statements in terms of possibility that Jainas envisage in the context of Syadvada are too relative statements and are, by the very nature of the case, supposed to be about a particular thing alone independently of the reference to another thing or its prior state. Hence the case of relative possibility, too, is ruled out. Out of the two kinds of possibilities Aristotle talks of the Jain philosophers are not talking about what Hintikka calls 'possibility proper' or logical possibility. They are rather considering possibility of the kind of contingency. Such contingency they further understand in both of its senses : either the one that is short of necessity or the one that is descriptive of an indeterminate. The kind of statements that bring out possibility in the sense of contingency that Jaina philosophers envisage are also those in which contingency is understood in the sense of two features of a thing going together or their compatibility, a notion weaker than that of consistency of two dharmas or gunas or paryayas. Further, it is important to remember that possibilties that are under consideration in the frame of Syadvada are those that come to the foreground with respect to emergence, or degeneration or change of a thing. This is why, perhaps, eternal sentences are considered to be out of question and occasion sentence are emphasized upon. The entire programme that Jaina logic envisages to put forward in terms of its doctrine of Syadvada needs to be considered in a still wider perspective. In contrast to the view of the modern logicians, the Jaina logicians seem to hold that although a given sentence may express the same proposition on different occasions, yet in spite of the fact it is the same proposition, its truth-value changes with time. The propositions that are considered relevant in the context of Syadvada are descriptive propositions. As sameness of a thing does not preclude it from going change and taking on different features similarly although it is the same proposition that is expressed on different occasions, this in itself should not prohibit it from taking different truth values. That things change, in spite of retaining their identity, is a fac. Thus things assume different features in course of time. Correspondingly, on the plane of proposititions, Jaina logic seems to hold, that although

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An Analysis of 'syat' in Syadvada 303 propositions are the only bearers of truth-values yet they are bearers of not the same but perhaps of changing truth-values. It accepts change both of truth-value of a proposition and features of thing. On the plane of things it seem to argue that things or dravyas are the only entities that can take contrary gunas or paryayas on different occasions and yet retain their identity at least which can form basis of re-identification and and recognition of them. That is why temporally indefinite sentences are taken to be paradigms of informative sentences. In saying this they indeed are in a great company of such masters as Aristotle. The reason for this seems to be that temporally indefinite sentences about a thing are the proper vehicles of communication. This contention obviously presupposes that knowledge properly so called must come ultimately in terms of direct acquaintance This position, moverover, seems to propound that correspondence between proposition and facts is the basis of assigning truth values to propositions. Things change and take on new features. Such changed things cannot be matched with older propositions and yet get truth value truth. In order to be able to cope with the situation of things changing their features and our being able to describe them by means of propositions which not only bring out new features of a thing but also take truth-value truth we shall have to take either one of the following two courses : (a) frame altogether new propositions or (b) allow older propositions to change their truth-values. Without ruling out the first alternative completely the Jaina logicians seem to maintain that to be able to cope with such a situation propositions hould also be taken to be changing their truth-values. Either changed proposition or propositions with changed truth-value correspond with changed things and this is how they take truth-value truth. Thus correspondence is the crux of the problem and changing thing is the reinforcing situation. Both these taken together seem to thrust on them acceptance of the change in truth-value of a proposition. This is what Jaina logicians seem to advocate. It is perhaps this which they intend to convey when they say that truth-value of no descriptive proposition is fixed in so far as things change. The contention that truth value of a proposition changes, however, raises two important issues : (a) what is the basis of drawing a line of demarcation between sentences and propositions ? and (b) If it is maintained, and it is so maintained by Jaina logicians, that a thing has number of potentialities, then how to account for change in the truth-value of a proposition ? For whereas insistence on number of

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304 Anekantavada and Syadvada potentialities would demand an assumption of number of propositions descriptive of them, a change in the truth-value would demand that number of propositions available at our disposal is a limited one. Perhaps a distinction is sought to be made between propositions descriptive of potentialities and those descriptive of actualities, the latter being treated as genuinely descriptive of the nature of a thing. Obviously the number of the statements of the latter kind is limited. If this phenomenon is connected with changing things then change in truth-value seems a possible alternative. But still, why not frame a new proposition ? Inspite of the fact that Jaina logicians admit temporality within the fold of their logic what would be their reaction to this problem is very difficult to say. But we need not bother further about this issue here. One thing, nevertheless, is clear. The doctrine of the change of truth-value neither amounts to the doctrine of relativity, nor scepticism nor again to the notion of historical relativity. For the position of an historical relativist is different from that of the one who holds possibility of change in truth-value of a proposition. What historical relativist is out to maintain is that we do not have any absolute truths simply because we do not have any absolute criterion of truth. The one, on the contrary, who argues in terms of changing truth is not at all bothered about change in the criterion of truth. That is, he is not saying the truth value changes because our criterion of truth changes. What he focusses his attention on is change in object about which we are making a statement. Since things change, he seems to argue, the truths we have discovered will have to undergo change too for we shall have !o rediscover the truths about the changed thing although the criterion of truth, viz. correspondence which Jaina philosophers accept, is retained. For him, in this way, discovery of truths about changing nings is a never-ending and yet not a hopeless and fruitless progamme. The entire contention of Jaina logicians seems to be based on the Presupposition that the dispositions that a thing has happened to be stualized in course of time. Every genuine possibility is actualized in ime. It is not necessarily the case that each possibility is realized but it can be assumed to be realized without contradiction. They hold that everything has a "sub-visible structure of dispositions that are, as Quine maintains, "its build-in enduring structural traits'; yet the typical sentences used to express human knowledge in the form of descriptive sentences are not 'eternal or standing sentences' but rather what are called 'occassion sentences. Although the general philosophical

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An Analysis of 'syat' in Syadvada 305 opinion is that the former kind of sentences are superior, Jaina logicians seem to maintain that the sentences of the latter kind are the ones to which we assent or from which we dissent. Such assent or dissent is further determined by the feature or features of the occasion on which they are uttered. Such sentences are temporally indefinite to make explicit the full sense of which we have to employ such expressions as 'now' etc. even if, therefore, it is assumed that there is a correspondence between grammatical and logical form of a sentence, yet it requires stipulation of occasion. Independently of such stipulation of occasion our assent to or dissent from is impotent, misleading and even logically indefensible. IV Our investigation so far has made it clear that out of the many kinds of possibilities Jaina logicians do not consider technical possibility in the context of Syadvada. The cases where casual consideration are predominent an account of technical or etiological possibilities is significant. But such considerations are unimportant from the point of view of descriptive statements about a thing, the proper context of Syadvada. It is for this reason that such possibilities are beside the point in this context. Similarly, the possibility as minimal probability, too, is nowhere considered. Further, absolute conceptual possibility is not expressly and explicitly employed, although it is possible to say that it is presupposed for explanation of nomological possibility. In the context of Syadvada three kinds of possibilities are clearly acknowledged : possibility as potentiality, epistemological possibility and nomological as well as existential possibility. Etiological possibility that figures in the causal explanation falls outside the perview of Syadvada. Jaina logicians and philosophers believe that this world is full of things of dravyas and hence accept, it seems, what A.O. Lovejoy calls the Principle of Plentitude. In this they are in great company of Aristotle and Leibnitz. They further hold that dispositions are actualized in course of time. Possibilities for them, thus figure on two levels : potentiality and actuality. Potentialities are give in order of being, but not necessarily in order of knowing. Actualities are given in order of knowing. This is how they become epistemic possibilties. All our statements, descriptions, and interpretations to which one can assent or from which one can dissent, are and should be occasion sentences and not eternal sentences, although former are explainable in

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306 Anekantavada and Syadvada terms of latter. Jaina logicians and philosophers, however, do not clearly draw a line of demarcation between possibility proper and contingency, for neither on the level of potentiality nor on the level of epistemic possibility can this distinction be drawn. The distinction comes to the foreground, that is, not on the level of truth-conditions but on the level of explanation of the way truth conditions are presumed to be given to us. This is indeed an important consideration and a detailed account of it would require consideration of three main issues : (a) total-truth values acknoledged, (b) the kinds of truth-conditions envisaged and (c) the way truth-conditions are presumed to be given to us. These considerations, although important in the full context of syadvada, must be set aside here because our purpose here is to analysis 'syat' and the possibilities it brings to the fore. In conclusion it can be said that Jaina logicians and philosophers acknowledge, in the context of syadvada, possibilities of potency, epistemic and nomological along with existential possibilities. Outside the context of syadvada etiological possibilities too are acknowledged. They seem also to accept conceptual possibilties in the context of explanation although not for describing. Moreover, in the case of descriptions, occording to them, no distinction can be drawn between possibility proper and contingency understood in any sense.

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14 Syadvada* S.H. DIVATIA The theory of Syadvada requires to be carefully studi..d in view of the impact of relativistic theories in science and philosophy (particularly epistemology). Philosophy has been defined as an unusual attempt to think persistently. It is the thinking consideration of things. It has withstood the attacks of all atheistic, ;'ositivisic and sceptical philosophies. Philosophical problems have the unusual knack of rearing their heads again and again. To put it in Prof. Wisdom's words, "One goes on chasing philosophic al hares all the time". The Jaina view of philosophy is unsually broadminded. It is neither exclusive identity nor exclusive difference. They have attempted a bold compromise risking the charge of contradictions from their opponents. It is a philosophy of even-mindedness. The Jainas have a beautiful story to tell of the blind men and the elephant. The blind men put thier hands on the different parts of the elephant and each tried to describe the whole animal from the part touched by him. Thus the man who caught the ear said the elephant was like a country-made fan, the person who caught the leg said the elephant was like a pillar, the holder of the trunk said it was like a python, the feeler of the tail said that it was like a rope: the person who touched the side said the animal was like a wall. and the man who touched the forehead said the elephant was like the breast. All the six quarrelled, each one asserting that his description alone was correct. Only he who can see the whole elephant can say * Journal of the M.S. University of Baroda, 21/1, 1973.

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308 Anekantavada and Syadvada what the elephant was like. So each standpoint according to Jaina is relative only. The theory of Nayavada (the theory of standpoints) and the theory of Syadvada are complementary to each other. Nayavada is analytic in character, syadvada is synthetic. (At least it functions as a synthetic method though it looks analytic). That is, Nayavada analyses one of the standpoints under the aspect of identity or of difference and Syadvada further investigates the various strands of the truth delivered by a naya, and intergrates them into a consistent and comprehensive synthesis. Each sich strand is called a bhanga (a mode, or a predication). It might also be called a possible truth. Describing the relation between the two methods Dasgupta observes, "There is no universal or absolute position or negation, and all judgements are valid only conditionally. The relation of the naya doctrine with the Syadvada doctrines is therefore this, that for any judgement according to any and every naya there are as many alternatives as are indicated by Syadvada". The indeterminate or Anekanta reality is thus analysed into various standpoints and each standpoint in turn is examined with respect to its various strands of truth and finally all the strands are woven together into the syrthesis of the conditional dialectic owing to their function of analysis and synthesis. The methods of Nayavada and Syadvada may also be described as the disjunctive dialectic and the conjunctive dialectic respectively. The next question is : Is Syadvada synonymous with saptabhanginaya. Some say it is synonymous because the number of possible or alternative truths under the conditional method of syadvada are seven only. Kapadia is of the opinion that Syadvada is wider in scope than the term Saptabhangi and is synonymous with the term Anekantavada. But many philosophers take the two as synonymous. The doctrine of Syadvada is so crucial to Jaina philosophy that syadvada is often treated as standing for the whole of Jaina philosophy. The late Dr. Y.J. Padmarajiah in his book "A comparative study of the Jaina theories of Reality and Knowledge'' defines Syadvada as follows "Syadada or Saptabhangi is that conditional method in which the modes or predications affirm, negate or both affirm and negate severally or jointly in seven different ways, a certain attribute of a

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Syadvada 309 thing without incompatibility in a certain context that is no modal assertion or proposition on-simple or complex, affirmative, negative or both can, at once express anything other than an aspect of the truth of a thing'. The full truth or rather the synthesis of truths can result only from a well ordered scheme of propositions. Each proposition is therefore relative to, or alternative with, the other propositions which in their totality present the full of the thing with respect to the particular attribute predicated of it. The Jainas maintain that saptabhangi offers such a well ordered scheme in which the modes are exclusive of one another, but are at the same time, in their totality, exhaustive of the many-sided truth of the indeterminate real under discussion. Thus Syadvada or sapta-bhangi is the theory of relativity of knowledge. It is a dialectic of the seven steps. The word 'syat' means probable, perhaps, may be. Syadvada is often called the theory of probability but as C.D. Sharma says it is not theory of probability in the literal sense. "Probability suggests scepticism and Jaina view is not scepticism'. The word 'Syat' should be translated as 'relatively or in a certain sense'. It is treated as an indeclinable. It is significant that even the linguistic philosophers are fond of saying now-a-days. 'In a certain sense you are right and in a certain sense you are not'. 'Syat thus means that Reality is manifold. The real cannot be determined as possessing only such and such attributes and not the rest. Discussing the spirit of Syadvada a modern critic observes, "It signifies that the universe can be looked at from many points of view and that each standpoint yields a different conclusion. The nature of reality is expressed completely by none of them for in its concrete richness it admits all predicates". Every proposition is therefore in strictness only conditional. Absolute affirmation and absolute negation are both erroneous. (I think, to this the Absolutist will reply that truth is not given in propositions. As Bradley says. "Thought must commit suicide in order to grasp Reality). Padamrajiah observes, "It is this conception of reality as extremely indertminate in nature that is suggested or illumined by the term Syat. A phrase which will approximately bring out this indeterministic significance of Syat would be 'from a certain point of view' or 'in a certain sense or 'some other equivalent form'. My own belief is that the word

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310 Anekantavada and Svadvada "Syat' cannot be rendered into English without losing some of its meaning. Schools which build up their systems on the foundation of some single concept or the other which represents only one facet of the manysided truth in reality illustrate this narrow and dogmatic approach. Sapeksavada is another name for Syadvada. Statement of the Theory When we say 'This table exists' we cannot mean that this table exists absolutely and unconditionally. Our krowledge of the table is necessarily relative. The table has got innumerable characteristics out of which we can know only some. The table exists in itself as an absolutely real and infinitely complex reality, only our knowledge of it is relative. (Prof. Moore would say the table exists in an absolute sense. What he is not sure of is the analysis of the prop 'The table exists). For us the table must exist in its own matter as made of wood, in its own form as having a particular shape, length, breadth and height at a particular space and at a particular time. It does not exist in other matter, other form and at other space and time. So a table is both existent and non-existent viewed from different standpoints and there is no contradiction in it, (C.D. Sharma-A critical survey of Indian Philosophy). Seven forms of judgement are distinguished in Jaina logic. Each judgement is relative and therefore it is preceded by the word 'Syat. This is Syadvada or Sapta-bhangi naya. The seven steps are as follows: (1) Syadasti-Relatively, a thing is real. (2) Syannasti-Relatively, a thing is unreal. (3) Syadasticanastica-Realitively a thing is both real and unreal. (4) Syadavaktavya sticanastica--Relatively a thing is indescribable. (5) Syadasti ca a vaktavyam ca-Relatively a thing is real and is indescribable. (6) Syannasti ca avaktavyam--Relatively a thing is unreal and is indescribable. (7) Syadasti ca nasti ca avaktavyam-Relatively a thing is real, unreal and indescribable. From the point of view of one's own substance everything is, while from the point of view of other's substance everything is not.

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Syadvada 311 We know a thing in relation to its own matter, form, space and time as a positive reality, while in relation to other's matter, form, space and time it becomes a negative entity. When we affirm the two different standpoints successively we get the third judgement-a thing is both real and unreal (of course in two different senses). If we affirm or deny both existence and non-existence simultaneously to any thing, if we assert or negate the two different aspects of being and non-being together, the thing baffles all description. It becomes indescribable i.e. either both real and unreal simultanelustly or neither real nor unreal. This is the fourth judgement. The remaining three are the combinations of the fourth with the first, second and third respectively. Criticism of Syadvada The Jaina theory is unique. Its logic cannot be incorporated either into two-valued logic (truth and falsity) or many valued logic (truth and falsity or doubtful). The law of double negation also does not apply here. The linguistic philosophers will also say that if Syat is translated as 'prabably then it is probable that is written in metalanguage but if it is translated relatively' then it becomes part of the object language. My own view as indicated above is that it is translated into 'relatively, in a certain sense'. Then every proposition is conditional, you have to state the conditions and presuppositions of every sentence that you utter of have it in mind. The charge of pedantry can be levelled against the Jaina logic. Next I will deal with the controversial question of 'Is the absolutist criticism of Syadvada justified ? It is natural that the absolutist should criticise syadvada because absolutism (especially the advaitic variety) and syadvada relativism are diametrically opposed to each other in their fundamental presuppositions. Hiriyanna observes, "The half-hearted character of the Jaina enquiry is reflected in the seven-fold mode of predication (Saptabhangi) which stops at giving us the several partial views together, without attempting to overcome the opposition in them by a proper synthesis. It is all right so far as it cautions us against one-sided conclusions but it leaves us in the end with little more than one-sided solutions. The reason for it, if it is not prejudice against absolutism, is the desire to keep close to common beliefs (Hiriyanna-Outlines of Indian Philosophy). Elsewhere also Hiriyanna makes the caustic comment that if all our knowledge concerning

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312 Anekantavada and Syadvada reality is relative, they say (the old critics like Sankara, Ramanuja etc.) the Jaina view must also be relative. To deny this conclusion would be to admit at least one absolute truth and to admit it would leave the doctrine with no settled view reality and thus turn it into a variety of scepticism. Another critic says that Jaina philosophy is a philosophy of compromise only. It offers no solutions. At best it is a pseudo solution to a pseudo problem. The problem is pseudo problem because two levels of thinking are confused the ontological level and the propositional level. Dr. Radhakrishnan sums up the absolutist position when he remarks in his book 'Indian Philosophy' "Yet in our opinion the Jaina logic leads to a monistic idealism (by which he means 'the hypothesis of the absolute) and so far as the Jainas shrink from it they are untrue to their own logic''. Belvalkar doubts whether the dialectic sprung up from the same teacher. It does not, according to him spring naturally from Jaina philosophy. Another critic says, "We see the tendency to please every body and to compromise and in trving to compromise it involves itself in self-contradiction the saviour of all systems is committing suicide". (The Jaina Instrumental Theory of Knowledge, Rao). Padmarajiah in his Jaina theories of Reality and knowledge answers the critics by saying that the seven modes of syadvada express 'partial truths' which do not firmly hang together as a logical necessity is only the prima facie view of syadvada. That their truths are severally partial is true. But from this it does not necessarily follow that they are an odd collection of arbitrary 'half truths' lacking in proper synthesis or system. The fact that the truths presented by them are alternative truths which individually touch every aspect, and together, all the aspects, of a situation in a systematic way. A certain actuality, like the jar, an example with which the modes have been illustrated, is looked at from the possible seven angles and the deliverance of these modal judgements does represent a synthesis which is neither "loose' nor unsystematic Absolutism cannot be refuted, it dies old age. Since its assertions are unverifiable, further comments on the systems are unnecessary. Syadvada raises an important point that truth is

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Syadvada 313 best stated in a series of conditional propositions and truth can be shown, not said. Bertrand Russel once defined philosophy as substitution of articulate hesitation for inarticulate certainty. To that extent syadvada has real relevance for modern times. Indeed it is true to the spirit of modern times viz., relativism. Its idiom is surprisingly modern.

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15 The Conception of Syadvada R.C. PANDEYA It is necessary to know the philosophical question to which Syadvada provides an answer. Nowhere in the Jaina philosophy there is an explicit mention of this question except the statement to the effect that ordinary statments assert or deny absolutely whereas the fact is that reality is inultifaceted. In other words, the Sydvada is linked with the ontological theory called anekantavada and it stands or falls along with that ontology. If Syadvada is a theory in logic, as many people have accepted, then we are justified in demanding autonomy for it; it should be able to stand on its own force, without invoking the support of a theory about reality. If this cannot be done then we are obliged to call Syadvada an extension of the anekanta ontology. An ontological logic is an ontology applied to the way of thinking committed to that ontology; it would not be an analysis and criticism of thought in general. This kind of logic is obviously circular in the sense that here we take into account that thought which is basically the same as we would have liked it to be ; thus here we have a pertinent question : Is Syadvada a system of logic or it is an extension of an ontology to the realm of logic ? The second alternative seems to be the case, if the Jaina texts are of any value. But then what about those modern writers who see in Syadvada a system of multi-valued logic ? It seems that either these writers in their enthusiasm forget the fact that for the Jainas Syadvada is nothing but a version of the anekanta-ontology or in their thinking logic, as a system of theories, need not be autonomous. Ontological neutrality of a logical system is a necessary prerequisite for its universal acceptability. It is a different matter that a particular system of logic owes its origin to a particular ontology; what is essential for it, however, is that it ought to be applicable to almost

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The Conception of Syadvada 315 all the situations where consistent thinking operates. Efforts are constantly made to weed out such extralogical factors that might have stealthily crept into the formulations of a system of logic, with a view to obtain as perfect a system as could be possible. This is how logic grows as a science. Syadvada has not grown that way; no effort has ever been made to so view it and to apply it to situations outside the scope of enekanta. Those who have upheld Syadvada have attempted an evaluation and refutation of those philosophical positions which do not subscribe to the theory that reality has infinite number of facets (ananta-dharmaka). The main argument of Jainas against non-Jaina philosophies is that the latter being too rigid cannot admit of the possibility of opposite or alternative philosophical positions. Thus, for example, for the Nyaya even the possibility of the Buddhist position is not conceivable, whereas the Jainas would like to entertain such possibility. Moreover, apart from this inter-philosophical problem of the possibility of the alternative standpoints, there are intra-philosophical probleins. For example those who stick to the position that only one formulation could be correct, any alternative formulation would be out of order, would find it difficult to make two statements about one and the same thing, viz. they cannot assert both the following statements about one and the same object i.e., 'This is a ring' and 'This is a piece of gold'. They seem to think that the assertion of the former would exclude the possibility of all other assertions; thus if 'p' stands for the former the latter would, being other than 'p', be 'not p'. Thus it both the statements are true of particular object then we ought to make a provision for the assertion of both 'p' and 'not-p' or at least be prepared to grant the possibility of an alternative statement being true. The Jainas have also argued from the fact of change and continuity. If A changes into B, B though a new entity is also a continuation of A, in some sense. Thus B is B and also, in some way, A. i.e. not-B. If continuity between A and B is not accepted then they would fall apart and there would be no sense ir saying 'A has changed into B'. The Jainas conclude that since there is more than one way of describing one and the same thing (vastu) and each such description is true in its own right, we have to accommodate all these views in a harmonious way, syadvada provides an answer to the question : how can different statements about one and the same thing and theories about reality be accorded the status of truth? An examination of this criticism is warranted, we have to see

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316 Anekantavada and Syadvada whether the Jaina criticism is valid and whether the question to which syadvada seeks to provide an answer is a genuine question. Laier on we may further enquire whether syadvada does or can provide the desired answer. The basic assumption of the Jainas in cricticizing other philosophies is that the acceptance of one philosophy or assertion of one statement necessarily excludes all other philosophers or statements. In other words they seem to think that the assertion of "p' would amount to the assertion of 'not not-p' i.e. rejection of 'not-p'. Incidentally this is what the Buddhist theory of apoha does. The Jainas forget, yet the Buddhists subscribe to the fact that the truth of a statement and the assertion of its truth are to be distinguished. If at a particular moment I assert the truth of a statement "This is a ring', I do not imply that the statement 'This is a piece of gold' is false. One assertion can cancel only another assertion; truth is independent of any assertion. Similarly, when a person constructs a theory he does not imply that other theories are false, for theories are neither true nor false; they are either adequate or inadequate to explain all the facts or, they are self-consistent or inconsistent. Each succeeding theory claims to present a better explanation than the preceding one. Thus the assumption of the Jainas that the assertion of one statement invariably makes all other statements false and for ensuring the possibility of truth of other statements Syadvada is essential is not warranted. The fact is that the assertion of one statement leaves the possibility of truth of other statements open. To ensure this Syadvada is not needed. The Jainas have also recognised the possibility of two contradictory statements together being true; they have criticized all those philosophies which subscribe to the law of contradiction. If I see a blue pen, may statement 'This pen is blue' is both true and is asserted to be true. This means, as the Jainas have pointed out, that any other statement (e.g. 'This pen is not-blue' or 'This pen is black and so on) about the same pen would be false. Obviously any objection to this position entails the rejection of the recognised logic of negation. One such objections is based on the ground that there is a possibility of such statements to which truth or falsity cannot be ascribed at the moment, e.g. statements about the future. Objection to the law of contradiction in this case arises from within the logic itself. In those cases where the law of contradiction is challenged not from within the system of logic itself but from an ontological standpoint, one has to examine the basis of such an ontology. Discarding contradiction would then be not a

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The Conception of Syadvada 317 logical necessity. The objection to contradication being a valid law of logic raised by the Jainas rests on the view that a thing may become what it is not at the moment, or it is something different from what a person sees it to be, or different persons in different positions and different climes would see it differently, and it may be one thing with reference to its own substance, time and nature but may become something else in the context of other substances etc. Obviously the Jainas link truth of a statement with substance, time, etc; they would reject any view regarding timeless truth. They would not agree with those who hold proposition to be timelessly true. To them a statement is made true or false in accordance with the nature and relative position of the thing it is about. Truth can be made and unmade depending upon how things fare. This position is open to a host of objections. But one that strikes it hard is about the identity of the subject in two statements having different predicates. It is thought that "This pen is blue' is about the same pen as 'This pen is not blue'. Can we identify a pen, or for that matter any object, in isolation from its characteristics ? The Jainas have to answer this question in the affirmative in order that they are able to say that since 'this' in both the statements stands for one and the same thing, both the statements should be taken to be true. In fact the Jaina definition of reality as a thing having innumerable facets, a dictum of the anekanta theory, rests on the identity of subjects among diverse predicates. Ordinarily the two statements mentioned above would be taken to be abcut two different pens; no contradiction would be involved and no Syadvada will be needed for that. The need would be manifest once 'This pen' in both the statements is taken to be identical. One could raise the question at to what makes us call this particular object as 'pen' and the Jainas would say that both are pens because "Thisness'' is common to both. Apart from our objection to the notion of thisness being identical we may ask about the scope of thisness. How far can we go using "This' rather than 'That'? In other words, when do we cease to talk of 'This pen' and begin to say 'That pen' ? The Jainas would say that in relation to its substance etc. it is This' but in relaticn to other substance etc. it would be "That'. But would it then not amount to saying that "This' and 'That' are interchangeable ? If so, then for the Jainas "This pen is blue' and 'That dog is mad' would be the two statements about one and the same thing. The story of six blind men and the elephant indicates this possibility. In short, if the identity of the subject is taken to be the sole guide for accepting all the different statements having different predicates as

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318 Anekantavada and Syadvada true, then we have to find a way of determining the identity of a subject without bringing in the characteristics (dharmas) it possesses. But nothing which could determine this identity would be different from the characteristics a thing possesses, including the relation it has with a substance, time and nature. Thus in order to be able to reject contradition we need a theory denying all the possibilities of predication (as in the Advaita Vedanta or the Theory of Svalaksana); if predication is a possibility, as the Jainas themselves hold, no effort would be strong enough to save such a theory from contradiction. Syadvada in that respect is selfcontradictory. The distinction between naya and prainana drawn by the Jainas is really the distinction between a categorical statement and the statement allowing the possibility of all other statements. A naya is the way people use language ordinarily and a pramana is the way they ought to use it prefacing every statement with 'Syat' (may be). The statement "The pen is blue', it is to be necessarily presumed, would not serve this purpose, which the other statement 'Syat, the pen is blue' is expected to serve. But, then, we are justified in asking as to why this recommendation should be followed : why a Syal statement is to be preferred over other statements without 'Syat' ? Apparently while drawing a distinction between naya and pramana the Jainas have in mind the fact that a categorical statement excludes all contradictory and contrary statements. But in that case would a Syat-statement (S-statement, hereafter) exclude or not exclude a non-S-statement ? Obviously the answer has to be in the affirmative as long as the distinction between naya and pramana is maintained. But what would be the negation of an S-statement ? Let us compare two pairs of these two types of statements with a view to see how negation functions in each case. Thus : (i) The pen is blue. The pen is not blue. (ii) Syat, the pen is blue. Syat, the pen is not blue. In (i) negation denies truth to the affirmattive statement. In other words, here negation negates the truth value of the affirmative statement and in that process also affirms the truth of the negative statement. In (ii) 'Syat neither affirms nor denies truth value of a statement, for if the statement 'the pen is blue' or 'the pen is not blue' be true in its own right the function of 'Syat' would become superfluous. In that case Syat would be only a kind of mental attitude

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The Conception of Syadvada 319 one ought to hold with regard to any affirmative or negative statement. In this respect a S-statement would be like a belief-statement. But then you cannot recommend a particular attitude towards a statement and this attitude cannot figure in logic as a constant factor. Moreover in a S-statement negation does not and cannot negate 'Syat'. Obviously 'Syat, the pen is not blue' cannot be restated as 'It is not-Syat that the pen is blue', as we do say 'It is not true that the pen is blue'. Here the restatement would be 'Syat' it is not true that the pen is blue', and for that matter it would also be correct to say "Syat, it is true that the pen is blue'. Therefore in a S-statement Syat' is not concerned with truth or falsity of the 'statement to which it is attached'. But what about the fuil S-statement 'Syat the pen is blue' ? We cannot ascribe truth-value to this full statement although a part of it may be true, because in that case the whole statement would be exclusive and that would defeat the very purpose of Syadvada. So a S-statement has to be without any truth-value; it is neither true nor false. Since a S-statement neither affirms nor denies there would be no contradiction between affirming and denying statements. So 'Syat, the pen is blue' would not exclude "The pen is blue', nor would it be contradicted by "The pen is not blue'. Similarly 'Syat, the pen is blue' and 'Syat, the pen is not blue' can very well go together. In the light of this analysis one can safely conclude that pramana 'a S-statement is not opposed to naya a non-S-statement'. the former does not exclude the latter. But it must always be kept in mind that a naya has truth value whereas a pramana does not have it. They are distinct but pramana and naya can coexist. AS-statement can coexist with a non-S-statement by overcoming the contradiction between affirmation and negation within the non-S statement. Therefore within a S-statement you can have both not-p together. It is in this limited sense that a S-statement includes rather than excludes non-S-statements. We have also seen that negation cannot significantly apply to a S-statement. But there may arise a real conflict between a S-statement and a statement of exclusive assertion or denial, what is called durnaya in Jaina texts. A durnaya-statement is of the form X is nothing but a' ...Here 'nothing but would be significantly used only when it is meaningful to say that x is b or c or d, and out of all the possibilities only one is ascribed to it in a given situation. The possibility of other predicates than the one asserted (anyayoga) and exclusion of all of them except the one asserted (vyavaccheda) is the function of "eva' which characterized all durnayas. In fact the phrase 'nothing but' is convertible into 'not other

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320 Anekantavada and Syadvada than'. "This pen is blue' can be restated as 'This pen is nothing but blue' or 'the colour of this pen is not other than blue' or 'It is not the case that this is not blue'. Syadvada would accept 'This pen is blue' (a naya) but would oppose any move to restate it in any of the forms given above. For the Jainas transition from affirmation to the negation of the other, i.e., the negation of the thing negating the affirmed, is not warranted. In other words they would object to the definition of affirmation in terms of double negation. Similarly a negative statement like 'This pen is not blue' cannot be restated in terms of three negations. In order to understand Syadvada it is necessary to find out the reason for this. When we say 'Syat, X is a' it is implied that X may be a, b, c, ... etc., i.e. it is possible to ascribe unknown number of predicates 'to X equally unknown number of contexts and for the present one of them is being predicated of X. Had it been the case that by definition no other predicate, in no other conceivable context, could be ascribed to X then 'Syat' would be useless, nay 'Syat, X is a' would become contradictory. So also X is a' would become a tautology. There are two conditions for any S-statement to be significant : (a) the possibility of more than one context in which one and the same statement can be significantly made and (b) the possibility of more than one predicate being significantly used with a subject. Let us consider the first condition first. In one context we may say "This pen is blue' which, according to the Jaina texts, would mean that with reference to its own substance, time and nature a particular pen is blue; but with reference to other substance, time and nature it may be something else. Context for them is to be identified in terms of substance, time and nature and affirming or denying statements is singling one context out of many possible contexts. One may talk of John in the context of size and shape, in the context of relations (i.e. father of, son of, brother of etc.) in the context of social standing and achievements etc. But even within a single context, say of relation, it is possible to have more than one way of talking about John. He may be a father, son, brother and husband and all these descriptions would be in order within one and the same context and no one description should necessarily exclude the possibility of other descriptions. If John is the father of James it does not mean that he cannot be the son of Rosa. In order to ensure that one affirmation does not tend to exlude other possibile descriptions or statements, within the same content or in other contents, a statement is to be prefaced by 'Syat.' Thus 'This pen is blue' leaves the possibility

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The Conception of Syadvada, 321 for other statements also being true, but its so called restatement as 'This pen is nothing but blue denies the possibility of any other statement being true. In this sense there is a contradiction between simple affirmation in the sense of singling out one of the many possible contexts) and exclusive affirmation (in the sense of singling out one context and denial of all other contexts). 'Syat' would mean, then, simple affirmation or naya (to which 'Syat' is added to ensure that it does not exclude other possibilites) in contrast to exclusive affirmation or durnaya. Affirmation is the act of singling out one and not the exclusion of other possibilities, likewise negation would be singling out a context other than that of the thing's own substance, time and nature and not the exclusion of other possibilities. In other words, truth and falsity are not to be defined in terms of exclusion of one another In fact Syadvada would not be concerned with the question of truth at all; we have seen that a S-statement has to be truth-neutral. It is futile to demand a definition of truth or falsity from Syadvada. Syadvada represents a formal programme whereby you can distinguish an exlusive statement from non-exclusive statement and it is a recommendation to use all the statements in non-exclusive sense. The scheme of Saptabhangi is therefore to be taken as a device for converting an exclusive statement into a non-exclusive statement. Ini this operation it takes the advantage of the logic of the word 'Syat' but it stops at that point. It does not propose to investigate into the logical behaviour of S-statement with regard to their relations and the rules, if any, of derivation and so on. It is evident from reading the Jaina texts that in the treatment of inference they never bring in Syadvada; they follow the same rules, of course with minor variations, as Nyaya has with regard to inference. In the first place this fact shows that the Syadvada is not intended to be a system of logic; it takes each individual statement at its face-value. Secondly, theoretically it may also be not possible to construct a system of logic for S-statements. The reason being that by insisting on the possibility and desirability of all kinds of statements being collected together the Jainas have denied themselves any instrument whereby they could evaluate a statement. If all the possible statements have Syat-value one cannot justifiably prefer one set of statements over another. They cannot, for example, insist that 'X is red; therefore, X is coloured' is a better construction than X is red; therefore, X is fragrant.' These both sets of statements would have Syat-value in Syadvada. Therefore within Syadvada itself

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322 Anekantavada and Syadvada no system of logic is possible and the Jainas have recognised this fact by treating inference without reference to "Syat. To sum up, Syadvada is primarily an ontological theory and its impact would be felt only among rival ontological theories. It seeks to answer a question concerning the nature of reality and in this process it succeeds only in giving us a tool whereby we can confirm the anekanta-theory. It would be wrong to see into it a system of multivalued logic. A Syat-statement is value-neutral and it lacks in any tool that can be used to eliminate a non-Syat statement. A S-statement is all inclusive and there is no way of constructing a system of logic taking it as a base. Therefore those who take pride in stating that Syadvada is an Indian version of multi-valued logic are misguided.

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16 A Side-view of Syad vada P.B. AL HIKARI The name syadvada is, as is well-know, applied in a general way to indicate the Jaina position in philosophy. The term is by itself it bit enigmatic, the meaning of which is, for this reason, misunderstood, and so the system to which it is applied has been open to much adverse criticism. The word does not mean to give by itself any information regarding the metaphysical view of the school. It was introduced simply to emphasise some general aspect of their epistemological position. The term. when rightly understood, will appear, however. 10 stand for a philosophic truth of high importance, emphasising, as it does, the natural limitations of human knowledge and speech. The wonder is that an expression of such high significance and truth should have been subiected to unjustifiable criticism at the hands, not of ordinary writers, but of thinkers of very great learning and penetration like even our Acharya Shankara himself. It is not my purpose here to show in detail how this doctrine was worked out and enlarged. possibly by later writers, into those of Saptabhangi and Nayas. I shall confine myself simply to the general aspect of the position a id its implications. Jinendra Mahavira is supposed to be the first teacher o the doctrine of syadvada, though it is questioned whether he wa the originator to it. Suri Haribhadra, for instance, calls him sir iply "FAIGSE-I9107:"' (Syad-vada-desskah)--the teacher of syadvada. As a matter of fact, it may be questioned, and rightly questioned, whether a truth nceds any originator, though it may require at times an expounder. Our revered Vardhaman is, at least, the first exponent of the doctrine in the present cycle of the Universe under the view of Jaina Cosmology. The promulgation of a doctrine like this one, at a period

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324 Anekantavada and Syadvada when the Jinendra prevailed, must be considered, however, to be of high significance in the history of Indian Thought. While other systems stand each for a well-rounded compact view of the Universe, Jainism, as represented by its syadvada, finds in them all a side-view only, which can be relatively true at the most but not absolutely. This is the fundamental position of the Jaina theory of knowledge, and it is this which was, to my mind, meant to be emphasised by the exponents of the doctrine, by the short term that has furnished a fulcrum to many a controversy and criticism. The position meant would appear, however, to be very aptly suggested by the very cursed term. The particle Syat in the expression literally means perhaps, which, when applied to any piece of knowledge, means perhaps true. This does not imply that there is absolutely any doubt about the knowledge. It means simply partially true, as it has been well put by some writer. The position of Jainism is not here a sceptic one, as it might otherwise be supposed to be by the literal interpretation of this particle Syat in the phrase. On the contrary, it emphasises by the particle one of the soundest truths about our intellectual achievements, namely, that any ordinary human way of knowledge is bound to be partially and not entirely, relatively and not absolutely, valid. And so any system of human creation, claimed to be perfectly and absolutely true, is necessarily bound to be defective, if not wholly erroneous, when judged by the impartial and wider view of things. This is the fundamental lesson the doctrine teaches, and as such it may be said to be negative. But does it not give expression, by the term, to a profound truth about our intellectual pursuits? What does the history of philosophy, or of science, or of any other intellectual pursuit of man, for the matter of that, show so unmistakably but this sound truth ? We all move on, inevitably as it seems, altering our old way of thought and creating new ones in their place, giving up some elements of the old and replacing them by others, according to our limited standpoints and utlooks, but still far away from the distant ideal of perfect truth. In speaking of the ideal here, we are lead on to what may be called the positive aspect of the doctrine in question here. Does the doctrine really save anything positive about it? It has, at least by implication. The doc rine of syadvada relates, as it has been pointed out above, primarily to suman ways of knowledge which are, it maintains, necessarily perfect. The truth-value of such knowledge is but partial and relative. The doctrine means, therefore, that to attain perfect

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A Side-view of Syadvada 325 knowledge we have to rise above the ordinary human ways. But can we do so? Jainism claims emphatically, as other systems do, that we can. But that is an ideal which can be realised only when we have been completely rid of the influences, both physical and mental, which colour and cloud our soul. For the soul, according to the Jaina position, is by its essential nature the seat of perfect knowledge. The influences which bind it to narrow and imperfect views of things are foreign to it. In its pure nature, the soul of every living being is a divinity in itself. But this divinity is still inchoate in us because of the influences. It has to be made real by our personal efforts. The perfect knowledge which Jainism places before us as the ideal can arise only when the soul comes to itself by the purging out of the foreign influence. This is the condition called by them "Samyaktva" a condition that has already been attained by their Kevalins-the Tirthankars and the Ganadharas, and it is a condition that lies open to all of us to attain. Jainism thus offers a hopeful ideal to man without any distinctions of race, caste or creed. The catholic nature of its philosophic religion is plain here. The ideal, again, is pre-eminently an intelelctual one, characterised, as it is by them, by perfect knowledge alone. The soul, when it attains its native condition of moksa does not go on existing eternally as an unconscious substance, as the Nyaya-Vaisesika or the Mimamsaka would have it, nor as pure consciousness as the Samkhya or the monistic Vedantin would say, but as enjoying the infinite bliss of perfect knowledge of the entire universe and every part and event of it"STATE" In this respect, therefore, the position of Jainism is also characteristically different from that of the other systems of our land. ' The one consequence of this position is that their metaphysical system is claimed to have originated, not in the ordinary ways of human thought and knowledge, but from one who attained the perfect condition of a Kevalin-characterised by infallible and absolute knowledge of things. No wonder, therefore, that the orthodox of their faith should be so intolerant of other positions claiming to be perfectly true!

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17 The Doctrine of Syadvada : Examination of Different Interpretations ARVIND SHARMA Syadvada is a cardinal Jain' doctrine 'to which the Jains attach so much importance that this name frequently is used as a synonym for the Jair system itself. The doctrine is thus often explained in modern expositions of Jainism or Jain phiiosophy. The purpose of this paper is to critically examine some of these presentations. Il It is perhaps best to begin by making a brief statement of the doctrine 1. Sometimes the form Jaina is also met with (see R.C. Zachner, ed.. The Concise Encyclopedia of Living Faiths (Boston : Beacon Press, 1968). p. 261). 2. Hermann Jacobi Jainism' in James Hastings, ed., Encylopedia of Religion and Ethics VII (New York : Charles Scribner's Sons), p. 468. 3. Mrs Sinclair Stavenson, The history of Jainism (New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharlal, 1970 (first published 1915). p. 92: M. Hiriyanoa, Outlines of Indian Philosophy (London: Georage Allen & Unwin Ltd., 1932), p. 163 f1: S. Dasgupta, A History of Indian Philosophy Vol. I (Cambride University Press, 1957), p. 179 ff: Malinakshi Dutt, Early Monastic Buddhism (Calcutta: Calcutta Oriential Book Agency, 1960). pp. 31-32: P.T. Raju, The P!uilosophical Traditions of India (University of Pittsburg Press, 1971). p. 100: S. Gopalan, Outlines of Jainism (New York : Halsted Press, 1973). p. 151 ff: Wm. Theodore de Bary, ed., Sources of Indian Tradition, Vol. I (Columbia (niversity Press, 1958), pp. 70-71: Kalidas Bhattacharyya, ed., The Cultural llerilu 2 of India, Vol. I (Calcutta : The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture, 1958). pp. 428-429; Chandradhar Shrama. A crtical Survey of Indian Philosophy (London : Rider & Company. 1960) p. 51.

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The Doctrine of Syadvada 327 itself. The doctrine of syadvada represents one aspect of the Jain doctrine of Manysidedness of anekantavada. And Implicit in the epistemological relativity of anekantavada is a recognition that the world is more complex than it seems, that reality is more subtle than we are inclined to believe. Our knowledge is less certain than we think".4 Indeed "The Jains think that reality is so complex in its structure that...its precise nature baffles all attempts to describe it directly and once for all; but it is not impossible to make it known through a series of partially true statements without committing ourselves to any one among them exclusively. Accordingly the Jains enunciate its nature in seven steps, described as the sapta-bhangi or "the seven-fold formula". These steps are : (1) Somehow a thing is. (2) Somehow it is not. (3) Somehow it both is and is not. (4) Somehow it is indescribable. (5) Somehow it is and is indescribable. 6) Somehow it is not and is indescribable. (7) Somehow it is, is not, and is indescribable. Thus 'For example, we may say a jar is somehow, i.e., it exists, if we mean thereby that it exists as a jar; but it does not exist somehow if we mean that it exists as a cloth or the like... Thus we have the correlative predicates ''is'' (asti) and is not" (nasti). A third predicate is 'inexpressible' (avaktavya); for existent and non-existent (sat and asat) belong to the same thing at the same time, and such a co-existence of mutually contradictory attributes cannot be expressed by any word in the language. The three predicates variously combined make up the 7 propositions, or sapta bhangas, of the Syadvada'7 4. Wm. Theodore de Bary, ed., op. cit., p. 72. 5. M. Hiriyanna, op. cit., p. 164. 6. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and C.A. Moore, eds., A Source Book of Indian Philosophy (Princeton University Press, 1960), p. 261. Hermann Jacobi, op. cit., p. 468. The word syat in syadvada needs to be understood carefully. It has the sense of 'somehow' (ibid., p. 468) rather than 'may be' (Wm. Theodore de Bary, ed., op. cit., p. 70; S. Gopalen, op. cit., pp. 251-253). For a modern discussion of this point see Satischandra Chatterjee and Dhirendramohan Datta, An Introduction to Indian Philosophy (University of Calcutta, 1968), pp. 83, 86; for a medieval discussion see Madhavacarya, Sarvadarsanasangraha, Chapter III. It may be added that 'earliest mention of the doctrine of syadvada and saptabhangi probably occurs in Bhadrabahu's commentary (433-357 B.C.) Sutrakitanganiryuki' (S.N. Dasgupta, op. cit., p. 181, fn. 1). For more on its origins see Wolfgang Beurlen, op. cit., p. 164.

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328 Anekantavada and Syadvada It is easy to see that the basic building blocks in this whole structure are the first two, the positive and negative statements. The third and fourth predicates are arrived at by combining the first two first successively and then simultaneously.S and the remaining three are the combinations of the fourth with the first, second and third respectively. It will therefore be often helpful to concentrate on the manner in which the fundamental positive and negative predicates are understood in the modern presentations of this doctrine to examine these presentations critically. III One of the earliest presentations of the doctrine in modern times was made by Dr. R. G. Bhandarkar.10 Mrs Sinclair Stevenson, speaking of Jain anekantavada in general and syadvada in particular, remarks that "the locus classicus of its exposition to which all Jains immediately refer you is in Dr Bhandarkar's Search for Jaina Manuscripts, from which they always quote it in full'. 11 You can', the famour passage runes, 'affirm existence of a thing from one point of view (Syad asti), deny it from another (Syan nasti); and affirm both existence and non-existence with reference to it at different times (Syad asti nasti). If you should think of affirming both existence and non-existence at the same time from the same point of view, you must say that the thing cannot be so spoken (Syad avaktavyah). Similarly under certain circumstances, the affirmation of existence is not possible (Syad asti avaktavyah); of non-existence (Syan nasti avaktavyah); and also of both (Syad asti nasti avaktavyah). What is meant by these seven modes is that a thing should not be considered as existing everywhere, at all times, in all ways, and in the form of everything. It may exist in one place and not in another, and at one time and not at another.'12 The presentation is fair as far as it goes but seems to be flawed in one respect. The last three predicates are stated as: the affirmation of 8. M. Hiryanna, op. cit., p. 165; Satischandra Chatterjee and Dhirendramohan Datta. op. cit., pp. 84-85. 9. Chandradhar Sharma, op. cit., p. 54; also see P.T. Raju, op. cit., p. 100. 10. R.G Bhandarkar, Report on the Search of Sanskrit Manuscripts in the Bombay Presidency during the year 1883-4 (Bombay, 1887); also see Wolfgang Beurlen. tr., Walther Schubring, The Doctrine of the Jainas (Delhi; Motilal Banrasidass, 1978 [first edition 1962]), p. 165, fn. 1. 11. Mrs Sincliar Stevenson, op. cit., p. 92. 12. Ibid.

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The Doctrine of Syadvada 329 existence is not possible... of non-existence...and also both. The expression syad asti avaktavyah has thus been taken to mean : the affirmation of existence is not possible. It has been read as a single syntactical unit. It seems, however, that it should be read with a (mental) comma after asti. It would then translate as: May be is, and is inexpressible13; rather than as 'is inexpressible as is', the w Bhandarkar seems to take it. Dr. S Radhakrishnan outlines this Jain doctrine thus: The view is called Syadvada, since it holds all knowledge to be only probable. Every proposition gives us only a perhaps, or may be a syad. We cannot affirm or deny anything absolutely of any object. There is nothing certain on account of the endless complexity of things. It emphasises the extremely complex nature of reality and its indefiniteness. It does not deny the possibility of predication, though it disallows absolute or categorical predication. The dynamic character of reality can consist only with relative or conditional predication. Every proposition is true, but only under certain conditions, hypothetically. It holds that there are seven different ways of speaking of a thing or its attributes, according to the point of view. There is a point of view from which substance or attribute (1) is, (2) is not, (3) is and is not, (4) is unpredicable. (5) is and is unpredicable, (6) is not and is unpredicable, and (7) is, is not and is unpredicable. (1) Syad asti. From the point of view of its own material, place, time and nature, a thing is, i.e. exists as itself. The jar exists as made of clay, in my room at the present moment, of such and such a shape and size. Syad nasti. From the point of view of the material, place, time and nature of another thing, a thing is not, i.e. it is not no-thing. The jar does not exist as made of metal, at a different place or time or of a different shape and size. 3) Syad asti nasti. From the point of view of the same quaternary, relating to itself and another thing, it may be said that a thing is and is not. In a certain sense the jar exists and in a certain sense it does not. We say here what a thing is as well as what it is not. (4) Syad avaktavya. While in three we make statements that a thing is in its own self and is not, as another successively, it becomes 13. Wm. Theodore de Bary, ed., op. cit., p. 71. In several formulations the particle ca is introduced after syadasti which clarifies the point (see Chandradhar Sharma, op. cit., pp. 53-54: M. Hiriyanna, op. cit., p. 164).

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330 Anekantavada and Syadvada impossible to make these statements at once. In this sense a thing is unpredicable. Though the presence of its own nature and the absence of other-nature are both together in the jar, still we cannot express them. Syad asti avaktavya. From the point of view of its own quaternary and at the same time from the joint quaternary of it-self and no-thing, a thing is and is unpredicable. We note here both the existence of a thing and its indescribability. (6) Syad nasti avaktavya. From the poin of view of the quaternary of the no-thing and at the same time from the joint quaternary of itself and no-thing, a thing is not and is also unpredicable. We note here what a thing is not as well as its indescribability. (7) Syad asti nasti avaktavya. From the point of view of its own quaternary as well as that of no-thing and at the same time from the joint quaternary of itself and no-thing, a thing is, is not and is indescribable. We bring out the inexpressibility of a thing as well as what it is and what it is not.'* The presentation of the doctrine by Radhakrishnan is fair on the whole, especially as he assesses even the views of such 'Hindu' critics of the doctrine as Sankara and Ramanuja from the Jain point of view.is However, it should be noted that the example used hy Radhakrishnan differs slightly from the traditional illustration in which typically an object (say jar) is spoken of as not existing by way of being another object (say cloth). The objects considered are thus generically distinct. In his illustration Radhakrishnan compares two distinct objects belonging to the same class, and describes a jar of clay as not existing as made of metal. Thus it will be noted that whereas in the traditional description two different classes of objects were considered, Radhaktishnan takes two distinct objects belonging to the same class, i.e. a clay-jar and a metal-jar, into account. If one were to move further in this direction then one could compare one clay-jar with another clay-jar and state that a clay-jar exists as a clay-jar but not as another clay-jar. If one were to move still further in this direction then could one state of the same clay-jar that the clay-jar can be seen as existing at this point in time and not at another ? According to Jainism a substance possesses both as essential unchanging character guna and an 14. S. Radhakrishnan, Indian Philosophy, Vol. I (London: George Allen & Unwin Lid., 1923), p. 302. 15. Ibid., p. 304. 16. Satischandra chatterjee and Dhirendramohan Datta, op. cit., pp. 88-89.

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The Doctrine of Syadvada 331 accidental, changing character paryaya or paryaya'.16 Radhakrishnan is aware of this aspect of the situation but occasionally seems to overlook it when he maintains that Syadvada is the 'logical corollary of anekantavada, the doctrine of the manyness of reality. Since reality 'is multiform and ever changing ....!!! it seems that the traditional illustration of svadvada seems to be weighted more towards the multiform nature of reality rather than to the fact that it is ever changing IV The presentation of the doctrine by Nalinaksha Dutt may be examined next. He writes: In Jaina philosophy no definite statement (syadvada) can be made about any object, not even about the highest truth. Every object is subject to three momentary states. viz. origin (uptpada), continuity (sthiti) and decay (vinasa). The object in its state of continuity may be regarded as the substance (dravya) while in the other two states it is subject to changu (parvaya). According to the Jaina teaching an object is permanent from the standpoint of continuity (Sthiti), but it is imperimanent (unitya) from the other two standpoints. Every object has got to be determined from different standpoints, as it has several aspects and so there can be no absolute statement regarding the nature of an object. This is known as the Jaina doctrine of Anekantavada. In order to have a true knowledge of an object, its examination is necessary from various aspects and it is by this means alone that the perfect knowledge can be attained. For the sake of practical application, Anekantavada has been condensed into seven number (saptabhaningi-), i.e., examinition from seven different standpoints, 8.g., a being is (i) permanent; (ii) impermanent; (ii) both permanent and impermenent; (iv) indescribable; (v) permanent and indescribable; (vi) impermanent und indescribable; (vii) both permanent and impermament and also indescribable. 18 This presentation of the Jain doctrine causes several difficulties. Firstly, the Jain statements refer to the existence of a thing, not its permanence. Secondly, not only is no distinction drawn between anekantavada and syadvada", room is left for confusing syadvada 17. S. Radhakrishnan, op. cit., p. 304, emphasis added. Radhakrishnan also seems to translate syat as 'niay be' (op. cit., p. 302). This could be misleading, as will be shown later. 18. Nalinaksha Dutt, op. cit., pp. 31-32. 19. S.N. Dasgupta, op. cit., pp. 175-181.

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332 Anekantavada and Syadvada with nayavada by the use of the expression "standpoints'.20 Finally, in analysing the Jain concept of dravya, sthiti or the permanent element in a substance is associated with the first predicate by Nalinaksha Dutt. But the first predicate does not seem to distinguish between the components-permanent or transitory of a single substance of drayva but rather between subsiances. For example, we may affirm (1) that an object, say a knife, exists as a knife. We may further say (2) that it is not something else, say a fork.21 S. Gopalan formulates the seven propositions of syadvada as follows: (1) May be, Reality is (Syat asti dravyam) (2) May be, Reality is not (Syat nasti dravyum) (3) May be, Reality is and is not (Syat asti co nasti ca druvyam) (4) May be, Reality is indescribable (Syat avaktavym dravyam) (5) May be, Reality is and is indescribable (Syat asti ca avaktavyam dravyan) (6) May be, Reality is not and is indescribable (Syat nasti ca avaktavyam dravyam) (7) May be, Reality is, is not and is indescribable (Syat asti ca nasti ca avaktavyamdravyam).22 This formulation of syadvada presents two problems. The first relates to the translation of syat as may be. Although this is fairly common,23 and 'syat means "may be" "24 yet it is explained by Kathaichit, which in this connection may be translated somehow":23 Without being dogmatic on this point,26 there is room for suggesting that 'somehow may be a better translation as it prevents the Jain doctrine from appearing unduly sceptical. Secondly, the rendering of dravyom as Reality with a capital R generates the impression that Jainism believes in the existence of one Reality. But Jain philosophy is realistic and pluralistic. There is a plurality of objects and jivas (Atmans) and all of them are real, and the objects of our knowledge are also real' They 'are not mere ideas'. 27 20. Ibid., p. 179. 21. A.L. Basham, The Wonder that was India (Fontana, 1975), p. 504. 22. S. Gopalan, op. cit., p. 153. 23. See M Hiriyanna, op. cit p. 164; etc. 24. Hermann Jacobi, op. cit p. 468. 25. Ibid. 26. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan and Charles A Moore, eds., op. cit, p. 261. 27. P.T. Raju, op. cit, pp. 100-101.

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The Doctrine of Syadvada 333 The word syat here qualifies the word asti, and indicates the Indifiniteness of Being (or astityam). For example, we say somehow, i.e. it exists, if we mean therby that it exists as a jar; but it does not exist somehow if we mean that it exists as a cloth or the like. The purpose of these seeming truism is to guard against the assumption of the Vedantins that Being is one without a second, the same in all things.28 In other words, Jainism accepts the reality of plurality, that is, a plurality of realities. Actually S. Gopalan is aware of this. He points out immediately after unfolding the seven propositions that 'any object in the world represents Reality (though in a limited way)' and further that 'the proposition "The pot does not exist' does not signify "The pot does not exist as pot". It means merely that the pot does not signify "The pot does not exist-as pot". It means merely that the pot does not exist as cloth (pata) or as anything else'.29 It is the actual formulation of the seven predications which seems to leave room for misunderstanding. VI Hiralal Jain presents the Jain doctrine of syadvada as follows: Anekantavada or Syadvada ... comes to this that we may make seven assertions, seemingly contradictory but perfectly true, about a thing: It is (syadasti); it is not (syan-nasati); it is and is not (syadasti-nasti); it is indesribable (syadavukta vyam); it is and is indescribable (syadasti ca avaktavyam ca); it is not and is indescribable (syadasti nasti ca avaktavyai ca) and it is, is not and indescribable (syadasti nasti ca avaktavyain ca). A man is the father, and is not the father, and is both are perfectly intelligible statements, if one understands the point of view from which they are made. In relation to a particular boy he is the father; in relation to another boy he is not the father; in relation to both the boys taken together he is the father and is not the father. Since both the ideas cannot be conveyed in words at the same time, he may be called indescribable; still he is the father and is indescribable; and so on ... Thus, the philosophy of Anekanta is neither self-contradictory nor vague or indefinite; on the contrary, it represents a very sensible view of things in a systematized form.30 One obvious difficulty with this presentation is the identification 28. Hermann Jacobi, op. cit, p. 468. 29. S. Gopalan, op. cit, p. 154. 30. Kalidas Bhattacharyya, op. cit, p. 406.

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334 Anekantavada and Syadvada of anekantavada and syadvada. 31 One less obvious difficulty lies with the example. Two point deserve attention in this context. The first is that familial examples seem to be the favoured ones in modern Jain circles. Thus Mrs Sinclair Stevenson, writing about syadvada in 1915 noted: "The example pandits gave the writer to illustrate this important doctrine was that one and the same man is spokeil of as father, uncle, father-in-law, son, son-in-law, brother and grandfather'. 32 The second point is that such example may constitute an extension of the doctrine. The classical illustrations relate to objects such as pot etc. rather than to persons.33 And when the second proposition is asserted regarding an object, say pot, and it is said the pot does not exist then what is meant is that it does not exist as another object say cloth. The jar is but the jar is not cloth. This statement holds for the object but in case of the example of the father the statement will have to be modified thus : A is P's father would be: A is not C's father. So far so good. But let the first two statements about an object be phrased thus : The jar is not itself cloth This statement holds for the object but in case of the example of the father the statement will have to be modified thus : A is B's but is not his own father! Thus the illustration, though apt, causes difficulties. On the other hand it does seem to extend the scope of the operation of the doctrine.94 VII Some scholars make a fairly accurate presentation of the doctrine but 31 Anekantavada embraces both syadvada and nayavada and this presentation of syadvada seems to contain elements of nayavada. 32. Mrs Sinclair Stevenson, op. cit, p. 92. Examples, howerer, are not restricted to family relationships, U.D. Baroda, for example, provides the following illustration (Ibid.): Let us suppose that an agnostic denies the existence of soul in all ways. To him the Jaina Syadvada would answer that as soul is a substance, it exists. Soul exists in itself and its modifications, but it does not exist in other substances such as matter (pudgala), & c., and also other substances do not exist in soul. So, from this point of view, soul does not exist. But soul sometimes exists, and also does not exist at different times. But the soul cannot be spoken of, if we think of affirming its existence and non-existence, at the same time and from the same point of view. Similarly, under certain conditions, viz. when the state of existence (i.e. astitva) itself cannot be spoken of, i.e. exists and exists and does not exist cannot be spoken of at the same time, we are unable to affirm that existence is possible, that non-existence is possible, and that both existence and non-existence are possible. Thus Syadvada teaches the fundamental theory that everything in the universe is related to every other thing. 33. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and C.A. Moore, eds., op. cit., pp. 260-268. 34. For ihe use of the father-son relationship in Buddhist logic see Edward S. Thomas, The History of Buddhist Thought (New York: Barnes & Noble, Inc., 1971), p. 220.

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The Doctrine of Syadvada 335 the examples they cite to illustrate the doctrine seem to be potentially misleading. Thus A.L. Basham writes: (1) We may truthfully affirm a given proposition (syadasti). Thus when in winter I come home after a walk in the open air, I may say that my room is warm. (2) But from another point of view it is possible to negate the same proposition (syannasti). Thus someone who has been sitting in the same room for some time may say with equal truth that it is not warm. (3) Hence it is possible to predicate the truth of a proposition and its negation at one and the same time (syadastinasti). The room is both warm and not-warm. (4) But the true character of the room, which we have seen is from different points of view warm, not-warm, and warm-and-not-warm, may be said to be indecribable (syadavaktavya). Its true character, sub specie aeternitatis, eludes us.35 In this example heat and cold have been simultaneously predicated for the same room. But Mallisena, while commenting on Hemacandra, and discriminating syadvada from contradiction states "Where two things are mutually exclusive, such as cold and heat, there is contradiction which is defined as the impossibility of their existing together 30, so that the example of heat and cold becomes somewhat suspect. Moreover, the experience of heat and cold is related to the subjective experience of the person in the example and this too makes 35. Wm. Theodore de Bary, ed., op. cit., pp. 70-71. 36. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan and Charles A. Moore, eds., op. cit., p 266. The entire passage runs as follows: This is the meaning : Where two things are mutually exclusive, such as cold and heat, there is contradiction which is defined as the impossibility of their existing together. But such is not the case here, because existence and non-existence occur by reason of the non-universal nature of both. For in a pot, existence does not exclude non-existence, because (if it did existence even in other forms would result. And so there would be no status as objects of other objects except that (the pot], because of the accomplishment by it alone of (all) actions to be effected by (all) the objects in the three worlds. And non-existence does not exclude existence, because lif it did] non-existence (of an entity) even in its own form would follow. And so, universal enptiness would follow because of absence of matter. There would be a contradiction in case existence and non-existence were referred to the same aspect. But that is not so here, because in whatever part existence is, non-existence also is not in that part. However, existence belongs to one aspect, and noll-existence belongs to another aspect. For existence of an entity) is in regard to its own form and non-existence in regard to another form.

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336 Anekantavada and Syadvada the example suspect as according to Jain philosophy 'Our judgments about things are relative--but relative to or dependent upon not simply the mood of the judging mind but upon the relational characters of the many-sided reality itself",37 It seems that syadvada is to be associated with the pluraiity of objective reality rather than the whimsicality of subjective notions. VIII It could perhaps be plausibly suggested that such examples represent (legitimate) extensions of the doctrine. The same could perhaps be said of P.T. Raju's remark, made while discussing the doctrine of seven-fold predication ... called syadvada'. The Jainas would say that from the point of view of microscopic perception, germs exist; and that they do not exist from the point of view of ordinary perception." It needs to be borne in mind, however, that in its classical formulation non-existence is not related to the non-existence of the itself but its non-existence as another object. That is to say, a jar is not said to non-exist as a jar, but as a piece of cloth. Modern illustrations sometimes tend to exemplify syadvada in such a way that the case of predications of the non-existence of the object includes the possibility of it not exising by itself in some sense and not necessarily in the sense that it does not exist as another object. The concept of non-existence has been taken in the sense of possibility of the co-existence of different aspects in the same object, such as could lead one to assert the existence of the opposite of the first predicate. Thus A may exist as a father but he can also exist as someone's son so that it can be said of him: (a) He is a father; (b) He is not a father; and so on. However, on the strict application of syadvada one would have to say (a) He is his child's father; ( not the father of someone else's child. Similarly, another modern tendency is to illustrate syadvada b indicating the possibility of change through time. On the strict application of the doctrine, one should speak of things as they are at a point in time; the classical formulation seems to be static rather then dynamic. Here again the same development occurs which was noted earlier-non-existence is predicated about the object itself and not in relation to its non-existence as another object at a point in time. Here 37. Satischandra Chatterjee and Dhirendramohan Datta, op. cit., p. 86. 38. P.T. Raju, op. cit., p. 100.

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The Doctrine of Syadvada 337 the object is seen as possessing subsequent other existence rather than non-existence, if earlier it was seen as possessing co-existence rather than non-existence. Thus M. Hiriyanna remarks: If we consider for example an object A, we may say that it is, but it is only in a sense, viz, as A and not also as B. Owing to the indefinite nature of reality, what is now or here A, may become B sometime hence or elsewhere.39 This statement seems to be somewhat questionable. Syadvada does not seem to be based as much on the possibility that clay may become cloth as on the fact that clay is not cloth. IX It appears then that the following statement of the doctrine represents the correct traditional understanding of syadvada, in modern terms : The logical doctrine of Jaina philosophy forms the most important aspect of that school. The fundamental principle of this logical doctrine implies the possibility of a positive and negative predication about the same thing. This doctrine is generally referred to as asti-nasti, is and is not. According to Jaina logic, affirmative predication about a thing depends upon four conditions-sva-dravya, svaksetra, svakala, and svabhava, i.e. its own substance, its own locality, its own time or duration, and its own nature or modification. Correspondingly, the negative predication about the same thing is conditioned by the four things of an opposite nature-paradravya, paraksetra, parakala, and parabhava, i.e, other substarce, other locality, other time, and other nature. This ornament is made of gold, and it is not made of any other metal-are two obvious predications about the same gold ornament, the affirmation (asti) from the point of view of itself (svadravya) and the negation (nasti) from the point of view of other substance (paradravya). Similarly, it may be said, Socrates was born in Athens, and he was not born in Rome-affirmative predication from svaksetra and negative predication from paraksetra point of view, both referring to the same individual. Likewise, we may affirm the historical period of an individual when we refer to his proper time in history (svakala), and deny his relationship to any other period of time (parakala). Tennyson lived in the Victorian age and he did not live in the Elizabethan period. In the same way, the last condition, bhava or mode may be explianed. Charles I died on the scaffold, and he did not die in his bed. ... i 39. M. Hiriyanna, op. cit., p. 164.

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338 Anekantavada and Syadvada .....Based upon this principle is the doctrine of saptabhangi, the seven modes of predication. In order to speak of some-thing in relation to its own substance or locality, time or mode, negation or nasti is to be used. If both the aspects are to be spoken of, then both asti and nasti are to be used, but one after another. Again, if both the aspects, affirmative and negative, in the same predication, are to be expressed, it becomes inexpressible by language--it is avaktavya. These are the four initial modes of predication in the group of saptabhangi. By attaching the fourth term 'avaktavya' to each of the first three, we arrive at the seven modes of predication : asti, nasti, asti-nasti, avaktavya, asti-avaktavya, nasti-avaktavya, and asti-nasti-avaktavya. These are the only seven possible modes of predication that we can have.40 40. Kalidas Bhattacharyya, ed., op. cit., pp. 428-429. For a more austere statement of the doctrine in classical terms see Wolfgang Beurlen, tr., op. cit., pp164-165 : The sapta-bhangi says that an object (a ghata, of course) seen from a chosen standpoint (syat) can be signified (1) as existent, (2) as non-existent and (3) as both existent and non-existent (the former seen under its own aspect and the latter under alien ones). The three corresponding formulae are : syaa asty eva, syan nasty eva, syad asti nasti ca. The two statements of (3), however, can be made by letting the one follow the other, whereas they cannot possibly be made simultaneously. Under this aspect the object (ghata) (4) defies description : syadavaktavva eva. The remaining three sentences are identical with the first three by adding avaktavya. This means to say in sentence (5) that a thing exists but that, apart from this positive quality with reference to another thing. It has a negative quality as well, and that it is impossible to express both qualities simultaneously : Syad asti cavaktavvas ca. Sentence (6): syan nasti cavaktavyacas is just the reverse on the basis of non-existence. Sentence (7), finally, ca expresses that an object as in (3) can be taken either as positive or negative, though not simultaneously but only successively : svad asti nasti cavaktavyas ca. The wording rendered follows Vimaladasa's Saptabhangitarangini (p.2); except for some slight difference it represents the backbone of the Syadvada literature'.

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* Introduction Syadvada, the doctrine of the relativism of judgments states that all actual and possible assertions in regard to an object are relative and therefore conditionally true or false. An individual's judgement about a thing or event need not only be valid for anyone other than the subject himself, but is also conditioned by its relationship to a point of space and time, and by its mode and substance. Pramana or complete judgement describes the object in the phenomenal world with all its possibilities which are stated by the Jainas1 and 2 as follows: (i) May by, it is (Syadasti); (ii) may be, it is not (Syan-nasti); (iii) may be, it is and it is not at different times (Syad-asti-nasti); (iv) may be, it is and it is not at the same time which means that it is indescribable (Syad-avaktavya); (v) may be, it is and yet indescribable (Syad-asti avaktavya); (vi) may be, it is not and also indescribable (Syan-nasti avaktavay); (vii) may be, it is and it is not also indescribable (Syad-asti-nasti avaktavya). 1. 18 Syadvada Theory of Jainism in Terms of a Deviant Logic* 2. FILITA BHARUCH AND R.V. KAMAT Indian Philosophical Quarterly, Vol. XI, No. 2, April 1984. S. Radhakrishnan : Indian Philosophy, Vol. I, pp. 298-308 (George Allen and Unwin Ltd., London, 1977). S.L. Pandey Whither Indian Philosophy, pp. 49-61, (Darshana Peeth, Allahabad, 1978).

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340 Anekantavada and Syadvada The above seven possibilities comprise the theory of Syadvada (Saptabhngi naya) and describe an object X of the phenomenal world subject to the factors of space, time, mode and substance from seven standpoints. However, the above seven predications must be consistent with the facts of objective reality and be based on the principles of affirmation and negation. We note that an object is conditioned by the factors of space, time, mode and substance, hence the affirmation and the negation of proposition regarding it are to be assigned suitable truth-values. Also, since the third, fifth, sixth and seventh, predications involve the concept of simultaneity and nonsimultaneitys (which ccounts for the object being conditioned by time), we have changed the meanings of the connectives 'and' and 'or'. As a matter of fact, we have introducted two varieties of 'and'; one symbolised by ' (simultaneous conjuction), the other 'and' is symbolised by v (non-simultaneous conjuction). As for the connective 'or' symbolised by 'V' we shall use the meaning assigned to it by Reichenbacho in his 3-valued logic introduced by him to describe various anomalies in quantum mechanics. Logical Analysis of Saptabhangi-naya Mallisenas distinguishes a pramana from a durnaya and a naya. According to him, a pramana is always true and for which we assign the truth-value T, but a durnaya is always false for which we assign the truth-value F. The truth value of a naya (incomplete judgement) is different from the truth-value T or the truth-value F hence it is intermediate between these two truth-values. This gives rise to a third intermediate truth value I. According to Vadi Devasuri's Pramana-naya-Tattvalokalankara, (3 loc cit.) the above seven predications can be interpreted as follows: The first predication consists of an affirmative statement. This may mean that an object exists in some respects. The expression 'in some respect' is to be taken in the context of various factors like space, time, substance and mode. For instance, the substance of an object X ald be related to the material of which it is made. The space relates 3. Vadi Devasuri : Pramana-Naya-Tattvalokalamkara (English translation and commentary by Dr. H.S. Bhattacharya) (Jain Sahitya Vikas Mandal, Bombay). 4. H. Reichenbach : Philosophical Foundations of Quantum Mechanics (University of California Press, Berkeley and Los Angels, 1948). 5. Mallisena : Syadvada Manjari verse no. 28.

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Syadvada Theory of Jainism in Terms of a Deviant Logic 341 to the spatial location of X. The time of existence of X is the present time at which it exists. The mode of X describes its configuration. Let us represent, the first affirmative predication by a proposition P which takes a truth-value T. The second predication consists of a negative statement that 'in some respect' an object X is non-existent. Here the word 'may be' (syad) or 'in some respects' is crucial in respect of assigning the truth-value to this predication. To elucidate that the object X may not exist with reference to either space, time, substance or mode we note that on account of restraint 'in some respects' we shall consider the connective of negation (b) as a complete negation and not as a dimetrical' negation in the sense of Reichenbach. Let us represent the second predication by the proposition which takes the truth-value I, as shown by the following truth-table : (Reichenbach 4 loc. cit.) Truth-Table No. 1 The third predication consists of affirmative and negative statements conjunctively made one after another. Since the affirmative proposition P and negative proposition P are taken conjunctively one after another we assign the truth-value T to the non-simultaneous conjunction of the affirmative proposition P and the negative proposition P. We denote this non-simultaneous conjunction of P and P by the notation (Po P). The fourth predication consists of affirmative and negative statements made simultaneously. Since an object X is incapable of being expressed in terms of existence and non-existence at the same time, even allowing Syad, it is termed 'indescribable'. Hence we assign to the fourth predication which is the simultaneous conjunction of the affirmative proposition P and the negative proposition | P, the indeterminate truth-value I and denote the statement corresponding to 6. R. Sinari : "A pragmatic Critique of Jaina Relativism", Philosophy East and West, Vol. 19, No. 1, Jan. 1969.

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342 Anekantavada and Syadvada the fourth predication as (PA TP. The fifth predication consists in an affirmative statement conjoined with an indescribable statement at the same time. We denote this fifth predication by PA (PAP). Reffering to the column for simultaneous conjunction in the truth-table that follows: Truth-Table No. 2 AB AAB AVB TT TT T. T IT IT T E t t t II I IT I I I I I I F F F I F t t t t I F T F F I FF FF F F F We see that since P takes the truth-value T by the first predication and (PAP) is assigned the truth-value I by the fourth predication, the proposition PA (PAP) takes the truth-value I. The sixth predication consists of a negative statement conjoined with an indescribable statement at the same time. We denote this sixth predication by (TP) A (PAP). Refering to the column for the simultaneous conjunction () in the table given above, we see that since (P takes the truth-value I by the predication and (PAP) is assigned the truth-value I by the fourth predication we see that the proposition P^(PAP) takes the truth-value I. The seventh or the last predication consists of an affirmative and negative statements made non-simultaneously conjoined simultaneously with affirmative and the negative statement conjoined simultaneously. This statement is denoted by (Po 1 P) A(PAP). Refering to the columns for the connectives for simultaneous

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Syadvada Theory of Jainism in Terms of a Deviant Logic 343 conjunction and for non-simultaneous conjunction in the truth-table No. 2 and noting that P takes the truth-value T by the first predication and P takes the truth-value I by the second predication. We see that (Po 1P) takes the truth-value T (third predication) and (PAP) takes the truth-value I (fourth predication). The seventh predication thus takes the truth-value I according to the same truth-table. Hence, we see that the pramana saptabhangi of the Jainas is a table of seven statements which are derived from a true statement by the operations of negation, non-simultaneous and simultaneous conjunctions that are denoted by l, , A respectively. Let us consider P as a true statement then the pramana-saptabhangi can be represented as follows: (1) P(assertion of P) (2) Not P ('complete negation of P) denoted by P. (3) P and non-simultaneously not P (non-simultaneous conjunction of P and P) denoted by P P. (4) P and simultaneously not P (simultaneous conjunction of P and |P) denoted by (P^ 1P). P and simultaneously (P and simultaneously not P) denoted by PA (PAP). Not P and simultaneously (P and simultaneously not P) denoted by PA (PAP). (P and non-simultaneously not P) and simultaneously (P and simultaneously not P) denoted by (Po P) ^ (PAP). Pictorially we can depict the pramana-saptabhangi as follows with the truth-values to the right: -P -TP --deg 1P -PAIP OBJECT -PA (PAP) -]P^(PAP) ----(Po 1P) ^ (PAP) EEEE EE X An object X can be viewed from any one of these seven standpoints. However, since the totality of all these seven possibilities comprises the pramana-saptabhangi (Complete judgement of the phenomenal world in terms of seven possibilities), the disjunction,

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344 Anekantavada and Syadvada denoted by V, of these seven predication should lead to a tautology. We can represent this disjunction as follows : (PV]P) v (po 7P) V (P A 7P) V [PA (PAP)] V[(7P) ^ (PAP)] V [(Po P) A (PAP)] As we have noted earlier, the seven predications, conjoined by the disjunction above, take the truth-value T, I, T, I, I, I respectively. Referring to the column for the disjunction in the truth-value No. 2 and noting that the disjunction is associative as can be easily checked using the same truth-table, we see that the disjunction of all these seven predications is indeed a tautology taking the truth-value T. Conclusion Accordingly the seven-fold argument of Syadvada theory of Jainism which is supposed to exhaust all the possibilities of describing the objective reality and lead to a complete description (pramana) of the phenomenal world in terms of an always true statement can be represented as a tautology with respect to our deviant logic. The Jainas were not unaware of the fact that the relativism they were propounding suggests a verdict of disfavour of all knowledge obtained and obtainable by us in the phenomenal world. For a world which is divisible into an ever inexhaustible number of points of view and whose entirety we never comprehend is just inaccessible to empirical sensibilities or rational statements. Does this suggest that we require an infinite-valued deviant logic to represent the Jaina epistemology or perhaps it is beyond the scope of logic ?

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19 Jainas' Syadvada and Bradley's view of Judgment* BRIJ KISHORE PRASAD It seems somewhat paradoxical to find in Jainas' theory of judgment very much the same epistemological standpoint concerning the of objects as in that of Bradley, for, as regards their metaphysical and ontological views are concerned, both stand poles apart. The Jainas are realist and relativistic pluralist believing, on the one hand, not only in the reality of objects seen and perceived independent of any conscious effort, but at the same time believing in the real existence of many objects. Bradley, on the other hand, is an idealist of a very rigorous type who, contrary to what Hegel and other traditional idealists have been doing, would not tolerate even the identification of objects in the phenomeral world with inought, but would believe in merging all aspects of the universe into one infinite and homogeneous whole of experience or the sentience. However, the views of Jainas and Bradley concerning judgment or any proposition expressing truth and falsehood with respect to some phenomenal reality are very much identical. Let us first refer to Jainas' view of Anekantavada according to which there are not only innumerable types of realities both material and spiritual, but their character too is such that no categorical statement regarding their appropriate nature can he considered true and proper. Since every aspect of the universe possesses infinite number of both positive and negative character, it is utterly impossible to say anything regarding its nature which would be true unconditionally. I simple reason for holding such a view is that human knowledge is so * Indian Philosophy and Culture, 17/1, 1972.

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346 Anekantavada and Syadvada limited and conditional that to transcend the region of what appears to the sense would be beyond human resources unless one is omniscient (Kevali) being. Thus very like the Einsteinian view of truth, things and objects in the universe are true relatively, i.e. relative to the particular space and tiine. Thus speaking of a gold jug, we may say that it is atomic in the sense that it is a composite of earth atoms and not atomic in the sense that it is not a composite of water-atoms. Again it is a composite of earth-atoms only in the sense that gold is a metallic modification of earth, and not any other modification of earth as clay or stone''. 1 Evidently it is only in relation to different standpoints that things and objects, though possessed of infinite determinations (anantadharmatamakam Vastu), can be said to have a particular quality or character. This view which believes in the reality of such a characte: is technically known as naya and is considered to be most catholic in view of the fact that it does nct disregard or reject the views of other thinkers like the Buddhists or the Advaita-Vedantins, who would lay stress either on the impcrmanent and transitory character of being or on its unchangeable and permanent character. In this sense the Jainas' view of naya is an attempt to reconcile the conflicting claims of the epistemological thinkers giving a death blow to iheir dogmatic approach towards things and their nature that what they think or hold is alone true and real. Thus the nature of being (Sat) then is neither the absolutely unchangeable, nor the momentary changing qualities or existences, but involves them both. This being the case whatever assertion is made with respect to a thing can be true and real relative to a particular universe of discourse or such other factors as space, time or quality and each assertion should, therefore, be understood only in reference thereto. In short, all affirmations made from whatever standpoint (naya) cannot be regarded as absolute and can be true in some (Syadasti) or 'may be it is' sense. Bradley, on the other hand, considers judgment as a means where with the aid of ideas we express the truth or falsehood in relation to certain fact. These ideas, contrary to what the empiricist thinkers consider, are the expressions of certain meaning which we derive only by the analysis of the judgment itself and in this sense, therefore, they are the results of the adjectives made loose from 1. Dasgupta, S. N.-A History of Indian Phylosophy, Vol. I, Cambridge, 1963, pp. 175-176. 2. Ibid, p. 175.

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Jainas' Syadvada and Bradley's view of Judgment 347 their substantive. Thus 'when we talk of an idea which is the same amid change, we do not speak of that psychical event which the mind has fixed, and which is not in any sense an event in time. We are talking of the meaning, not the series of symbols'.3 And it is because of this emphasis on meaning that no judgment in Bradleian sense is just what it stands for and instead of being unique and particular, it transcends the given and it may mean other than what we aim at. This is why Bradley has been very much particular about this peculiar nature of judgment when he says: 'Judgment proper is the act which refers an ideal content......to a reality beyond the act'.4 Every judgment attempts to qualify the real as it appears in perception and in this respect there is always a reference of some ideal content to a reality. Our act of judgment 'attaches the floating adjective to the nature of the world'. But such an act hardly makes the judgment as something unique and particular in the sense that inspite of all its actuality and uniqueness the judgment ceases to qualify the real in the true sense with the result that the judgment can never be particular. For the essence of reality or fact is to be 'substantial and individual' and this 'not given directly in any truth whatsoever. It can never be stated categorically'.5 For instance, to say that 'Caesar is sick' is not to say that Caesar is nothing other than sick, for he is a common bond of many attributes, and is therefore universal'.6 Thus though it seems that the contents in many cases remain 'fixed and defined by a complex of relations which the judgments imply' and hence everything present or termed as this', 'now' or 'here' signifying something 'unique and self-contained' affirms 'absolute, final and unalterable truths', yet no view regarding the matter of facts can be held to be absolute. As Bradley argues : 'You cannot at once translate feeling into judgment and leave feeling untransformed; and what is lost in the translation is the positive uniqueness which you demand....And since your truth fails and must fail to contain the positive meaning, your truth is defective and is self-condemned. 98 The reason for such a view is not sufficient to give to our 3. Bradley, F.H.-The Principles of Logic, Vol. I, Oxford 1967, p. 6. 4. Ibid, p. 10. 5. Ibid, p. 46. 6. Ibid, p. 191.. 7. Joachim-The Nature of Truth, Oxford 1937, p. 105.

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348 Anekantavada and Syadvada event an exclusive place in its series. For it may seem that a fact or an event has a unique place within a single unique order or that it has a particular character or quality, yet that fact can never be so considered and its 'nature becomes general and ceases forthwith to be what we mean by particular'' Joachim too confirms this view when he says : "No judgment is ever entirely severed from a larger background of meaning, though the background may be relatively obscure' 10 In this respect Bradley considers the absolute view of "perfect truth and sheer error' as arising out of the wrong conception of the nature of things that 'separate facts and truths are self-contained and possess independent reality'.11 And even if we refer to the "mathematical truths' or 'universal judzinents of science, similar difficulty is experienced, though they seem to express 'necessary connection of content'. For instance, when it is asserted that 2+2=4, it ant that the addition of such units as two and two must necessarily be four; and similarly 'Hydrogen is lighter than air' seems to give an absolute meaning regarding the truth of this fact. It is true, Bradley suggests, that "mathematical Truths' as well as truths concerning the universal judgments of science' are based upon in conditions and under those conditions the results which follow acquire meaning suggestive of pure truth and utter falsehood. But when we have passed beyond the world of "special science' and have referred our judgment to things beyond what is there, which influence the function of life and finally limit our vision that we are ultimately compelled to reject the absolute view regarding truth. For, in scientific thinking, what is needed is the elimination of all irrelevant matters from the contents of judgments to make them thoroughly complete and consistent so as to give a meaning which may be wholly true. But this way of judging is based entirely on the abstraction of fact and event from all else, and this necessitates our thinking to remain confined to simple entities presented to us without any consideration of the context. But "such a background is focussed and concentrated, more or less, in every judgment which one makes, or again in every judgment which one accepts from another person". 12 In this respect, the meaning of any judgment is dependent 8. Bradley, F.H.--Essays on Truth & Reality, Oxford 1962, p. 262. 9. Ibid, p. 261 10. The Nature of Truth Oxford, 1939, p. 113. 11. Blansdshard, B.-The Nature of Thought, Vol. II, Allen & Unwin, 1964 p. 319.

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Jainas' Syadvada and Bradley's view of Judgment 349 upon our concrete thinking, which is possible not by abstractions of entities out of the whole, but by viewing them in their context or the conditons under which they occur. And it is mainly because of the lack of vision or awareness of the situation, which is vaguely involved in every act of judgment that Bradley conceives all judgments as relative and conditional. Thus very like Jainas' doctrine of syadvada every assertion can be true only relatively or conditional to certain space and time which factors are always implied with the result that 'all judgments will rest on supposal. It is all hypothetical, itself will confess that what directly it deals with, is unreal'. 13 Thus an affirmative judgment, 'the jug is' may mean in Jainas' sense an affirmation of being (syadasti), and it may also mean the negation of being (syannasti), as they argue : "That 'the jug is' means "this jug is here' which naturally indicates that 'this jug is not there and thus the judgment 'the jug is' (i.e. is here) also means that 'the jug is not there'......and this justifies us in saying 'may be that in some sense the jug is', and 'may be in some sense that the jug is not .........Thus all affirmations are true, are not true, are both true and untrue, and thus unspeakable, inconceivable, and indefinite.":14 In this context it would not be out of place to mention that Russell too seems to support the view held by the Jainas. For while believing in the existence of objects in the physical world, Russel does not accept the identification of an object with the sensation of it in view of the fact that between an object and the sensation we have an enormous factors like light-waves or ether-waves besides the effect of the change in space and time all of which go to falsify our judgment regarding the nature of things seen and perceived. The result has been that different people see the same object as of different shapes or colours according to their point of view. Thus circular coin, for example, though we should always judge it to be circular will look oval unless we are straight in front of it,1s and this makes a difference between what is appearance and that which is real. If such be the case that there would always be a difference between an object in the physical space and our knowledge of the same, it would rather be inappropriate to hold that any view regarding the nature of an object would be true absolutely. 12. Op. cit. p. 92. 13. Bradley, F.H.-- The Principles of Logic, Vol. I, Oxford 1967, p. 47. 14. Dasgupta, S.N.-A History of Indian Philosophy, Vol. I, Cambridge 1963, p. 180. 15. Russel, B.--The Problems of Philosophy, Oxford 1959, p. 29.

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350 Anekantavada and Syadvada In view of the above discussion it would be clear that the Jainas were not blind in holding such a view regarding the nature of objects in the physical space on grounds of commonsense realism, but that they had vision of things and what they believed was based on a most scientific and cogent basis. For, who could deny that 'affirmations or judgments according to any naya or standpoint cannot therefore be absolute' considering the fact that 'even contrary affirmations of the very selfsame things may be held to be true from other points of views'. Speaking from a practical point of view, since both according to Jainas and Bradley most contrary characteristics of infinite variety may be associated with a thing, affirmation made with respect to it from whatever standpoint can never be absolute. "Thus in the positive relation riches cannot be affirmed of poverty but in the negative relation such an affirmation is possible as when we say 'the poor man has no riches'..... Thus in some relation or other anything may be affirmed of any other thing, and in other relations the very same thing cannot be affirmed of it'. (Op. cit. p. 176) This gives a clue to the real ich the act of our judgment fails to qualify in the right and proper sense so as to give a meaning which may become categorical, positive or absolute without exception.

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20 Syadvada and the Modern Scientific Theory of Relativity* SHANTI PRAKASH ATREYA* In India the knowledge of philosophy and science, even in the most ancient times, was on such heights that it has not been attained by the modern science even today, inspite of its great advancement and achievements in the field of knowledge. Indian seers beautifully tackled and solved nearly all the problems of life of the individual and society. It is really very surprising and painful that Indian scholars and scientists never tried to enter into the vast treasure of ancient Indian knowledge. Now time has come to look into our vast field of ancient knowledge. It becomes our sacred duty to study our ancient literature. Let us take Syadvada, the Jaina theory of Relativity, the neucleus of Jaina philosophy which has not lost its importance even today. It is a living theory of philosophical world from most ancient times and as such, it is continuing even now in its fullest brightness. Prof. Albert Einstein's "Theory of Relativity" is a great contribution to the modern scientific world, which got a universal acceptance in the field of science. Now let us take comparative study of ancient Jain Syadvada and modern theory of Relativity. Vedic Path, Vol. 33, 1981 Syadvada and the theory of Relativity both are taken to be synonymous, though both the theories originated from two different places. The theory of Syadvada includes the theory of Relativity and is wider than it in all respects. No doubt Einsteins's theory of Relativity is a great revolution in the field of Mathematics and science. It has

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352 Anekantavada and Syadvada changed its concepts but it has not yet reached its maturity. Even now it is in its undeveloped stage of thought. Researches and studies on the theory of Relativity are going on and it is growing slowly. This theory of Relativity is taught to the students of Mathematics in M.A. classes. Syadvada the Jaina theory of Relativity is perfect in itself. It is much wider and comprehensive than the Einstein's theory of Relativity. Both these theories are complex and therefore misunderstood even by the great scholars. They are not so simple as seen ordinarily. Syadvada is composed of two words "Syat" and Vada. Here the word "Syat'' means 'kathanchit i.e., from a certain point of view or from a certain angle of vision and word 'Vada' denotes the system of thought. We may call it as * Apekshavada' or Sapekshavada". Thus it is the Jain theory of Relativity. According to Jain Philosophy every thing has many pairs of opposites. Every thing is of many pairs of opposite qualities just like existeni and non-existent; one and many, eternal and non-eternal etc. In the absence of these opposite qualities things also cannot exist. Every thing has got its own form, place, time and nature which are different from the form, place, time and nature of others. In respect to his own form, place, time and nature one thing is existent and in respect to other's form, place, time and nature the same thing is non-existent. Thus from the one point of view a thing is existent and from the other point of view the same thing is non-existent. The same thing is existent and non-existent both. As for example, pot is non-existent from the poini of view of cloth and it is existent from the point of view of pot. Now it is clear that every thing is full of various contradictory qualities existing in various relative conditions. There are innumerable contradictory relations of thing at one and the same time. One thing is big and small, one and many, eternal and non-eternal etc., at one and the same time. Every thing has got its existence, beginning, and end all the three aspects.? Existence of a thing presupposes beginning and end both. There can be no existence without the beginning and end. The beginning and end can never be without existence. Each one is essential for the existence of the other two. All the three aspects go together for the concept of a thing. In essence everything is eternal and in respect to its modes everything comes into existence and again reaches it destruction. We may put it that a thing is 1. Sadeva........vyavatisthate, Aptamimamsa. 2. Utpadavyaya dhrauvyayuktam sat. A.T.S. 29.

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Syadvada and the Modern Scientific Theory of Relativity 353 indestructible and permanent in respect to its root, substance and its root nature, but it is destructible with respect to its capacity of modification or change every moment. There can be no destruction without its existence and beginning. Without existence and destruction there can be no beginning. Jain neither accepts momentarism nor eternalism only. Let us take an example of golden ring. When we destroy the golden ring and change it into necklace then there is an end or destruction of the golden ring and beginning or birth of a neclace but as gold it is eternal or has got permanent existence. In the same way every thing is one and many at one and the same time. Pot in respect to pot is one but in respect to its atom it is many. Thus we must note that there is nothing wrong in having these opposite qualities in a thing all at one and the same time. But there is wrong in not having them all at one and the same time. Opposition is seen due to ignorance of the real knowledge of the nature of things. One and the same person is husband and not husband, father and son both at the same time. The same man is not father and husband only but he may be at one and same time uncle, nephew, son, friend, enemy, secretary, president etc., also, there is nothing wrong in it. He is father of his son and son of his father, uncle of nephew and nephew of his uncle and so on. He is husband of his own wife, not of all the ladies of the world. He is father of his own son and not the father of the whole of the world and so on. Thus there is no absolute truth. Every statement is relative. We see contradictions only due to our ignorance like the concepts of blind men about the elephant. All our conflicts are due to our limited knowledge. All the things of the world are related to one another without any exception. By saying Indian we have the concept of non-Indian, by the concept of man we at once have the concept of non-human. Thus by the knowledge of one we get the relative knowlege of all the other remaining things. Due to this relativeness in mind Mahavir said that who knows one object with all its qualities and attributes, he knows all the things and who knows all the things with all their qualities he knows one. By all this is becomes clear that every thing is having infinite number of attributes and has got infinite number of relations with all other things. Only Kevali the Universal observer can have direct knowledge of a thing with all its qualities and relations. We ordinary persons can know every thing in relation to time, space and our own angle of vision only. At one time we can know onlyone quality. Taking

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354 Anekantavada and Syadvada into account this, Jain thinkers have dealt with seven aspects of a thing in which all the infinite number of aspects are included. According to Jain philosophy out of these infinite number of aspects of a thing the knowledge of one aspect is called Naya. In this way there are infinite number of Nayas which are included under Dravyarthik Naya and Paryayarthika Naya (Absolute point of view and Empirical point of view). From the Absolute point of view also a thing can be seen from three different aspects and Jain thinkers named them as (1) Naigam Naya (2) Sangrah Naya (3) Vyavahara Naya. The point of view of the general and the individual both at the same time is dealt with in Naigam Naya, the general point of view is dealt with in Sangrah Naya and the individual point of view is dealt with in Vyavahar Naya. In the same way Paryayarthik Naya is also divided into four Nayas according to the four points of views. The first Rjusutra Naya denotes the point of view of momentary present attributes, the second Sabda Naya denotes word and its meaning, the third Samabhirudha Naya denotes the meaning according to the root of the word and fourth Evambhuta Naya denotes the action according to the meaning of the root word. All the infinite number of Nayas come under these above-mentioned seven Nayas:-really a thing is different according to different place, different time, different situations and different individual's mental conditions. This Jain theory of Relativity is really a very grand and noble one by understanding which dogmatism, wrong concepts, conflicts, senseless prejudices, selfishness, partialities and one-sidedness vanishes by itself. By understanding the concept of relative truths there remains no misunderstanding in any way. Syadvada can be explained to an ordinary person in a very simple manner. A Jaina thinker in explaining Syadvada raised his little finger and the next one and asked which is bigger. The ring finger is bigger no doubt, was the answer. He then raised only the ring and the middle finger and then asked which is smaller, the answer was the ring finger. He then said it is Syadvada. The same finger is bigger and smaller both. Thus there is nothing absolutely bigger or smaller. Every thing is relatively smaller or bigger. This is the Jaina theory of relativity. It is not so easy as you see by this example. This Jaina theory of Syadvada is so difficult that it is beyond the reach of even many great scholars. Einstein's theory of Relativity is also so difficult that it is not

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Syadvada and the Modern Scientific Theory of Relativity 355 clear even to the great scientists. Its complexity is clear by the example given in the book Cosmology old and New. "If two people meet twice they must have lived the same time between the two meetings. This is true from one point of view and not from another. It all depends whether both of them have been staying at home or one has travelled to a distant part of the Universe and then came back in the interim."'3 If a man standing on the sea shore no doubt in comparison to the man in the ship he is not moving but as due to movement of the ship, the man on the ship is moving so is the man on the sea shore is also moving in relation to the sun due to the movement of the earth round the sun on which he is standing. In the same way all the movements are relative. This very thought is in both Jain philosophy (Syadvada) and Einstein's theory of Relativity. According to both every thing is relative. A man standing, is not moving in respect to the man walking but the standing man is also moving with the movement of the earth. The motion and rest are the relative terms. There is nothing like a absolute Motion or absolute Rest. Sun in respect to earth is not moving but in respect to other stars it is moving and so on as there are infinite number of solar systems. Thus we see that all things are only relative in motion and rest. Einstein beautifully said, "Nature is such that it is impossible to determine absolute motion by any experiment whatever."'4 In Cosmology old and New we find an example explaining beautifully the Motion and Rest. It is said, "Suppose this room is a lift. The support breaks and down we go with ever increasing velocity, falling freely like a stone. Suppose I am inside that lift and I perform the experiment of dropping an apple held in my hand. Remember that the lift and all things contained in it are falling freely all the while. To my surprise I shall see that the apple cannot fall any more than it is already doing, owing to the free fall of lift. The apple remains poised in my hand."'S In the same way concept of time may also be explained as "Two revolving galaxies (a and b) which are at a distance of thousands of light years, exploded and out of them two new stars were created. The spectators sitting in each galaxy will feel that these events are immediate but there being a distance of thousands of light years, between the two, the spectator in 'a' will call the event in bas 3. Cosmoloty Old and New. p. 206. 4. Mysterious Universe, p. 78. 5. Cosmology Old and New, p. 40.

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356 Anekantavada and Syadvada happening after thousands of years: while a second sepectator in 'b' will similarly feel the explosion at its own place as immediate and the event in 'a' to have happened after thousands of years. Thus about these explosions no absolute time can be determined but only a relative time, can be stated" Thus from this it becomes clear that when the persons on 'a' and 'b' meet, their conclusions, though will be correct from their own points of views but will be contradictory to each other. Albert Einstein explained his wife the theory of Relativity in a very simple way, "I will give you example. When a man talks with a beautiful girl, he feels that an hour is just like a minute but if the same person is asked to sit on a hot oven, he will feel every minute like an hour." Similar thought we find in Yogavasistha also, "Painful night is felt like the thousands of years and pleasurable night is felt as less than even a second. In dream we have the experience of thousands of years within a second only." It is clear now that time and place both are relative according to Yogavasistha, Jaina and Einstein. Prof. Einstein clearly said, "We can only know the relative truth, the Absolute truth is known only to the universal observer. Syadvada very clearly states that one and the same thing can be seen from infinite points of views. They all are true relatively. All the contradictory views are true from their own points of views. Words cannot express all the aspects of a thing at the same time. Thus Jain philosophers used the word "syat" to express this, which means 'kathancit.' The same thing is existent and nonexistent both and to express this Jain thinkers used the word "Syat." There are seven types of conclusions which are called saptabhangi. This method of obtaining knowledge is called by the Jain Philosophy "The Theory of Syadvada". There are infinite number of opposite qualities in a thing, therefore, there are infinite number of Saptbhangies. This theory is compared with the Keval Jnana and taken as exactly like it. Exactly in the same way Einstein also explains his theory of relativity. According to both, Truth is only relative and there is no Absolute Truth. Einstein clearly said that all the definitions of Mathematics are wrong as they are not absolutely true but relatively 6. Visva ki Ruparekha Adhyaya, pp. 62-63 (First Edition). 7. Dukhitsya nisakalpah sukhitas yaiva ca ksanah ksanah svapne bhavet kalpah kalpasca bhavati ksanah-Yogavasistha 3.60.22.

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Syadvada and the Modern Scientific Theory of Relativity 357 true. Absolute truth is only a thing of Imagination. All our measurements are only relatively true. In the end I must say that we must have a critical and comparative study of Syadvada and the modern scientific theory of Relativity, though the latter is in its developmental stage while the Jain theory of Syadvada is in its perfect stage. This study will bridge the gulf of Philosophy and Science by bringing them nearer to one another.

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21 Syadvada and Relativity* Z.V.KOTHARI [For non-scientist-philosophers, philosophy of relativity is synonymous with the philosophy of Einstein or with the philosophy of Modern Science. But it will be interesting to note that in modern physics there are two schools with different epistemological approach to science-school of Einstein and the school of Niels Bohr. Bohr's approach is positivistic, while Einstein's is not. "Strangely enough the positivistic conception of physics had been stimulated by Einstein's pioneer work in the theory of relativity... but he was not ready to admit that one must abandon the goal of describing physical reality and remain content only with the combination of observations.'' ('Einstein--His Life and Time' by P.P. Frank (1949) p. 59). Einstein's opposition to positivistic approach puzzled many, but there it is. The author of this article has rightly stated elsewhere that "Both doctrines stress the relativity of standpoints in examining the object or its attributes" and all through the article this theme is elaborated. But according to Syadvada (as reported by the author). "It is impossible for the finite mind to have knowledge of complete truth and, therefore, relative truth itself is complete knowledge for him:" while that is not so according to Einstein. Having recognised the relativity of standpoints but having full faith in the existence of an absolute world-condition which the scientist wishes to describe, Einstein devised a language which would be commonly used by all observers to describe the same world-condition. * Vidya, 4/1, 1961.

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Syadvada and Relativity 359 And he was quite logical in holding such a belief in the existence of reality as it is thought and not as it is observed, because, as the author has pointed out,according to Dr. Radhakrishnan, the theory of relativity cannot be logically sustained without the hypothesis of an absolute. This brings us to the famous controversy between Einstein and Bohr. The author of this article has quoted Bohr in the last para of his article. But this quotation is from an argument by Bohr against Einstein's philosophy. According to Einstein, we are only spectators in the great drama of existence and it is our endeavour to describe unequivocally the acts of this drama. According to Bohr, we are both spectators and actors in the sense that our very act of observation influences the drama of existence. The phenomena of the quantum world are so delicate and fine that our instruments of observation would interfere with the phenomena during our very act of observation and thus we would be observing the phenomena as disturbed by our observation. In this sense Bohr describes us as both spectators and actors. Against this Einstein believes that our instruments of observation may not be sharp enough today, but he has faith that some day these instruments will be made sharp enough so as not to disturb the observation of the delicate quantum phenomena. But then Bohr argues that the mathematics, which the modern quantum theory is using, actually puts a limit to the fineness of our instruments of observation and so the controversy continues. It should, however, be noted that Bohr's ideas cannot be regarded as being on the lines of Syadvada because of the following basic difference between the two: According to Syadvada, there is no uncertainty whatsoever about the various judgements by different observers (This article). But Bohr's ideas are pivoted round an uncertainty principle introduced in modern science by the basic limitation in the fineness of our instruments of observations. This, in brief, will indicate the position of the two principal schools of scientific philosophy vis-a-vis Syadvada.] It would be really interesting to observe the similarities between two theories--one of which has been very recently enunciated in the West and the other, a theory which was promulgated centuries ago in the East. There are noticeable similarities in these doctrines which flourish in two different parts of the globe. The Theory of Relativity, first put forth by the famous scientist

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360 Anekantavada and Syadvada Einstein in an Essay in the Year Book of Physics in 1905, spread like lightening to all fields of thought, it "struck the mind of man here, there and everywhere , illuminated the natural sciences, coloured the philosophies, touched the novelists and the artists and played round the roots of social theory."] The Theory has been widely hailed as the most radical and paradoxical since the days of Copernicus. It became a stumbling block to classical Physics, shook the foundations of classical Mechanics; its consequences extend for beyond physics. The eminent British philosopher Bertrand Russell in his "The ABC of Relativity' writes, "It is generally recognised that he (Einstein) has revolutionised our conception of the physical world."'3 Professor A.N. Whitehead points out that "The doctrine of ity affects every branch of natural science not excluding the biological sciences."4 After a great deal of opposition and criticism, the Theory of Relativity has been firmly established on clear and distinct mathematical principles. In spite of its asbstruse nature and mathematical technicalities, the new conception as it seemed to strike at the root of our most solid notions, Relativity, a novel conception of the world, primarily a new system of physics demanding a revolutionary change of our views as regards matter, motion, energy, space, time and gravitation and elusive to our rigid ways of thinking, will become quite habitual and perhaps common place only to future generations, when rigid notions useful in ordinary life would be got rid of. A man in the street is familiar with the name of Einstein as it has some thing to do with the atomic bomb. Beyond this, it is simply a synonymous for the abstruse. Syadvada and Ahimsa-Ahimsa not only of physical life but also of intellectual outlook-are the corner-stones of Jainism. Syadvada is a peculiar and distinctive doctrine of Jaina philosophy. It is an approach, a method, a device by the aid of which a thing is observed in its innumerable aspects from different points of view. "It 1. Arthur Eddington : 'The Nature of the Physical World' (Introductory Note, p. VII). 2. "The Theory of Einstein constitutes a revolutionary advance, comparable with that due to Copernicus, and seems equally likely to affect the direction of mathematical, physical and philosophical development." (George David Birkheff : 'The Origin, Nature and Influence of Realitivity' Preface.) 3. Russell : The ABC of Relativity', p. 1. 4. "The Principle of Relativity', p. 3.

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Syadvada and Relativity 361 is," says Warren, "a method of knowing or speaking of a thing synthetically.''S The nature of concrete things is extremely complex, they posses innumerable attributes and relations. "There is nothing certain on account of the endless complexity of things. It emphasises the extremely complex nature of reality and its indefiniteness. It does not deny the possibility of predication, though it disallows absolute or categorical predication. The dynamic character of reality can consist only with relaiive or conditional predication. Every proposition is true, but only under certain conditions, i.e., hypothetically."6 The apprehension of an object or a thing as possessing this or that quality or as appearing in relation to this or that from a particular standpoint is what is technically called 'naya' in Jainism. Every aspect or attribute of a thing in its own way reveals the nature of a thing. Hence 'naya' is a means of insight into the nature of reality. Theoretically, they are infinite in number since the attributes the Reals may possess are infinite but usually they are spoken of as seven. There are many different ways in which they are classified. According to one scheme, there are seven nayas, four of which refer to meanings or objects and the remaining three refer to words.? "These nayas," says Prof. A. Chakravarti, "have an important place in the Anekantavada of the Jaina system. All human descriptions and predications are relative and circumscribed inasmuch as they issue forth from the limited and partial nature of the intellect. Not in our every-day-speech but also in the language of the metaphysics and relation, universalising their meaning apart from their setting in the background would result in practical inconvenience and physical confusion. Jaina thinkers recognising the extreme complexity of reality are never wearied of emphasising the anekanta aspect. Multi-faced reality may lead to 'multitude of descriptions.' Everyone of them may be partially true but not one of them is really true. Philosophy is but the fable of the seven blind men and the elephant. 5. Warren : 'Jainism', p. 20. 6. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan : 'Indian Philosophy', Vol. I, p. 302. 7. The seven nayas are : Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rjusutra, Sabda, Samabhirudha, Evanbhuta naya. "Naigamasangraha Vyavahararjusutrasabda Nayah (34) Adyasabdau dvitribhedau (35) (Tattvartha Sutra) The above mentioned seven nayas are found in the Agamas and in the Digambara books, while Siddhasena Diwakar accepts the last six leaving the first; viz., Naigama.

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362 Anekantavada and Syadvada Each one perceives a certain aspect of the real and congratulates himself that this is the only reality. When reality would not fit in with his own petty frame work, then there is the ruthless pruning and chopping to make it convenient.S Finite beings as we are, we do not have an immediate knowledge of an object in all its innumerable aspects that a Kevali (one who has attained Kevela Jnana, i.e., an omniscient being) possesses. Such is the implication of the Theory of Relativity also. Albert Einstein says, We can only know the relative truth, the Absolute truth is known only to the Universal Observer." Let us refer to certain examples that are given by Syadvada and Relativity. We already had occasion to refer to one classical illustration of the seven blind men and the elephant. Each of these men laid their hands on a different portion of the elephant and tried to picture the whole animal as a winnowing fan, a big round pillar and so on. Here we see the case where the partial description of an animal leads to partial truth and this is due to defective perception but only the man who perceives the whole can recognise each of their descriptions as a partial truth. So too it is with our empirical knowledge. It is relative to the standpoint which one adopts in determining characters of the things perceived and so becomes fallacious if taken as absolute and entire. It is said that once two knights began to quarrel with each other because each maintained that the side he saw was the whole truth. Syadvada or "the science of Assertion of Alternative Possibilities' is corrective of the fallacy into which the knights fell. Tom Smith, for example may be a son with reference to his father John Smith; he may be a father with reference to Willy Smith. Thus we see that two apparently contradictory attributes or characteristics of the same person, thing or event may be found to be true, if the trouble is taken to bear in mind the point of view adopted. Prof. Albert Einstein makes use of illustrations. Let us refer to the event which, we say, is taking place today or just now or again that two events are simultaneous. "In pre-relativistic physics, time and space were separate entities. Specifications of time were independent of the choice of the space of reference. The Newtonian mechanics was relative with respect to the space of reference, so that, e.g. the statement that two non-simultaneous events happened at the 8. 'Panchastikaya-Jaina Logic' (P. LXII-LXIII). 9. Cosmology-Old And New', p. 201.

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Syadvada and Relativity 363 same place had no objective meaning (that is, independent of space reference). But the relativity had no role in building up the theory. One spoke of points of space, as of instants of time, as if they were absolute realities. It was not observed that the true element of the space-time specification was the event specified by the four numbers X1, X2, X3, t. The conception of same thing happening was always that of a four-dimentional continuum but the recognition of this was obscured by the absolute character of the pre-relativity time. Upon giving up the hypothesis of the character of time, particularly that of simultaneity, the four dimensionality of the time-space concept was immediately recognised.' In other words, in old fashioned physics, the event or events were defined in the three demensional Euclidean continuum, i.e. were determined by assigning three co-ordinates. It is necessary to understand the meaning of the word 'continuum' in order to grasp properly Einstein's picture of the Universe as a four dimensional space-time continuum. A continuum is something that is continuous. A ruler which is divided into inches and fractions scaled down to 1/16 of an inch is a one-dimenstional space continuum. Theoretically, the interval separating any two points may still be further divided into an infinite number of arbitrarily small steps. We can take the surface of the sea as the illustration of a two-dimensional continuum. Latitude and longitude are the co-ordinate points which a sailor has to take into consideration to fix his position in his two-dimensional continuum, but an air- plane pilot to guide his plane successfully has to take into consideration his height above the ground besides longitude and latitude. The continuum of an air-plane pilot constitutes space as perceived by us, i.e., the space of our world is a threedimensional continuum. In order to describe any physical event involving motion, we have not only to indicate its position in space but also to state how position changes in time. The flight of an air-plane can be pictured in a four-dimensional space-time continuum. So time is the fourth dimension. In any objective description of the universe the time dimension can no more be detached from the space dimension, though in our minds we tend to separate these dimensions the separation is purely subjective. The world is space-time continuum. All measurements of time-seconds, minutes, hours, days, etc. are really measurements in space relative to the sun, moon and stars; and conversely 10. Einstein: 'Meaning of Relativity', pp. 30-31. 10

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364 Anekantavada and Syadvada measurements in space-latitude, longitude are dependent on measurements of time. What Einstein emphasises is that there is neither absolute (independent of space of reference) relation in space, nor absolute relation in time between two events, but there is absolute (independent of the space of reference) relation in space-time. Corsidered from this four-dimensional space-time-continuum we must regard X1, X2, X3 t as the four co-ordimate of an event in the four-dimensional continuum. To understand that the event which we say, is taking place just now, may not be so in different system; or again the two simultaneous occurrences of one and the same system may not be so in different systems, we should turn to the modren science of Astronomy. According to it, light travelling at the rate of 186, 284 miles (186 usually taken for convenience sake) a second, takes about 8 minutes to come to earth from the Sun but requires about 4.5 hours to travel from the sun to the Neptune as the distance from the Sun to the Earth is less than that from the Sun to the Neptune. The Sun and its eight planets and many asteroids and comets constitute our solar system, being a little colony amidst the immensely larger group of stars which we call 'Universe" and which the Astronomers refer to us the galaxy or the Gallic system. The distance of the Sun from the Earth is nearly 9,30,00,000 miles, and of stars from 4 light years to millions or even hundred and fifty millions of light years." Thus our Earth is relatively near the Sun, and that is why the same event or the simulateous events of the one system might seem to be occurring at different times in different nebulae. Thus the difference of views would be relative to the observer; and at the best, knowledge thus derived is only relative. Saptabhangi or the Doctrine of Seven Modes of forms occupies a very prominent place in Jaina logic. It means "a statement in seven different ways (Saptabhih Prakaraih) of affirmation and negation with the use of the word Syat (Syachchabdalanchitah), singly or jointly (Prthagbhutayoh Samuditayosca) without inconsistency such as that arising from conflict with Pratyaksa as the result of inquiring (Prasnavasat), about each of the different predicates (Dharma of a thing such as Satva (existence), etc."12 In other words, it is the use in seven different ways of 11. A light year is the distance travelled by the light in a year. Light travels at the speed of 1,86,000 miles per second. 12. A. B. Dhruva : 'Syadvada Manjari'-Notes, p. 244.

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Syadvada and Relativity 365 judgements by which the different aspects of a thing can be affirmed and negated, severally and jointly, without self-contradiction. It explains every object or its attributes with reference to Svadravyaksetrakalarupa (own matter, place, time and form). Let us take a pot (ghata) for example. A ghata exists or is sat (real) with reference to its sva (own) dravyaksetrakalarupa; but does not exist or is asat (unreal) with reference to para (alien) dravyaksetrakalarupa. These 'is' and 'is not (Asti and nasti) are relative; and it is from these two main that the remaining five, viz., syadaasti nasti syadavaktavya, syad nasti avaktavya and syad asti nasti avaktavya (relatively is and is not; relatively indescribable, relatively exists and unpredicable, relatively is not and indescribable and relatively is, is not and is indescribable) are derived. "This doctrine," says Dr. Radhakrishnan, "insists on the correlativity of affirmation and negation. All judgements are doubleedged in their character. All things are existent as well as nonexistent (sadasadcitmakam). A thing is what it is and is not, what it is not....A thing which has nothing from which it can be distinguished is unthinkable. The absolute, devoid of distinctions within as well as without is truely unthinkable. For all things which are objects of thought 'are' in one sense and are not in another. 13 The critics point out that it is impossible for the contradictory attributes to co-exist in one and the same thing. Ramanuja writes, "'Contradictory attributes such non-existence cannot at the same time belong to one thing, any more than light and darkness." 14 It is time that a thing can not have self-contradictory attributes at the same time and in the same sense but the Jains point out that the reality is complex and possesses innumerable attributes or aspects and so various judgements are true with regard to different view-points. Dr. Bhandarkarals writes, "Being is not simple as Advaitins assert but complex and any statement about it is only part of the truth....what is meant by these seven modes is that a thing should not be considered as existing elsewhere, at all times, in all ways, and in the form of everything. It may exist in one place and not in and at one time and not at another". So it becomes clear that it is not 13. Dr. S. Radhakrishnan : 'Indian Philosophy', Vol. I. pp. 393-4. 14. Ibid., p. 304. 15. Dr. Bhandarkara: 'Report on the Search for Sanskrit Manusripts in Bombay Presidency During the Year 1883-84', Bombay, 1887, p. 956.

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366 Anekantavada and Syadvada Wanton indulgence in meaningless self-contradiction,' 'Wanton paradox or a purposeless pun'. It is sometimes branded as scepticism. Is it then expression of doubt or a mode of scepticism ? We must say at the outset that the charge is altogether unfounded due to the fact that there is no uncertainty whatsover and that the various judgements are the result of the innumerable characters that the thing possesses. Each assertion is quite distinct and certain. Let us consider what Hegel and Bradley have to say in a similar context. Hegel says, "Reality is now this, now that; in this sense it is full of negations, contradictories and oppositions: the plant germinates, blooms, withers and dies: man is young, mature and old. To do a thing justice, we must tell the whole truth about it, predicate each of its contradictories and show how they are reconciled and preserved in the articulated whole which we call life of the thing."16 F.H. Bradley writes, "Everything is essential, and yet one thing is worthless in comparison with other...." "Nowhere," he continues, "is there even a single fact so fragmentary and so poor that to the universe it does not matter. There is truth in every idea however false, there is reality in every existence however slight,......"17 According to Joachim, there is no judgement true in itself and by itself. "Every judgement," says he, "as a piece of concrete thinking, is informed, conditioned and to some extent constituted by the apprecipient character of the mind....''18 He illustrates this point thus, "To the boy, who is learning the multiplication table, 32= 9 possesses probably a minimum of meaning. But to the arithmetician 32= 9 is perhaps a shorthand symbol for the whole science of Arithmetic as known at the time."19 Edmund Holms (In the Quest of Ideal) says : "Let us take the antithesis of the swift and the slow. It would be non-sense to say that every movement is either swift or slow. It would be nearer the truth to say that every movement is both swift and slow, swift by comparison with what is slower than itself, slow by comparison with what is swifter than itself." (p. 21). Sir Arthur Eddington Speaking about the relativity of distance says, "A distance as reckoned by an observer on one star is as good as 16. Thilly : 'History of Philosophy, p. 480. 17. Bradley : 'Appearance and Reality', p. 487. 18. Joachim : 'The Nature of Truth', p. 93. 19. Ibid.

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Syadvada and Relativity 367 the distance reckoned by an observer on the other star. We must note them to agree; the one is a distance relative to one frame, the other is a distance relative to another frame. Absolute distance, not relative to some special frame is meaningless." He says further. "A more familiar example of a relative quantity is direction of an object. There is a direction of Cambridge relative to Edinborough and another direction relative to London and so on. It never occurs to us to think of this as a discrepancy, or to suppose that there must be some direction of Cambridge (at present undiscoverable) which is absolute.''20 We shall cite one more example from Eddington, "You receive a balance-sheet from a public company and observe that the assets amount to such and such a figure, Is this true ? Certainly; it is certified by a chartered accountant. But is it really true ? Many questions arise, the real values of items are often very different from those which figure in the balance-sheet. I am not especially referring to fraudulent companies. There is a blessed phrase 'hidden reserves' and generally speaking the more respectable the company the more widely owes its balance-sheet deviate from reality.''21 Lord Mahavira answered hundreds of questions on the basis of relative standpoints. He even explained the most fundamental problems of the universe in similar manner. Whether the atoms are permanent or not, he points out, they are and are not. They are permanent (nitya) with reference to substantiality (Dravyatya) but changing (anitya) with regard to its outward form.22 The same is said by the Lord with regard to Atma.23 Albert Einstein speaks in a similar tone as regards natural states. He says, "Nature is such that it is impossible to determine absolute motion by any experiment whatever,"24 In the words of James Jeans, Rest and motion are merely relative terms. A ship which is becalmed is at rest only in a relative sense-relative to the earth; but the earth is in motion to the sun, and the ship with it. If the earth 20. "The Nature of the Physical World', p. 36. 21. Ibid, p. 43. 22. Paramanu poggalenam bhante, Sasae asasae ? Goyama, Siyasasae Siya asasae, Se kenathenam bhante, evam buchchai, siyasasae, siya asasae ? Goyam, Davvathayae sasae vannapanchavehim Jar siya sasae, --Bhagwati S'atak, 14-34. 23. Jivanam Bhante, kim sasaya asasaya ? Goyama, Jiva siya sasaya siya asasaya. Se kenathenam bhante, Evam buchchai jiva siya sasaya siya asasaya ? Goyama, Davvathayae sasaya bhavathayae asasaya, -Ibid, 7-2. 24. James Jeans : The Mysterious Universe', p. 78.

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368 Anekantavada and Syadvada stayed in its course round the sun, the ship would become at rest in relation to the sun, but both would still be moving through the surrounding stars. Check the sun's motion through the stars and there still remains the motion of the whole galactic system of stars relative to the remote nebulae move towards or away from one another with speeds of hundreds miles a second or more; by going further into space. We not only find standard of absolute rest, but encounter great and greater speed of motion.''25 There is no fixed standard in the Universe to judge the absolute motion of the earth or of any other moving system. Motion is a relative state; it can be detected only as a change of position with respect to another body. It is meaningless to speak of the motion of a single object removed from all the others. Thus it becomes clear that according to the theory of Relativity, every object and every planet is static as well as moving. So too say the Syadvadins analogously of the world and the atoms. The atoms are both nitya and anitya, the world is eternal as well as changing (Sasvata-Asasvata). It is surprising to note how similar is the device, the method, approach in these two theories--of the East and the West. Both these doctrines stress the relativity of standpoint in exa the object or its attributes. Reality is so complex and over intelligence so finite, limited that what we can have at the best is only relative truth and not absolute, eternal, indivisible truth. Truth is, in reality only one; only thing is that there are different ways of attaining it. In other words, reality is many-sided and approaches to it are multifarious. It is impossible for the finite mind to have knowledge of complete truth and, therefore, relative truth itself is perfect knowledge for him. Here the opponents may put fourth an objection and point out that what Syadvada can offer is only relative or half truth and not the Ultimate eternal truth. Dr. S.Radhakrishnan remarks, "The theory of relativity (Syadvada) cannot be logically sustained without the hypothesis of an absolute...... The Jainas admit that things are one in their universal aspect (jati or karana) and many in the particular aspect (Vyakti or Karya). Both these, according to them, are partial points of view. A plurality of reals is admittedly a relative truth. We must rise to the complete point of view and look at the whole with all the wealth of its attributes. If Jainism stops short with plurality which is at the best a relative and partial truth and does not 25. Ibid, p. 79.

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126 Syadvada and Relativity 369 ask whether there is any higher truth pointing to one which particularises itself in the objects of the world, connected with one another vitally, essentially and immanently, it throws overboards its own logic and exalts a relative truth into an absolute one." It seems to some that Syadvada is an easy compromise which does not overcome the contradictions inherent in the opposed standpoints in a higher synthesis. It takes care to show that the truths of science of every-day-experience are relative and one-sided; but it leaves us in the end with the view that truth is a sum total of relative truths. A mere putting together of half-truths definite-indefinite cannot give us the whole truth. Answering the charges,it should be pointed out that Syadvada is (to use Warren's words) 'the method of knowing or speaking of a thing synthetically'. Syadvada itself is not truth but is a guide that helps us to reach the highest truth. By the aid of this doctrine, we can reconcile the contradictions that arise in ordinary experience. Besides relative truth, Jainism recognises Absolute what it terms Kevaljnana by possession of which one would know truth27 or have the perfect knowledge of all the objects in their entirety. Perhaps we may say the former is empirical truth (vyavaharika-satya); while that latter is transcendental truth (paramarthikasatya). In empirical realm, what we can have at the most is only relative truths from various view-points, as truth possesses numberless aspects (Anantadharmatmakameva tattvam); and there is no contradiction in the synthesis of contradictory concepts, viz., sattva, asattva and akartavya of one and the same subject as the opposites (i.e. different predicates) refer to different aspects of the same subject (upadhibheda). When we cannot have the Absolute Eternal Truth, these relative truths have significance. We meet 'asti-nasti (is, is not) in Albert Einstein's Relativity Theory also. We shall take the weight of an object for instance. We say ordinarily that a certain object weighs 154 Ibs., but relativity doctrine would point out it 'is' and 'is not' so. An object which weighs 154 Ibs. at the equator would weigh 155 Ibs. at north or south pole. This is due to difference of distance. Still more change of weight would be found when the velocity and position are taken into consideration. We may refer here to the famous illustration of the 26. Dr. S. R.: 'Indian Philosophy', Vol. I pp. 305-6. 27. Einstein too recognises this. Eddington says, We must look for absolute things which are then in the world, but things presented are mostly relative at their first sight.

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370 Anekantavada and Syadvada 'man in the lift'. Suppose that the man is in the lift with an apple in his hand and that the support breaks and down goes the man with ever-increasing velocity, falling freely. The man now tries to drop the apple held in the hand. The apple cannot fall more than it was doing already. It should be remembered that all the things contained in the lift are falling along with the lift. Consequently the apple remains poised by his hand. So he would think; but the observer outside the lift would regard the falling of the apple due to the law of gravity. Thus for the man in the lift is that apples do not fall'. The Newtonian Law of gravitation is altogether absent in his scheme of laws of Nature. It should be borne in mind that Einstein accepts that law of gravitation for the observer outside here for the sake of illustration only. The difference in weights of the object and in views with regard to Natural Laws in the above illustrations judgements which are nonetheless true if we only bear in mind the stand point from which they are made. A certain thing may be large in comparison with some subject say X, but it is small with regard to another say Y. Thus the same thing is said to be large and small but in compariosn with different objects X and Y. Largeness and smallness of a thing is thus relative to the points of view adopted. Eddington says, "I think we often make a distinction between what is true and what is really true. A statement which does not profess to deal with anything except appearances may be true, a statement which is not only true but deals with the realities beneath the appearances is really true.28 Einstein even challenged the measurements and the length of classical dynamics. The lengths (distance between points in rigid bodies) usually measured in classical dynamics by a rod not independent of the system of co-ordinates adopted according to Einstein's view. Einstein showed that the change of directions makes for the difference in lengths. Thus lengths are relatively true in their own systems. The same is true of the movement relatively to the vast distances, it proceeds very slowly in the universe. Thus the weights, lengths, motion are all relative to the points of view from which they are seen. None of them is absolute, i.e., cannot be regarded in the same way in different systems. Time, space, causation, motion, duration, mass, force, etc., are all relative and have 28. 'The Nature of the Physical World', p. 43.

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Syadvada and Relativity 371 no absolute significance. They are not attributes of physical realities but are relations whose value changes with the observer's attitude to the object. It now becomes clear that we can have relative truths on the basis of various points of view adopted. These relative truths are neither untrue, i.e. erroneous, nor imperfect. They are the result of what we experience in reality. In other words, they are the facts of experience and so cannot be denied. They are "complete truths from the stand-points adopted. When the modern scientists have come to accept the relativity of measurement only, we meet in Svadvada truth itself divided into several kinds. In Sri Panhavanna Sutra, we come across the ten division of truth itself. These ten divisions are : Janapada satya, Sammata satya, Nama satya, Sthapana satya, Rupa satya, Pratiti satya, Vyavahara satya, Bhava satya, Yoga satya, and Upama satya. We shall not go into their details. Moreover if somebody disagrees with the fact that an orange is small with reference to coconut and big with reference to grapes and says that the two contradictory aspects big and small cannot be predicated of one and the same thing or objecting to these two different kinds of judgement, he may say that both cannot be true, then we should ask him what is absolutely true with respect to orange except that it is small as well as big, from two different aspects ? Is it then not true to say that the orange is small and big with regard to two different things is 'complete', perfect, truth from the respective standpoints ? We already referred to the criticisms and charges against Syadvada. It is not that Einstein's theory of relativity did not meet any severe criticisms. It also has been criticised as "arrant non-sense' or as a very silly basic error in Logic'. But in spite of the severe opposition and adverse criticisms, it has come to be established on solid foundations. Finally one may ask as to what exactly is similar or common between these two doctrines of different hemispheres. One is purely physical (Bhautika), the other is purely spiritual (Adhyatmika). It is true that Einstein's Relativity is connected mostly with physics and that Syadvada is the unique and central feature of Jaina darsana. But we should remember that Syadvada is as much concerned with pudagala (matter) as with Atma (soul) and also that though Relativity is not extended beyond the science of physics, it need not be restricted to its own sphere. In fact Syadvada as well as theory of

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372 Anekantavada and Syadvada Relativity are the devices to determine the real nature of things. They are not phantoms of imagination of phantasm of mind but quite reliable practical devices of life. And here lies the similarity. It is not as we said earlier, that Syadvada is only Adhyatmika, as pudagala (matter) has a place in it as Atman has. Thus the subject of Albert Einstein's Relativity doctrine and of Syadvada is common, viz., the study of material things from the atoms (paramanu) to the universe (Brahmanda). Moreover, the ever-widening gulf between philosophy and science has been bridged very successfully with the advent of this new theory of physics. In his 'Foundations of Indian Culture', Sri Aurobindo has remarked: "Even science itself is constantly arriving at conclusions which only repeat in the physical plane and in its language, truths which ancient India had affirmed from the standpoint of spiritual knowledge and in the language of Veda and the Vedanta." Can we not then say that Syadvada, an important philosophical doctrine has reappeared in the realm of physics in the form of the theory of relativity which strikes at the root of all our conventional ways of representing the universe and its laws? At least, it is to be accepted that Syadvada is an important approach to truth, as is shown by the Relativity theory which has been firmly established on mathematical principles. The difference between the two is that Syadvada has been formulated thousands of years ago; while Relativity principle has been very recently enunciated in the realm of physics by Einstein. But the underlying principle of investigation of truth, an approach to Reality in both is one and the same. In man's struggle to understand the manifold of nature. we come across more and more exact systems distinguished by constantly increasing mathematical accuracy, yet it cannot be said that the results arrived at are final, rather they are starting points for new investigation. With the advancement of scientific thought it becomes increasingly clear that there is no mystery of the physical world which does not point to a mystery beyond itself. As Lincoln Barnett remarks, all high roads of the intellect, all byeways of theory and conjecture lead ultimately to an abyss that human ingenuity can never span. With expansion of man's horizon, the fact that as the physician Neils Bohr puts it, "we are both spectators and actors in the great drama of existence" becomes more and more evident. Man is thus his own greatest mystery. The value of Syadvada lies in this that it refuses to regard

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Syadvada and Relativity 373 the truth from any one particular angle as absolute,it lays stress to think about the fact from as many sides as possible. Syadvada and Relativity are the devices which are helpful in our incessant quest for truth and so for as they assist us in determining the true nature of things, they shall continue to have importance in science and philosophy.29 29. Gardner Murphy in his 'Main Currents of Modern Thought', Vol. 9, makes a significant observation: "We are in a position to verse a great many questions, to verse questions so grave and fundamental that we began to wonder if we even have a method for approaching an ultimate solution."

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22 The Syadvada & World Peace V.G. NAIR What can Jainism do for world peace is a question which is prominent to answer, at this critical moment when the world is standing on the crossroads of materialism and spirituality. Today the world is being tossed about in the storm of aggressive imperial motives, which is a heavy danger for world-peace. So let us concentrate our thought on the world peace. Trumpet Call of Peace Although the clouds of hatred and war are hovering over the whole world and the destructive bombs are being dropped to destroy innocent life, yet we are fortunate to hear the trumpet call of peace and the whole world is now out to celebrate the Anniversary of a Buddha's enlightenment. Here lies the hope for the humanity, for, it shows that the common people of the world are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of spiritual values of life and are feeling drawn towards the light that dawned from the East thousands of years ago for the enlightenment and emancipation of mankind. Tirthankarus and Buddhas preached a whole Truth and led the world towards the Goal of Nirvana. World Led by Fraction-Men : A Danger The world requires these whole and holy personalities, the omniscient Teachers and their blessed teachings once again. But the pity is that we find today only "Fraction-men." The world is too full of such men. Our World Jain Mission's representative in U.S.A., Mr. Wayne H. Steele, is right in emphasizing the truth when he writes : "Many, if not

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The Syadvada a World Peace 375 most, of our law-makers and judges and other public officials (in whose hands our lives and fortunes lie) are fractionmen. Many, if not most, of our teachers (even including many college professors of full rank) and preachers; many, if not most, of the writers of our books, magazines, and newspapers; of our platfrom and radio speakers; of our movie directors and theatrical managers; of our reformers; of our counsellors, on whom we rely for advice in emergencies (as high school principal or a 'successful' friend of the family, etc), in short, many of the leaders of our race are fraction-men Many a life tragedy is owing to these "good, well meaning'' people. They are men who should, of all men, be whole-men, men of complete basic knowledge of life and the environment. But they too often are not, depressing though the fact may be. Instead of following Philosophers and well balanced professors, men of whole knowledge, we allow fraction-men to lead us and rule us, although our very life and happiness depend on it. Undoubtedly, it is because we ourselves are such fraction-men that we do not have, as yet, any standards or conceptions for recognising a whole men.'' Wars are no Remedy and Cannot Bring Peace Friends, it is a problem which confronts the whole world. We are lead by fraction men, who are mad after their cramped views and selfish motives of acquisition and fashion. They are quivering like cane with the fear of various nations, because they themselves are not sincere and loving to them. Out of this false fear they are engaged in getting their respective nations ready and competent in latest nuclear and other barbarous weapons. But we have seen that last two world-wars which were said to have been fought in order to establish peace, have not brought peace. The peace is still a golden apple of Hercules, which can only be achieved by peaceful but Herculean efforts based on blessed Pancha Sila. Fire cannot extinguish fire, so wars can never end wars. They create fractions and fights. So let us all endeavour to end this havoc of fraction. It is the first ingredient factor for worldpeace. . The Method of Synthesis. In this critical state of things, Jainism offers an humanitarian method of synthesis. The Tirthankaras taught this sublime method thousands of years ago and unfurled the flag of universal spiritual unity on which were written the golden words, Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah

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376 Anekantavada and Syadvada (Non-violence is the highest religion). Lord Varddhamana was the last of these blessed Tirthankaras, who proclaimed: "Eyante nirvekkhe no sijjahi viviha bhavagam dabbam, Tam tahava aneymadi bujjhaha siya aneyantam.'' "If one ignores the various other attributes of a substance and sticks to one aspect only, one will never realise the truth of it. Therefore it is necessary to grasp fully well the significance and meaning of Anekanta (logic), as defined by the prefix syad (somehow)" The Jain conception of Anekanta (manysided viewpoints), in fact, is essential to end the fractions which rise owing to self-conceit of only one-sided knwoledge of a thing or problem. Fraction-men never think in a relative aspect of a question: unfortunately they are swayed by their particular motives and halftruths. This creates a choas in intellectual world and results in different kind of 'isms'-as we see today rampant in the whole world. On the other hand, the principle of Anekanta teaches us the right method to realise whole truth in its varied aspects and thereby understand the viewpoints of others. We cannot ignore the reality which points out that every living being is self-centered and he is independent to think and act. The peculiarity of Anekanta is that it rationalises the thought and equips it with the spirit of synthesis. Therefore the Anekanta principle of Jain thought offers the key to the hidden realms of truth in various systems of thought and to whole truth of reality: thus it is an unfailable instrument for world peace and world unity. It will create a society of rational me of fraction-men, who having realised the oneness of life in the midst of diversity, will act and serve not only human beings but every living being. Anekanta if practised will turn the Fraction-men into Cosmic-man. Confluence of Religious Thoughts The Jaina tradition is very instructive in this resepct. We learn from it that some people approached Lord Mahavira, who was a contemporary of Sakyamuni Gautama and was called Sarvajna (omniscient) Sarvadarsi (Allseeing) Nigantha Nataputta by the Buddhists, when He was staying on Mt. Vipula at Rajagsha and questioned him on the utility of religious discussion. The purport of the Lord's reply was that they are always welcome in order to realise the whole truth, but the condition is that they should be carried on in a friendly spirit simply to realise the truth of reality. It is indeed bad to strive for the glory of one's religion and try to belittle the religions of others. The Jains have

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The Syadvada & World Peace 377 never spread their religion at the point of sword. Those who did so never realised the truth. The best method of discussion according to the teachings of Mahavira, is to consider a problem in its three aspects, viz. (1) sva-samaya-vaktavyata to estblish one's own viewpoint, (2) para-samaya-vaktavyata- to establish the opposite viewpoint; and (3) tadubhaya vaktavyata to synthesise and establish the viewpoints of both on a rational basis. Here I would like to refer to the opening proceedings of this seminar. We have the great Acharya Tulsi amidst us, who gave us to understand that Jainism could not be spread all over the world owing to some restrictions on the movements of Jain monks. While on the otherhand our learned friends Dr. Nag and Prof. Harimohan Bhattacharya gave us to understand that Jainism once reached beyond the boarders of India., Here if we apply Tadubhaya Vaktavyata: We can reconcile these viewpoints. Certainly it is difficult for Jain monk to move about easily; but since the Jain monk is inspired by the SCHE Tot enthusiasm of the soul, he is ever enthusiastic to do a right effort 9 for his own good and for the good of all. Acharya Tulsi himself have set on example of it by covering a distance of 200 miles in a few days only in order to bless us with his learned discourse. Moreover we remember also that there is a rule for Jain monks which restricts their stay at a place for longer period: the Jain monks should remain moving for the sake of Dharma. Our Puranas are full of examples in which Jain monks are mentioned to have gone all over the world. It is the reason that we find some evidence of the prevalence of Jainism beyond India, in Ceylon, Afghanistan, China and Greece. We, the Digambara Jaina, on the day of Ksamavani, read Phoolmala which mentions that Jains came from China and Mahachina to take part in it. In such cases the Anekanta logic is of great help. But we must also remember that this principle can only be applied to those thoughts which are based on any aspect of Truth and it will reconcile them only. Irrational Ideas Cannot be Reconciled As a matter of fact, if a certain viewpoint is not based on any aspect of truth it cannot be reconciled. Ignorance and fear are the factors which keep the man away from the realisation of truth. Ahimsa, according to Jainas, is the very characteristic of soul and one should not be afraid of it in any sphere and tune of life. It creats harmony in life, while himsa destroys the same. Vegetarianism is an outer form of Ahimsa: So it is instrumental to create harmony and peace in the world; for through it

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378 Anekantavada and Syadvada the world could accumulate the good karmas. On the contrary himsa in any form violates the harmony of life and atmosphere as well, which results in chaos and warfare. Vegetarianism is an essential factor for creating an harmonious feeling and to end the animal instinct in man. So the fear that vegetarianism might enhance the problem of food is baseless and it cannot be reconciled. Reconciliation of Philosophical & Other Viewpoints How useful is this principle for the reconciliation of different viewpoints, is evident from the example of a discussion of soul under its purview. The Jain belief is that the soul is nitya (eternal) and anitya (transitory) at the same time in its worldly existence. The Buddhists hold that it is everchanging and non-eternal. The theory of anatta is the acceptance of soul but in a negative form. Because we find clear references to Soul in the saying of the Buddha. For instance while on his way from Banaras to Uruvela the Buddha met a youngman who was searching his mistress and enquired of her from him. The Buddha's reply is remarkable. He said, "What think ye ? Were it not better ye sought the self (attanamgaveseyatha) rather than the woman ? (Vinaya i. 23) But in Buddhist philosophy great stress is given on the everchanging-becoming aspect of it. Here if we consider both viewpoints under the light of Tadubhaya-Vaktavyata we can reconcile them. In this synthetical process, one has to take into consideration two different viewpoints, viz; dravyarthika: (realistic) and paryayarthika (practical), which are called nayas in Jainism, Now according to the realistic viewpoint, the soul is eternal, because its uncompounded simplicity does not permit of change; hence the philosophers who hold this belief are right if they consider the soul in its essentiality. On the other hand, those who believe that the soul is ever changing are also right from the practical viewpoint, since the soul loses its purity because of desires and ambitions and because it is imprisoned in the body as a result of one's actions. Jain thought, thus, reconciles the two extreme views and offers the message of immortality and self-perfection, which is similar to the one found in Rig Veda: "That which is immoratl in mortals and possessed of truth is a god and established inwardly as an energy working out in our divine powers. Become uplifted, O Strength, pierce all veils, manifest in us the things of the Godhead." Thus Jainism furnishes the only platform where all the different viewpoints could meet and reconcile with each other, so far as

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The Syadvada & World Peace 379 rationally possible. So we may style it as the "Confluence of Thoughts.' Sevenfold Logic If we cling to Ekantavada (onesided absolutism) we only create fractions; but if we adhere to Anekantavada we would be creating harmony and unity. This logic of Jainas has been developed in the sevenfold Syadvada logic-the different forms of predicative judgment, regarding the same object and is as follows:1. Syad-asti: somehow a substance exists. (Positive). somehow a substance does not exist. (Negative). Syad-asti-nasti: somehow a substance exists and does not exist (Synthetical). Syad-avaktavyam: Somehow a substance is indescribable (i.e. it is impossible to describe a thing without adopting any particular standpoint or the thing is beyond sense perception). Syad-asti avaktavyam: somehow a substance exists but is indescribable. Syan nasti-avaktavyam: somehow a substance does not exist and is indescribable. 7. Syad-asti nasti-avakravyam: somehow a substance exists and does not exist and is indescribable. According to Syadvada logic everything is related with every other thing and this relation involves the emrgence of a rational quality. Relation is possible only if the terms are dependent on one another and dependence is always mutual. Thus Jain Logic is helpful in creating a cosmic outlook. East and West World is one from its very existence; but when we view it from the negative i.e. syannasti viewpoint we find it divided into East and West. Comparatively East and West though differ in outer aspects of culture etc., yet the basic spirit of the both is the self-same humanity. Third viewpoint synthesises them and the past history of East and West is a witness to this fact, because we find them both inter-related to each other since a hoary antiquity. But if we turn to consider this question according to the fourth viewpoint, we cannot demarcate the line of East

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380 Anekantavada and Syadvada and West: it is indescribable because a East can easily be fused in West in consideration to outer limits. Under the relative consideration the cultures of East and West can be inter-mingled, though one lays great stress on spirituality and the other on materialism. Spirituality is as good a reality as materialism and they possess their importance and utility in their own spheres. They are neither good nor bad. Ofcourse their application to life is what matters. Considering the both cultures under the light of the fifth standpoint, they do exist in their peculiar form and utility but their precise sphere of existence and domain is indescribable: hence it is wrong to presume that both cannot be reconciled. From the sixth standpoint the same truth has been emphasised but in a negative indescribable mode. The seventh standpoint offers us an universal outlook of synthetical nature. It is obvious from it that Eastern and Western cultures do exist equally in their human spheres and are different in certain respects, yet the demarcation of their spheres and their outer application is indescribable. The human nature is the same in all climes and in all times. Therefore they can be interfused in each other as being two aspects of human nature which is a quality in itself. Thus we can develop the outlook and spirit of a cosmic-man in ourselves by adhering to the rules of the Jain logic. University of Ahimsa And Anekanta As a matter of fact, Syadvad logic saturated with cooling principle of Ahimsa is applicable to solve every problem of humanity and it can be applied in order to end the present crisis of the world. Peace is something which the people of the world eagerly want, but which they do not know how to secure. Fear and ignorance are the causes which kindle that flame of hatred in man's heart and fractions cause war. Jainism provides two remedies for it which are Ahimsa and Anekanta. The nations of today would do good to humanity if they acquire the Right Knowledge in the light of Syadvada logic, which enlightens men about the apparent difference and reconciles them under the garb of spirituality. This would lead the nations to observe Ahimsa and make them aware of the real kinship of all souls. Then and then alone the world will abound with whole men; who will eagerly support the principle of Panca Sila in international matters. Dr. Kalidas Nag, a vetaran advocate of Ahimsa and worldpeace, realised the importance of the teaching of Ahimsa and Anekanta and moved the first Conference of Ahimsa held at Indore under the

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The Syadvada & World Peace 381 auspicious of the world Jain Mission ten years ago, to adopt the resolution for the establishment of a University of Non-Violence. He asserts again the same demand when he writes: "And now that peace is again threatened by another disastrous global war, we may seek world co-operation in the cause of Ahimsa. The finest monument to the memory of the architect of Indian freedom would be a University of Non-violence maintained by we University Grants Commission and supported by the Gandhi Smarak Nidhi. It would benefit not only India and Asia bui the whole world hankering after peace and security, both denied us by our exploiting economics and bellicose politics. Both these disruptive forces could be controlled, if we could plan a broad humanistic education with non-possessiveness (aparigrha) and Non-violence (under the right knowledge of Anekanta) as guiding principles. May the world listen to the eternal Voice of India. Ahimsa Parano Dharmah (Non-violence is the supreme virtue).' 000

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