Compendium of Jainism

SR No.: 001202
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: T K Tukol, A N Upadhye
Publisher: Prasaranga Karnatak University Dharwar
Publication Year: 1980
Total Pages: 352
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 17 MB

Page 315

ANEKANTAVADA-SYADVADA
303
governed by the doctrine of manifold points of view or relative pluralism. Every atom is indivisible; when there is a union of atoms, there is the formation of a molecule. Combination of atoms takes place on account of the greasy (sticky) and dry (rough) properties associated witir them.3 While greasiness and dryness are the qualities of matter, they are also the causes of combination of matter. Greasiness is present in varying degrees in water, milk, ghee, oil etc., while dryness in present in dust, sand etc.
Every substance is therefore characterised by qualities and modes. 4 Every substance hes a distinctive quality which distinguishes it from all others. From the general point of view, knowledge is invariably associated with soul while form etc are associated with matter.
According to Jainism, as we have already seen, the Universe comprises six substances, each of which is real and possesses qualities of its own. Each substance has general as well as special characteristics. A thing or an object may change its qualities. For example, a human being grows up from childhood into a youth, thereafter from youth to manhood and from manhood to oldage. Throughout these changes, he maintains his essential characteristic of a human being. It is the acceptance of this change with different phases that forms the basis of the Jaina doctrine of Anekantavāda or manifold points of view or relative pluralism.
Jainism has a systematic classification of knowledge. It divides the philosophical stand point into two main heads, the Niscaya and Vyavahara. Of these, the former deals with the essential nature of things which remain unchanged while the latter takes into account only the popular point of utility and conditions or forms. The statement 'This is a jar of clay' is an illustration of the Nischaya Naya, while 'this is a jar of butter' is true only from the Vyavahara or the practical point of view.5 Valid knawledge, like a lamp, illumines itself as also the object lying outside it. A mental and physical analysis of the Universe reveals that it is pluralistic in character.