Source Book in Jaina Philosophy

SR No.: 001263
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Devendramuni
Publisher: Tarak Guru Jain Granthalay
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 590
Language: English
Classification: Book_English & Philosophy
File Size: 10 MB

Page 280

SAPTABHANGI :
A Discussion
Anekānta is the foundational principle of Jainism. It is the very essence of Jainism and it pervades the thought and philosophy of the Jainas. It would not be an exaggeration to say that a thorough understanding of Anekānta would give the key to the understadning of the Jaina darśana. For this reason, Siddhasena Divākara, in his Sanmati Prakarana, has stated that Anekānta is the very first and foundational principle which teaches us the first and the last lessons of the Jaina darśana. In everyday life, we find the spirit of Anekānta pervading the thought and life of the people. Therefore, he salutes the theory of anekānta.1
The Sārnkhya theory of evolution is expressed in the evolution of Prakrti in the presence of the Purusa. The Prak rti and the Puruşa are the primary principles. The development of the Vedānta has culminated in the principle of Advaita. The development of Buddhism can be seen in the theory of Vijñānavāda i. e., (theory of consciousness). In this sense, Anekāntavāda and Syädvāda are the be all and the end all in Jaina philosophy. The concepts of pramāņa and naya can be properly understood if we know the essence of saptahhangi. Pramāņa and naya present the background of understanding of Anekānta and Anekānta is expressed in the form of Saptabhangi.
SAPTABHANGT Question has been very often asked regarding the nature and the function of saptabhangi. The Jaina Ācāryas have discussed these problems elaborately. The nature of a thing is complex having many characteristics and the nature of any one of characteristic can be des
į Sanmati Prakarana, kānda 3 gāthā 69