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

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(niscaya naya) leads us to the comprehension of reality which is the subtle essence of the phenomenal world. Both of them are equally real.
A SOURCE-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
In the Bhagavati there is a dialogue between Bhagavāna Mahāvira and Gautama Ganadhara regarding the different aspects of reality. Gautama asked Mahavira, there are how may colours, smell, taste and touch in treacle. Mahāvīra said, from the practical point of view it is sweet. But from the real or ultimate point of view it has five colours, two types of small, five types of tastes and eight types of touch. Similarly, Gautama asked the question regarding the qualities of a black-bee. Mahavira said that from the practical point of view the bee is black. But from the real point of view (niscayanaya), it has five colours, two types of smell, five types of tastes and eight types of touch. In this way, Mahavira gave answers to many questions from the practical and the real points of view. It is clear from this, that Mahāvīra understood that both the practical and the real points of view present the picture of reality which are equally real and valid. They do not contradict each other nor is one less real than the other.
ARTHANAYA AND SABDANAYA
seven
Anuyogadvāra, Sthānanga3 and Prajñāpanā1 mention nayas. Among these seven nayas, sabda, samabhirudha, and evambhūtanayas belong to the category of sabdanayas.5 Naigama, sangraha, vyavahāra and ṛjusūtra nayas have reference to the objects. Therefore, they are called dravyarthikanaya.
TYPES OF NAYAS I
Acarya Siddhasena maintains that there are as many nayas as there are statements. And there are as many views and theories as there are statements.1 In this sense there are numerous nayas and
1 Bhagavati 18, 9. 2 Anuyogadvāra 156. 3 Sthānanga 7, 552.
4 Prajñāpanā 16.
5 Anuyogadvāra 148, 6 Sanmati prakarana 3, 47.