Jaina Philosophy and Religion

SR No.: 001604
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Nyayavijay
Publisher: B L Institute of Indology
Publication Year: 1998
Total Pages: 500
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Philosophy, & Epistemology
File Size: 12 MB

Page 284

256
Jaina Philosophy and Religion
during the long past. This suggests us the necessity of the use of our impartial natural reason or wisdom in studying scriptures. Statements of the former saints or elders should not be regarded valid so long as they are not supported by reason. Again, we should not be startled on finding the thoughts of the modern masters endowed with genius, going against the scriptural tradition. In such a situation, we should impartially and calmly reflect on the new thoughts and ideas. And if they are found right and wholesome, we as seekers after truth should accept and honour them and thereby enrich our treasure of knowledge and thoughts. We should appreciate the ideas and thoughts of others to the extent they are reasonable, right, cogent and wholesome. This is the good and praiseworthy feature of the devotion to truth and knowledge.
Scriptures are for the sake of truth. But truth is not for the sake of scriptures. Scriptures are to be set aside if they go against truth. But truth is not to be set aside if it goes against scriptures. That which is true and right, rational and cogent, purified by thought and reflection, and established by intellect and logic can never be toppled down, rejected or shaken by scriptures. If scriptures try to do so, they themselves will be shaken and effaced. Where is the possibility of intellect or reason opposing that which is not amenable to it and beyond its reach? We have no other go, but to keep mum with regard to such cases. But that which is opposed to reason and detrimental to public weal should never be believed in on the authority of scriptures. Byhaspati-smrti declares: “One should not depend solely on scriptures to come to decision as to the rightness or wrongness of an act. It is because if we follow the idea or thought opposed to reason or intellect, then we do great harm to religion, rectitude or righteousness."
What Indian philosophers said? regarding testing of scriptures, is noteworthy. It is as follows: Gold is tested in four ways, viz., rubbing (on the touch-stone), cutting, heating and hammering. Similarly, scriptures are tested on the basis of four qualities, viz., knowledge, good conduct, austerity and compassion. That scripture which embodies knowledge or philosophy not going against the findings of perception and reason, gives utmost importance to righteous conduct, prescribes austerities conducive to the
1. kevalań śāstram āśritya na kartavyo vinirnayah /
yuktihinavicāre tu dharmahāniḥ prajāyate // 2. yathā caturbhiḥ kanakam parīksyate nigharşana-cchedana-tāpa-tādanaiḥ /
tathaiva sästram viduşā parīksyate śrutena silena tapo-dayāgunaiḥ //