Introduction to Jainism and its Culture

SR No.: 001605
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Balbhadra Jain
Publisher: Kundkund Gyanpith Indore
Publication Year: 2002
Total Pages: 334
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Religion, & Culture
File Size: 21 MB

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upper floor I am downstairs. Upstairs and downstairs are relative terms. I am where I am, but we cannot proceed without relativity in practical life.”
On day emperor Akbar drew a line on a slate and asked his courtiers, “Is there someone intelligent enough in my court who could make this line short without wiping?” The courtiers were puzzled and failed to find a solution. Now the emperor looked at Birbal. The epitome of wisdom got up, took the chalk and drew a longer line adjacent to the one already drawn. He said, “Sire, see for yourself, I have made your line short without wiping.” The courtiers were astounded at Birbal's wisdom. The length of the line did not change but it become short as compared to the longer one..
In this context there is a very good example available in Jain literature. While churning curd a milkmaid uses a churning stick with two turns of an open-ended string around it. She pulls one end of the string with one hand and eases off with the other. Alternating this action she gives a continuous churning motion to the rod. She cannot churn using just one hand or by pulling both ends of the string at the same time. This is the policy followed by Jainism. When it puts forth a statement it does not mean that it refutes other facets of the subject. It, in fact, makes one facet major and other facets minor. These important and unimportant facets are the reference points. Therefore, Syādvāda is also called relativity.
Syādvāda is like the traffic constable on a crossing who stops the traffic from one side and allows that from the other side with the signals of his hands. His duty is to prevent accidents. Syādvāda is the most successful method of preventing debate and confrontation. It gives a patient hearing to opposing sides and like an unbiased mediator explains them - from one angle your claim is right but from another angle the claim of your adversary is also right. Why do you consider only your viewpoint to be true? Try to understand the other viewpoint also with a liberal attitude and make a compromise. There will be no disagreement.
Syādvāda is not aimed at extinction of some religion. Syādvāda prevails only when all religions exist. In absence of multiplicity of religions Syādvāda becomes meaningless. Religions are like flowers of
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