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Chapter 1 The Anekānta Theory of Existence
Two Basic Conceptions of Jaina Philosophy
Before embarking upon an exposition of the soul or the jīva or the principle of consciousness in Jaina philosophy it is desirable to have an idea of the basic concepts of the system, in the light of which the discussion on the soul will follow. The Anekānta theory of existence and the Syādvāda theory of judgement are two such concepts. The entire philosophy of the Jaina may be taken to be an illustration of his unique theory of existence and judgement. The principle of consciousness equally illustrates the two aforesaid conceptions. According to the Jaina Anekāntavāda, which is understood to include both the Jaina theories of existence and judgement, is a sovereign principle embracing the entire system of the cosmos. Amrtacandra Sūri remarks that Anekānta is the very basis of the highest of the scriptures. The position of the Jaina is marked from that of others mainly for his anekānta (non-absolute) outlook on reality in general and the principle of consciousness in particular.
Meaning of Anekānta
The term anekānta yields two meanings when interpreted etymologically. The popular meaning refers to the plurality of determinants in a real. But this position will be found common nearly to all the pluralistic systems of philosophy. The Jaina concept of anekānta implies something more than the mere plurality of components in a real. It is very often
1. Amộtacandra Sūri: Puruşārtlia-siddlıyupāya. verse 2
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