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APPROACH TO REALITY
I. Jainism is realistic and pluralistic. Its philosophy is based on logic and experience. Mokşa is the ultimate aim of life. It is realised by the three-fold path of right intution, right knowledge and right conduct.' Right knowledge is possible by the right approach to the problems of life. Anekanta, the Jainas believe, gives us the right approach to looking at the various problems of life. Anekanta is the symbolization of the fundamental non-violent attitude of the Jainas. It is the expression of intellectual non-violence.
In surveying the field of Indian philosophy, Dr. Padmarajiah mentions five types of philosophy considered from the point of view of the nature of reality. They are:
1. Philosophy of Being-Samkara represents this school of thought or identity.
2.
CHAPTER II
3.
5.
Philosophy of Becoming (Change or difference) Buddhism presents this view.
Philosophy subordinating difference to identityi) The Samkhya ii) Bhedabhedavada and iii) Visistadvaita hold this attitude.
4. Philosophy subordinating identity to differencei) The Vaiseşika, ii) Dvaita of Madhvācārya gives this view.
Philosophy co-ordinating both identity and differenceThe Jaina view of reality presents this attitude.
Jainism meets the extremes and presents a view of reality which comprehends the various sides of reality to give a synthetic picture of the whole. It recognises the principle of distinction and develops
the
comprehensive scheme of
1. Tattvärthsütra, 1
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