________________
59
Absolute and Relative
Let us not talk of absolute truth. We should accept the relativity of truth and that truth can never be absolute. Where there is absolute truth, there can be no discussion about the relative and the absolute. There languages cease. Only truth remains, no relativity or absolutism. That is why Bhagvan Mahavir has said, "Where there is indeed (real) truth, from there language returns. Neither intellect, nor thoughts nor even the mind goes there. All of them return. They are not able to reach there. All our alternatives stand on language and the intellect. The one who accepts the reign of language, of the mind, the intellect and thoughts, he has actually accepted the invitation of untruth."
There was once a very intelligent courtier. He progressed on the merit of his intellect and became the king's favourite. One day he sat down for a meal with the king. The cook brought the food. He served them and asked the courtier, "Tell me, how is the food?"
The courtier replied, “Very tasty." The cook intervened by saying, "O King! Today I have used all my intellect to cook. Surely you too must be
Jain Education International
Anekanta: The Third Eye
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org