Applied Philosophy of Anekanta

SR No.: 006966
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Shashiprajna Samni
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati Institute
Publication Year: 2012
Total Pages: 220
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 18 MB

Page 83

There is no contradiction between the positum and negatum. This is the implication or pre-supposition of the doctrine of conditional dialectics (syādvāda). The duality of apparently contrary attributes enjoys mutual concomitance. It is on this finding that the doctrine of non-absolutism (anekāntavāda) as a synthesis of infinite number of such dualities is established. The conditional dialectic (syādvāda) is, in essence, the system of propositions expressing such multiple character of the Reality. 3.2.1 Saptabhangi
The saptabhangi (the theory of seven-fold predication) is a method of cognition to apprehend the correct nature of Reality through a sevenfold relative dialectic method. It is treated as complementary to the syādvāda doctrine. Akalamka thinks of it as a way, which considers the modes of a thing in positive (vidhimukhena) and negative (niședhamukhena) manner without incompatibility in a certain context. In these propositions affirmation, negation, and such other alternatives define the nature of the Reality. This can be demonstrated by the doctrine of seven fold predication (saptabhangī) which is as follows' :
1. The X certainly (eva) exists in some respect (syāt). 2. The X certainly (eva) does not exist in some respect
(syāt). 3. The X certainly (eva) exists and does not exist in
some respect (syāt).. 4. The X is certainly (eva) indescribable in some respect. 5. The X certainly (eva) exists and is indescribable in
some respect (syāt). 6. The X certainly (eva) does not exist and is
indescribable in some respect (syāt). 7. The X certainly (eva) exists, certainly does not exist
and is indescribable in some respect (syāt).
Saptabhangi Tarangini of Vimaldas. op.cit., p. 2..
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