________________
759
of examination of a subject from all the different stand-points) is known as Naya-vāda. The two chief view-points are (1) Niscaya Naya ( Absolute stand-points and (2) Vyavahāra Naya ( Practical Stand-point)
According to Niścaya Naya, the Ātmā is nitya ( permanent). Because Ātmā is homo-geneous in all wordly existences and it is like a Paramåtmā.
From a Vyavahāra point of view, Ātmâ is a-nitya (transient) because it incarnates different bodies at various times. The same soul becomes a king and enjoys all the pleasures of human existence during this lise, or he may become a pauper or may become a denizen of hell suffering severe torments of agony, during his future life.
Besides, the Universe is beset with changes at every moment and the ever changing Universe is said to be a-nitya transient) by Vyavanara Naya ( Practical Stand-point ). But the Universe is nitya (permanent) according to Niscaya Naya ( Absolute Sland - point ), because it exists at present, it existed in the past, and it will exist in future
Secondly~ The Atmã pervades the living body It pervades the entire extent of the body which it incarnates It is not, therefore, justifiable to say that the Atmā (Soul ) has such a shape, also that it is wrong to say that the Atmā is located in a certain space near the heart.
Thirdly, Life is equally dear to every living being from the smallest insect occuring in foeces to the mightiest Indra affiuent with divine powers. Life is dear to every living being. All living beings have an equal right of living. No one has a right to injure or kill a living being. The Jains had declared the noble doctrine of A-hiṁsā ( abstention from injury to living being3 ) to the whole world from ancient times.
Pourthly-Gautama Buddha discarded Tapas, as somethingfutile. But instead of doing so, Śramaņa Bhagavana Mahavira
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
