________________
Application of Anekāntavāda
Ramesh S. Betai
The old civilisation of India was a concrete unity of manysided developments in art, architecture, literature, religion, morals and science so far as it was understood in those days. “But the most important achievement of Indian thought was in philosophy. It was regarded as the goal of all the highest practical and theoretical activities, and it indicated the point of unity amidst all the apparent diversities which the complex growth of culture over a vast area inhabited by different peoples produced....... It is essentially one of the spiritual aspirations and obedience to the law of the spirit, which were regarded as superior to every thing else, and it has outlived all the political changes through which India passed."" Introductory:
In the realm of Indian philosophy there have been two main streams viz.-Sramana and Brāhmaṇa. In the former the outstanding contribution of the Jaina faith is - (a.) Anekānta vāda or Anekajivavāda-pluralism of the souls or pluralism of reality.? (b.) Upliftment of Jīvas through self-control, austerity, cessation of karma to rise to the blessed status of the Siddha'. (c.) Constant gradual enrichment of Jñāna (knowledge) or Reality (Sat) that follows, and, (d.) The consequent rise to the ultimate salvation (Moksa), the uniquely blessed state that all Jīvas can aspire after, for which all the Jivas have
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org