Jaina Gazette 1928

SR No.: 034890
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Ajitprasad, C S Mallinath
Publisher: Jaina Gazettee Office
Publication Year: 1928
Total Pages: 502
Language: English
Classification: Book_English
File Size: 33 MB

Page 104

JIVA
195
not exist ' just as in some respects, it may be said to exist. Hence the fact is to be admitted as well that Jiva does not exist.' Again, although the fact that the soul is non-existent is true, it is not absolutely so; hence the statement the soul is non-existent' does not fully express the true nature of the Jiva. The Jaina theory is that all the seven statements taken together reveal the true nature of a thing. Hence those thinkers who have given out only such theories as the soul exists,''the soul does not exist,' 'the soul is inexpressible' are guilty of stating partial truths, according to the Jaina thinkers.
The Jainas as shown above, thus assert that the soul exists and that it does not exist. Failing to understand the true position of the Jaina thinkers, some philosophers look upon the Syadvada as Samsaya-vada or doctrine of Indefiniteness. A little consideration, however, would show that there is no doubt, indecisiveness or indefiniteness in the Jaina theory. Soul has been said to be existent with regard to its own Substance, own Place, own Time and own Mode : if at the time it were said that the Soul is non-existent in those very respects i.e., respect of its own Substance, own Place, own Time and own Mode, there arises a reasonable doubt regarding the nature of the soul and the Syadvada becomes of course the Samsaya-vada. It would be seen however, that the propounders of the Syadvada regard the soul as non-existent only in respect of the Paru-dravya (other substance), Para-kshetra (other place), Para-kala (other time) and Para-bhava (other mode) i.e., they do not say that the soul is non-existent in those very respects in which it is existent. Hence there cannot be any question of doubt with reference to the Syadvada.
According to the Sapta Bhanga, the soul may be viewed from seven standpoints and has accordingly been said to be of seven modes.
(To be continued).