ABC of Jainism

Author(s): S L Jain
Publisher: Maitree Samooh

Page 15

CHAPTER 7
METHOD OF EXPERESSION IN JAINISM Question: What are the methods of expression in Jainism ? Answer: The effective method of expression in Jainism is through 'Anekant' and Svadvad'. Question: What is the concept of Anekant in Jainism / Answer : The word "Anekant" consists of two words "Anek" and "Ant". "Anek" means many and "Ant" means attributes. The word Anekant means that each entity has many attributes. In other words, appreciation of many-fold attributes of an entity is Anekant. For example, a person is a father, son, brother etc. at the same time in fact reality is many-fold in nature. Question : What Svadvad ? Answer : Svadvad consists of two word- "Syad" meaning "from point of view" or "in relation to" and "Vad" meaning "description". Thus Svadvad means a process of relative description. Svadvad means a process of relative description. As Svadvad explores one part of the truth from one point of view of view and therefore it allows the scope of accepting the other part of the truth from another point of view. For example all our family relations are relative i.e. father, mother, son etc. No single word can convey all the attributes of a thing at one time. If a thing is described in words, it would be at the most a partial description and not in its entirety. Thus the concept of Svadvad builds our patience to appreciate different view points of reality. Anekant is concerned with the different but opposite attributes whereas Svadvad is a process of expression/ description of differing view points.
Question : How are Anekant and Svadvad effective methods in life? Answer : Anekant and Svadvad aims to unite, coordinate, harmonize and synthesize the individual view points in the predictable whole. These methods are applicable at all levels - individual, racial, sectarian, national and international for resolving the conflicts and contradictions of individuals as well as masses. Everyone wants peace, happiness and freedom but each one has differing attitudes and approach towards life. Inspite of such differences. When we think that we are only right or we alone are true, then only conflict arises. The logic of our being true or right gives rise to false