Anekanta the Third Eye

Author(s): Mahapragna Acharya
Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati

Page 32

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Co-existence is a self-created norm
It is natural to have contradictions. The existence of opposing pairs is intrinsic to nature. Their coexistence is also intrinsic to nature, it is natural. Nobody laid this norm, it is self-created. No great man, sage or seer makes norms. He gives explanations for the norms. He uncovers the secrets embedded in the norms. Nobody can create norms for nature. Man can lay down the rules of conduct, rules for eating habits, but however powerful or wise he may be, he cannot create the rules of nature. Nature's norms are natural, distinguishing.
The rule of co-existence is also distinguishing. This dualistic world and the co-existence of opposites are nature's laws. Even the simultaneous presence of opposing beliefs, their co-existence is nature's law. The first ever explanation of this rule was done by anekanta. If Indian, as well as other philosophies of the world were to be ranked historically in order of their explanation of co-existence, anekanta would take the first place. The basis of anekanta itself was formed by the observation that the nature of matter itself is such that opposing forces reside within it. How, then can we look at matter from a single
Anekanta: The Third Eye