Anekantavada

Author(s): Harisatya Bhattacharya
Publisher: Atmanand Jain Sabha

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consideration of an object, predilections and prejudices disappear and one gets nearer to the Truth.
Truth of an object can never be attained, if an object having diverse Dharmas were viewed from one particular stand-point. A proposition about an object mainly states one of it's Dharmas and contains partial truth only. It is true so far that particular Dharma is concerned. But the same proposition is untrue if it is made with regard to another Dharma of the object or if made in utter disregard of the remaining Dharmas of the object. Therefore, to arrive at complete Truth regarding the object, the remaining Dharmas of the object have to be constantly kept in sight. The term Syāt serves this purpose. When annexed to a proposition it reminds one of the limitations inherent in the proposition. Therefore a proposition, having the term Syāt as part thereof or at its back-ground, is a correct one. An unqualified proposition is false in as much it ignores the remaining aspeots of the object. As complete truth about an object depends upon it's nature and not upon any opinion one may hold about it, it must be viewed from every conceivable angle.
7. It is here that the Doctrine of Nayavāda comes into play. By enabling one to view