________________
The first avayava (standpoint) means that X exists from the viewpoint of its own nature'. X exists as X. The second means that X does not exist from the viewpoint of 'foreign nature'. X does not exist as other than X. The third predicates of X, both existence and non-existence in succession. This avayava is a compound of the first and the second. It is not simple and primary. The fourth means that both existence and non-existence cannot be predicated of X simultaneously, due to that the limitation of language. But it does not mean that they are not present in X simultaneously. The fifth is a compound one combining the first and the fourth, the sixth is a compound one combining the second and the fourth, and the seventh is a compound one combining the first, the second and the fourth. These seven avayavas exhaust all the mathematical possibilities with regard to one character. .
The expression 'certainly' (eva) in the above propositions indicates the definite character of the assertion or the negation or indescribability or their possible combinations. Sometimes it is suggested that the expression 'also' (api) should be substituted for the intended attributes (existence, non-existence, etc.) would not be definitely determined. In the absence of relativism indicated by the phrase 'in some respect' (syāt), the use of the expression 'eva' (certainly) would confer an absolutistic import on the propositions. But by the use of the word 'syāt' (in some respect) indicative of relativism, the expression 'certainly' (eva) loses the absolutistic import and confirms definiteness on the intended attributed predicate in the propositions. For this reason, Ācārya Samantabhadra says that the word 'syāt' is a symbol of truth. And therefore, the Jain Ācāryā-s say that in some cases of predications, even if the term, the 'syāt' is not used, it is to be considered as implicit in the predication.”
Saptabhangi Tarangini of Vimaldas, op.cit., p. 21. 2 Syātkāraḥ satyalakshanaḥ. "Laghiyastraya of Akalamka. Ed. Kailashchandra Shastri. Varanasi: Shri
Ganesh Varni Dig. Jaina Sansthan, 2002, śloka-22.
