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3.2.4 Anekāntic Dialogues in Jaina Canonical Literature
The Jaina philosopher has shown being and non-being as simultaneously true nature of a Reality and hence we cannot agree to the law of contradiction. Absolute being and absolute non-being are certainly exclusive of each other. But this is not the case with the concrete being which alone is real according to Jaina Philosopher. The field of application of the law of contradiction, therefore, should be ascertained by the observation of concrete cases in the real world. Nathmal Tatia says, "Our experience is thus the sole determinant of contradiction and no abstract logical formulas can give an insight into the nature of the concrete things of the world.Contradiction or opposition, infact arises when there is mere conjunction and no real synthesis but the Jain doctrine of anekānta, emphasizes on the opposites which occur without mutual separation and not contrary to it. Anekāntavāda as a doctrine, may find its germs here in the question and answer of the master and the disciple."
The understanding of truth has been man's eternal quest. What is truth? What is Reality? What is its nature, this question is asked by Gautama to tīrthankara Mahāvīra. 1. Gautama : What is truth?
Mahāvīra : To be created is the essence, creation (utpāda) is the truth.
He began to analyze this statement. If, to be created were the truth, then creation would go on endlessly. The population wouid multiply to such an extent that there would not be even space for living beings and one would get mixed with other beings due to lack of space. Substances would merge into other substances and there would be no space for any new creation. Then there would be a problem. Having thus not
Mahāprajña, Ācārya. Anekānta: The Third Eye. op.cit., pp. 2-3.
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