Bhagvana Mahavira

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

Page 62

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Bhagavan Mahavira
mula of the theory of anekanta in the form of this triadbecoming, i.e., coming into existence, non-becoming, i.e., ceasing to exist, and being, i.e., subsisting.
Thus he imparted to him the essence of his philosophy.
The eternalists held that reality is eternal, while the noneternalists believed it to be transitory. Bhagavan Maḥāvīra did not agree with either. According to him, there is nothing either absolutely eternal or absolutely transitory. He professed that the reality is a synthesis of eternity and transitoriness. Reality is transitory because it is possessed of becoming and non-becoming. But it is eternal because by its very nature, it is subsistent. The reality is a synthesis of becoming, nonbecoming and being. Whatever is real must be possessed of becoming, non-becoming and being. 'Being' bereft of 'becoming', and 'non-becoming' as well as 'becoming' and 'nonbecoming' bereft of 'being' are absurdities.
In this discourse, Bhagavan Mahāvīra enlightened Gautama to comprehend the reality in the right perspective. This enlightenment enabled Gautama to perceive the reality.
Gautama imbibed the doctrine of anekanta on the basis of which he compiled Bhagavan Mahāvīra's teachings in the twelve angas (canons). The following are the twelve angas and their subjects:
1. Acäränga
2. Sūtrakṛtānga
3. Sthänänga
4. Samavāyānga
5. Bhagavati
6. Jñätädharmakathā
Monasticism and spiritual discip
line. Monasticism and spiritual discip
line.
It expounds the above subjects in numerical sets of one to ten.
It discusses in a numerical system the above subjects.
Ontology and Philosophy. Parables.