________________ Introduction : The Concept of Paryaya (A singular Contribution of Jainism to World Philosophy) S. R. Bhatt The concept of dravya (substance) is the crux of the Jaina metaphysics. It stands for the totality of things. It is the locus of gunas (attributes) and paryayas (modifications). The gunas constitute the essential nature of dravya. A dravya possesses multiple gunas. Paryaya stands for the mode in which a dravya and its gunas appear. The most significant and singular contribution of the Jain School in the field of metaphysics is introducing the concept of Paryaya. Though the Reality has substantial and adjectival aspects, both substances and attributes exist in a particular form or mode at a particular place and time under particular conditions. This conditioned mode of existence of substance and attributes is known as Paryaya. The point is that substances and attributes are conceived to exist not in an absolute or isolated way but in relation to other reals. So this non absolutistic or relativistic view of Reality leads the Jain Thinkers to postulate Paryaya. This rich concept of Paryaya is a unique contribution which is highly valuable in the spheres of thought and action. It provides a strong base for relativism, perspectivalism and situationalism which are needed for pluralistic worldly life. It helps in avoiding the pitfalls of absolutism, dogmatism, obscurantism, ego-centricity and narrowness of all types. This type of understanding leads to mutual complementarities, mutual cooperation, mutual trust, coexistence and above all to ahimsa which is the highest truth. It provides foundation to Anekantavada as a theory of Reality and ahimsa (non-violence) as a way of life. It alone can ensure a participatory, conciliatory and democratic mode of life which is the aspiration of humankind. Thus, we find that the introduction of the concept of Paryaya brings about a tremendous modification in the Jain metaphysics, ethics, logic and epistemology, the like of
