________________
Chapter 14 NAYAVĀDA
Doctrine of different Viewpoints
In the technical terminologies of Jain philosophy, the term Nayavāda holds an important place. Naya is the name of the vision of one side of absolute truth. The Jain scriptures speak of seven such Nayas right from the oldest days. The name of the first is * Naigama'
Origin of the word “Naigama' and its meaning
Evidently, the word · Naigama' comes from Nigama'. Coins show that such Nigamis were in existence in Vaisali. A particular cadre running a similar type of administration is designated as “Nigama.' There is a particular type of unison in it, aod all material dealings run as if they are one. With the same purport in view, the Jain tradition evolved the word Naigama and thereby suggested a perspective that is purely material in society and worldly dealings run only in it.
Other six Nayas, their basis and Explanation
After Naigama, six other partial thought-processes are laid down. They are Samgraha, Vyarahāra, Rjúsütra, Sabdo, Samabhirūdha and Evambhūta. Though all these six are related to philosophy, they are actually brought to their fruition and evolution on the basis of the then state and social organization and administration. Not only that, even the words • Sangraha',. Vyarahāra', etc., mentioned above, are taken from the use of language prevalent then, Several Ganas-groups together administer political and social crga. nization. This was a group or Samgraha and it was dominated by the vision of non-difference in difference, Same is the sense in the meaning of the philosopbical Samgraha-naya. Vyavahūra may be political or social, but it comes into being only through different
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
