ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 02

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

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They look at an explanation that is free of fallacy of partial view of reality as any generalization about reality on the basis of single characteristic suffers from the flaw of mono-polar view of reality or its not being active/ transformation. It is therefore based on the doctrine of multiplicity of viewpoints (Anekāntavāda). Hence the reality should be viewed both from permanence viewpoint (substance) as well as momentary (mode) viewpoint also. It therefore considers both permanence as well as change as real. So they consider reality as permanence with change.
1.3 Nature of Reality in Jainism The nature and characteristics of reality (sat) are given by the three Sūtras from TattvārthaSūtra by Jainācārya Umāsvāti. This means that substance (dravya) is the indicator or representation of reality, sat is with origination, destruction and permanence simultaneously and substance is with modes and attributes. These will be discussed further in section 2.1 while discussing the characteristics of substance later on. Basically Jains talk of duality of existence / reality namely: Living beings (jīva) and Non-living beings (ajīva).
2.0 Need to know the nature and form of substance/dravya. As per Jain philosophy, this cosmos (loka) is another name of an amalgam of infinite substances. Therefore to know this cosmos, it is essential that we understand properly the
ncept and nature of substance (dravya). Without knowing the nature of substance, we cannot understand the characteristics of any entity properly / correctly. As the cosmos is said to be an amalgam of infinite substances, knowledge of the nature of substance will help us understand the entire process of origination, destruction and changes taking place in the cosmos better. One of the Jain ācāryas has gone to the extent of saying the foundation of all worldly or spiritual knowledge is the knowledge of the dravya itself.3
Ācārya Nemicandra Siddhāntadeva referred to earlier, says that the main reason of our worshipping the Jain ford-makers is that they gave us the true description of the substances like jīva (living beings) and ajīva (non living beings.2
Sat dravyalaksanam: Utpada-vyaya-dhrauvyayuktam sat; Gunaparyayavad dravyam/ Tattvārtha-sútra, Sūtras V.29, 30, 38: 2 Jivamajīvam davvam jinavaravaşahena jena niddittham, Devimdavimdavamdam vamde tam savadā sirsā / Dravya sargraha by Nemicandra Siddhāntadeva Verse 1. 3 Anena dhiman vyavaharamārga buddhvă punarbodhati suddhamärgama/Niyamasāra by Kundakunda, verse 52
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0