ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 106

knowledge of reality. It is an anti-dogmatic approach respecting diverse points of view. Thus, from basic attitude to systematic thought and from thought to its logical verbal expression incorporating essential relativism, anekānta is the foundational principle of Jaina philosophy and logic.
It needs to be clarified that syādvāda or seven-fold judgments are not figments of imagination; they are only expressions of many-faceted reality for its fullest comprehension. It should also be noted that syādvāda should not be seen as a theory of doubt or that the term 'syat' means 'maybe' or 'perhaps' which would amount to a form of skepticism. A comprehensive description of varied nature of objects is not an expression of doubt or skepticism. Rather, it underscores a number or responsibilities for understanding reality.
In modern social context there cannot be a better interpretation of anekānta than secularism. It is a modern social philosophical definition of anekānta. Secularism is generally characterized by (i) decline of religious belief, (ii) separation of church and state, and, (iii) respect for all religions. It is this last meaning which is most relevant in the Indian context. A secular protects all religions equally and favors none at the expense of others. The state recognizes equal rights and privileges and duties as belonging to all citizens irrespective of their religion or caste. It does not mean indifference to religion nor does it mean opposition to religion. It only means that state as such does not identify itself with any particular religion and not only tolerates but appreciates every religion. Under no circumstance does it mean rejection of relevance of religion or that it eulogizes irreligion. In simplest terms it means 'equal respect for all religions'. It does not mean abandoning spirituality form the life of people or even from the affairs of the state. It should only mean elimination of religion-based conflicts and confrontations that destroy the social fabric of our society and exhaustion of energies of nation. The talk of separation of religion from politics should be read as separation of communalism from politics. True religion is a part of life which is nothing but universal values. Jawaharlal Nehru once said that the use of word 'secular' to describe Indian State was perhaps not a very happy one and that it was used for want of a better word'. However, insofar as it conveys the meaning it is intended to convey it should be fine. When we look at the modern urban society, an example of cultural pluralism, which characterizes a life style of "anonymity, mobility, pularism, pragmatism and even profanity,"
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