Jain Journal 1973 10

Author(s): Jain Bhawan Publication
Publisher: Jain Bhawan Publication

Page 17

The Doctrine of Syadvada
S. C. DIWAKER
The philosophy of Syadvāda is a valuable contribution of Jainism to the world thought. This doctrine is also termed as Anekāntavāda. In fact, every substance consists of infinite attributes. The philosophy which deals with the consistent and complimentary description of these attributes is known as the doctrine of Syadvada or Anekantavāda.
The word Anekantavāda consists of three words; 'Aneka', 'Anta' and 'Vada'; 'Aneka' means many, ‘Anta' signifies attributes and 'Vāda' means description. Therefore, etymologically the whole word means the description of mani-fold attributes. In Syādvāda we have also the similar idea. It consists of the two words; 'Syat' and 'Vāda'. This 'Syat' suggests the existence of infinite attributes, although the expression asserts about a particular attribute. 'Syat' suggests that from a particular stand-point the truth reveals itself in a particular form. From other viewpoint the same substratum appears to possess other attributes. Thus Syadvāda deals with Truth having manifold aspects. With regard to the description of the substratum or its attributes, it deals with particular aspects, but does not deny the existence of other attributes or qualities. Therefore, this doctrine is known as the philosophy of nonabsolutism or relative pluralism. Dr. F. W. Thomas calls this as 'Quodammodo Doctrine'. (Academic, Verlag, Berlin).
In fact, in the world of philosophy this doctrine adopts the policy of 'co-existence'. As in Ahimsa we have the practice of 'live and let live' ideal, similarly, in the domain of philosophy the intellectual aspect of impartiality upholds the similar treatment of attributes. It treats and describes the attributes of a substratum in a friendly way. Syadvāda has not the outlook of a tyrant, who due to short-sighted motive, wants to destroy others and enjoy peace upon the pyre of other's happiness.