Jain Journal 1980 07

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

Page 37

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JAIN JOURNAL
As a matter of fact, the doctrine of 'naya' is of far reaching importance in the history of Indian logic. It is unfortunate that Jainas might not have fully followed the spirit of this doctrine in the realm of ontology and religion but that is not the fault of this doctrine. This is not only the sign of broadness and catholicity of Jainas' outlook. But this also shows that during that ancient time they made significant attempts towards precision and clarity so far judgements are concerned. This shows their analytic approach as well. In their own way, they made significant attempts in the direction of linguistic analysis and logical analysis. Prof. N. V. Banerjee has rightly remarked thus : "....the Syādvāda and the doctrine of seven fold judgement, despite the objections that have been raised against them by the rivals of Jainism, are of outstanding logical significance, opening up a vista as they do to the reorientation of the outlook on the logic of propositions."'15
Concludingly, we may observe that the doctrine of naya, specially syādvāda and the doctrine of seven fold judgement, and also of sabdanayas is immensely important and useful not only historically but also from the present point of view of analysis.
15
The Spirit of Indian Philosophy, p. 188, by N. V. Banerjee (Arnold-Heinemann Publishers, New Delhi, 1974.)