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VICE CHANCELLOR'S NOTE / 17
Meaning, “Whatever exists in the universe is in pair, as jiva-ajiva exist as a duo.” In this context the views of Acharya Mahapragya are worth mentioning:
"Jain philosophy acknowledges dualism. Accordingly, soul (consciousness) and body (matter)- Jiva and Ajiva-are two basic realities. Rest all are just different manifestations of these two fundamental entities. As the soul and body combine mutually in infinite probabilities to create the universe, Jain philosophy has adopted pluralistic approach, Anekant. In Mahapragya's opinion, no living being is free from the limitations of consciousness. Soul and matter are the two basic building blocks of the entire existence and from this view point, duality is a truth."
This realistic acceptance by Jain philosophy has opened the new doors for the mutual coordination of Jain Study and Modern Science.
The study of Jain Philosophy is not only limited to spiritualism and axioms but also comprises various aspects of life. Jain literatures contain within themselves vast knowledge of spiritualism, religion, conduct, real nature of things, rules for motion and steady-state, theories related to matter, energy, direction, time, meditation, emotions, health, black-holes, existence of souls etc. The validity of these subjects is in consonance with various branches of science like physics, biology, cosmogony, cosmology, psychology, atomic science, health science, social science etc. The comparative analyses of these branches, provides a new and very contemporary direction to both philosophy and science.
Before the onset of 20th century, the critical study of philosophical subjects remained confined to the then prevailing concepts only. Science was either very weak or was not available at all. But ever since science has proved its presence in various disciplines it has become an inevitable part of any philosophical discussions or writings. A few writers have undertaken the mammoth task of unearthing the science contained in the ancient studies. One such prominent writer, whose name outstands in establishing communication between the ancient contents of Jain Studies and modern science is, Acharya Mahapragya. He has given a new outlook to Jain Studies.
Acharya Mahapragya, while presenting his ideas on science, says, "Truth is singular. It is beyond beliefs and experiments. Many believe that science has harmed religion and has withdrawn people from it. Many priests echo the same thoughts. But, reality is otherwise. My definite belief is that science has given credibility to the ancient secrets of religious scriptures which were otherwise unexplainable as their original rationalizations were not available. With the help of scientific researches, philosophical postulates can be elaborated very authentically. The comparative study of the branches of philosophy and science is therefore quite desirable. In such a situation many new dimensions of philosophy can be brought to light.”
This wisdom of Acharya Mahapragya has found universal acceptance and has attracted number of contemporary thinkers, writers, literary people, social
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