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mathematics. So if one speaks of more than seven Bhangas, · there will either be duplication or assertion of propositions neither confirmed by mathematics nor by experience, if one speaks of less number of propositions, there will either be omission or suppression of the aspect of the real given to us either mathematically or experientially.
It may now be argued that since Jaina philosophy is known as Anekāntavāda (non-extremism and non-absolutism) does the seven fold prediction apply to Anekāntavāda itself ? The answer of the Jaina is in the affirmative. Syāt Anekāntavāda, Syāt Ekāntavāda and so one will be the seven propositions (Saptabhangas). Knowledge which takes into account the nature of the real as consisting of an infinite plurality of attributes is called pramāṇa and this is nonabsolutism, knowledge which takes into account one attribute without negating the other attributes present in the real is called, Nyāya and this is Ekāntavāda. In other words the Anekānta can not be substained without admitting Ekānta as its opposite, just as a tree can not he saved if the branches are taken out.
Of the many charges alleged against the doctrine of Syādyāda, the most fundamental is that of self-contradiction. In other words, the charge is that the Jaina doctrine flagrantly violates the law of non-contradiction which says that A can not be both A and B at the same time. Thus how can pen have the characteristics of both. existence and non-existence ? Before answering this objection, let us first discuss the attitude of the Jaina towards the law of non-contradiction propounded by formal logic: The conviction of the Jaina is that the law of noncontradiction is a priori and thus does not state any facts about reality. If it is asked what is the criterion of contradiction the reply of the Jaina would be that it is experience and not pure thought. It is by the former that the notion of contradiction should be decided. Two facts are contradictory, if they are not found to coexist in experience just as light and darkness, heat and cold, and the like. On the contrary, if experience confirms the coexistence of seemingly contradictory attributes in a thing
Jaina Mysticism and other essays
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