Jaina Perspective in Philosophy and Religion

Author(s): Ramjee Singh
Publisher: Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi

Page 20

Jaina View of Life
double-edged in character-existent and non-existent. The predicate of inexpressibility stands for the unique synthesis of existence and non-existence and is therefore 'unspeakable' (avaktavya ). Thus three predicates-'existence', 'non-existence' and 'inexpressibility' make seven exhaustive and unique modes of expression of truth.
11
[ VI ]
(1) We are aware of various criticisms against Anekāntavada-Syadväda that they involve the fallacies of self-contradiction (Virodha ), Absence of Common Abodi (Vaiyadhikaranya ). Infinite-Regress (Anavastha), Confusion (Śanka), Exchange of Natures (Vyatikāra), Doubt (Samśaya), Non-apprehension (Apratipatti), Both sides (Ubhaya) etc. However, we do not want to go into details.
(2) We have considered the most formidable criticism that how far non-absolutism of Syadvada is not absolute but relative. However, it is wrong to confuse the Pragmatic and Pluralistic realistic attitude of Syadvada with either Pragmatism of James-Dewey either or with the objective relativism of the sophists or even with the relative absolutism of Whitehead or Bodis or with Einstenian relativity except in the most general attitude. Pyrroh's prefixing every judgement with a 'may be' must not be identical Jaina 'Syät'. The former degenerates into Agnosticism or Scepticism, the latter leaves no room for any such thing. Scepticism means in the minimum, absence of any assertion, whereas Syadvadins always assert, though what they assert are alternatives-each being valid in its own Universe of Discourse, which controls the interpretation of every word. This is the logic of Relatives.
(3) Perhaps on account of its catholicity of outlook Syadvada is branded as a form 'eclecticism' or a 'philosophy of compromise'. "Since an eclectic system is a loose piece of mosaic work, rather than an organised body of original thought, the term has come to be one of reproach." However, this is