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138
Jaina-Tarka-Bhāṣā
the fact that opposite qualities can be attributed to one object from different angles. From this evolved the four-fold statement of existence, non-existence, existence, and non-existence both, and inexplicability. The Jaina scriptures also show sometimes this four-fold statement (e.g. Bhagavatisutra, 1.1.17). These very four-fold statements were later on evolved into seven-fold statements by permutation and combination. The Buddhists (Samyutta Nikaya, XL. IV.) and the agnosticists led by Samjayavelaṭṭhiputta (Dighanikaya, Sāmāññaphalasutta) have also shown some tendency for four-fold statement and yet their attitudes differ from those of the Jainas inasmuch as the Jainas accept the validity of every statement from a particular point of view, whereas the Buddhists preferred to keep silence about the validity of any of the statements and the agnosticists also proclaimed their ignorance about the validity or otherwise of the statements. Thus the peculiarity about the theory of their seven-fold statement is the theory of partial point of view (nayavada) which Yasovijaya has explained separately in the second chapter of the Text.
P.19. L.18-20. Though an object is possessed of infinite attributes, yet the seven-fold statement is to be made with reference to one attribute only. The seven-fold statement is the permutation and combination of affirmation and negation, separately and simultaneously. Aṣṭasahasri (p. 125) explains it thus:
(1) Affirmation, (2) negation (3) affirmation and negation separately, (4) affirmation and negation simultaneously (5) affirmation and simultaneous affirmation and negation, (6) negation and simultaneous affirmation and negation, and (7) separately and simultaneously affirmation and negation. Here there is some difference regarding the order of the third and the fourth statement. The order, which is given here, is generally followed by the Jaina logicians, though ViBhā (2232) changes the order, Compare Jaina Nyaya (pp. 318-319).
P. 20. L. 7-10. Akalanka (Tattvärthavärttika, p.252), was the first Jaina logician to notice the distinction between the full and the partial seven-fold statement. There seems to be some difference of opinion regarding the nature of full
