Jainism

Author(s): M R Gelra
Publisher: Createspace

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In an obvious conflict, there exists definite co-ordination and in cases of harmony exists apparent conflicts. This is the very basis of co-existent evolution.
5. Duality
The duality of apparently contrary attributes in substance found that they enjoy mutual concomitance. Some of them are as follows:
Universal and Particular
Permanent and Impermanent
Existence and Non-existence
Speakable and Unspeakable.
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These axioms of Anekantvad help us in understanding the philosophy of Jainism. Let us discuss one of the above axioms, Permanent and Impermanent, as an example:
According to this principle, no substance in this world is forever permanent or impermanent. Every substance has an intrinsic harmony between the permanent and impermanent. The existence of reality is eternal and so it is permanent but is not without transformation and transformation is not without the eternal. That is why it is permanent. It emerges into one form and changes into another after a certain period of time. Therefore, every substance is the integration of three characteristics, namely origination, destruction and the eternal. The origin of behavior patterns which we observe is traceable to Anekant. In its absence, the modes and patterns of life remain dysfunctional. Without exaggeration, Anekant is indispensable to understand the smallest aspects of our life.
By logical extension so long as the perspective is in the form of an idea, it is Anekant and when the perspective wears the dress of speech it becomes Syadvad, and when it assumes the form of conduct, it becomes non-violence.
6. Comments
Hermann Jacobi, a German Indologist has pointed out that the theory of Anekant opens the floodgates to the comprehension of reality not only in toto but also in different aspects.
Another German Indologist, Professor Aldorsof, said there is no exaggeration if it is said that most of the original Jain contributions to the Indian Scholarship were made in the field of methodology.
The Indian Jainogist Dr. A.N. Upadhyaya said "the approach to reality as adopted by Anekantvad strikes an original note in the history of Indian logic".
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