Jainism and Mahavira

Author(s): Bhagchandra Jain Bhaskar
Publisher: Digambar Jain Sahitya Sanskriti Sanskaran Samiti

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Productivity and destructivity constitute the synamic aspect of an entity and permanence is its enduring factor.
Nayavada (the theory of partial truth) is an integral part of the conception of Anekantavada, which is essential to conceive the sole nature of reality. It provides the scope for acceptance of different viewpoints on the basis that each reveals a partial truth about an object. It is, as a matter of fact, a way of approach and observation which is an imperative necessity to understand of one's different interests and inclinations in different lights on the basis that there could be a valid truth in each of them, and therefore requires their proper value and impartial estimation. Naya investigates analytically a particular standpoint of the problem in all respects in the context of the entire reality. But if anything is treated as the complete truth, it is not Naya, but Durnaya or Nayabhasa or Kunaya. For instance, "It is" is Naya, and “It is and is only" is Durnaya, while “It is relatively (Syat)" is an example of Syadvada.
Syadvada investigates them into a constant and comprehansive synthesis. The prefix "Syat" in the Syadvada represents the existence of these characteristics which, though not perceived at the moment, are present in reality. The word "Syat" is an indeclinable and stands for multiplicity or multiple character (Anekanta). It reveals certainly regarding any problem and not merely the possibility or probability. It is unique contribution of Jainism to Indian philosophy. There is a word Kathancit in Sanskrit literature which is used as a substitute for “Syat" by Jains as well as non-Jaina philosophers. In English it may be translated with the word "relatively".
Syadvada is connected with relative expression about the nature of reality. It makes an effort to respect other doctrines by warning us against allowing the use of "eva" or "only" to proceed beyond its prescribed limits and penetrates the truth patiently and non-violently. It is an humble attitude of tolerance and justice and to pay respect for other's views. This view can be understood by Saptabhangi or the theory of seven-fold prediction, which is a method of cognition to comprehend the correct nature of reality through a sevenfold relative dialectic method. It is treated as complementary to the Syadvada doctrine. Akalanka thinks of it as a way which considers reality in a positive (Vidhimukhena) and a negative (Nisedhamukhena) manner without incompatibility in a certain context. There is no violation of the Law of Contradiction
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