________________
not be reduced to intellectual categories. Sometimes, even paradoxical or selfcontradictory language is used to describe the mystery. However, Syadvad is an attempt to attain clarity in thought and language, and the Jainas solve the problem of contradictory predication through it.
The Language-Strata :
Like the Analysts, the Jainas have also talked of the 'Language-strata'. According to them, the reality can be viewed from different points of view. Hence, we have a language-strata consisting of seven kinds of language-games corresponding to the seven points of view of reality, viz.,
(1) Naigama Naya
(2) Riju sūtra Naya
(3) Vyavahāra Naya
(4) Samgraha Naya
(5) Sabda Naya
(6) Samabhirudha Naya
(7) Evamsambhūta Naya
We may, first, view the object in its essential or universal aspect and use the words like, "reality" "substance", "Unity", etc. These gain meaning from Naigama naya. Secondly, we may consider the object in its particular aspect and use the words like "atom", "sensation", etc. The words denoting the particular gain meaning from Riju Sutra naya. Although the objects are the combination of atoms, for example, a table is a collection of so many atoms, but in practical life, we do not view it in such a way. We describe it as a gross object. We do not say that we are sitting on a collection of atoms. Hence in the third sense, we use words to denote the objects which are so called from the practical standpoint. The words which are the 'logical constructions' out of the particulars gain meaning from Vyavahranaya. Fourthly, we may also talk of the collection of things and persons, like "society", "library" etc., These words gain meaning from saṁgraha naya. Apart from these, we may also talk about language, for we also use language to analyse language. This we deal with in sabda naya.
Further, the same object or person may appear in different roles in different contexts and may acquire different qualities. Hence there may be diffe rent words having different meaning but denoting the same object or person. For example, "Indra", "Shakra", "Purandra" represent three different characteristics but denote the same deity. These are granted meaning by Samabhi ruddha naya.
Mahaveer Jayanti Smarika 77
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
4-17
www.jainelibrary.org
