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CHAPTER-VIII
429
Further, where whatever particular meaning is described, there, the prominence is of that particular meaning only. If someone gives prominence to its second aspect (meaning) then both aspects (meanings) of the preachings will not be grasped firmly; hence, in the preaching, one should emphasise firmly one aspect (meaning) but the emblem of whole of the Jain scripture is Syadvada- and the meaning of the word Syad is Kathanchit i.e., partially true from a particular point of view. Therefore, whatever sermon is received, it should not be taken to be the whole truth. After knowing the sense of preaching, one should ponder over as to how is this sermon? What is its purpose? and to which Jiva it is useful? With such deliberation, one should accept its true meaning. Afterwards, one should analyse his present state. In the manner in which the sermon seems to be useful to oneself, one should accept it in the same form and if sermon is worth knowing only, then he should know correctly. In this way, one should get benefitted from the preachings.
Question: What should a person with ordinary intelligence, who is not able to ponder so much, do?
Answer: For example, a businessman should engage himself in smaller or greater measure in that business which he understands according to his wisdom, but he must necessarily possess the knowledge of profit and loss. Similarly, a judicious person should accept that sermon in smaller or greater measure which he understands according to his wisdom, but one must have such knowledge as to what is beneficial to him and what is not beneficial to him. The real purpose is to mitigate attachment, etc. by attaining true belief and knowledge. Therefore, one should accept the purpose of that preaching only which fulfills his such purpose. Even if he does not possess detailed knowledge, he should at least not forget his purpose. So, much caution is extremely necessary. It is not desirable to understand the meaning of the preachings in such a form which may hurt the self-benefaction.
In this way, studying the Jain Shastras with the outlook of Syadvada, the benefaction of the self takes place.
Question: Where different-different viewpoints be possible, there the use of Syadvada is justified but what should one do when
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