________________
Multi-dimentional Reflections on Anekantavāda
39
are essential to find out valuable substance. The discriminative power is the only safeguard for lite quality. Tranquillity and blissful state are not possible to achieve without contemplation. Discovery is made by making many trials and experiments. New insight is not possible without discriminative power. Change and transformation in life is possible only when new insight develops through discriminative power. 15. Art of Contemplation Tatt värtha-bodha or Rational Thinking
What is the meaning of 'Tattvārtha'?
Tattva means object, element or concept. Sometimes it is described as ethical categories also. All elements or objects exist in the universe, and therefore, Tattvārthameans study of the universe. Similarly, as all objects belong to the nature, thus Tattvärtha is study of the law of nature.
Tattvärtha is also interpretation of objects or concepts. Tattvārtha is inquiry into what an object or a concept consists of? It means study of specification, properties, qualities, virtues of object. These qualities or features are termed as “Guņa'. Tati vārtha, in this sense means inquiries and analysis of Guņa or quality of object or reality. Hence, Tattvārtha means study of inherent behaviour pattern of object or reality. To know the real nature of Reality or Tattvärtha in true sense, Right Knowledge (Samyak-jñāna) is necessary. Knowledge in its simple form may not be effective. To make knowledge effective, it needs to be converted into skill. It means application or implementation of what has been learnt. It is art of operating, executing or managing. Education or knowledge without skill of management is not result-oriented. Management, therefore, means technique or know-how to put knowledge into use. It is practical and pragmatic approach of knowledge. This process of application, execution and management of life-style or behaviour are termed as 'Caritra’ Jñāna, Darśana and Caritra are the fundamental and most important pillars of Jain Philosophy.
In ancient period, knowledge was gathered mainly through thinking, imagining, speculating, inquiring and predicting without much verification of data or laboratory tests. In this sense, Tattvārtha means study of philosophy or speculation.
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org