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Multi-dimensional Application of Anekāntavāda
(4)
(5)
in the fact that while the former describes things in respect of their general properties, the latter only concerns itself with their particular attributes. Rjusūtra (literally the straight, hence the immediate) studies things as they exist in the present, and without regard to their past and future aspects. Śabda (literally the verbal, hence the point of view of a grammarian) pays exclusive attention to number, gender, tense, etc., of the words employed. Sambhirūdha is the standpoint of an etymologist who distinguishes between synonymous words on etymological grounds. Evaṁbhūta, literally such like, hence the point of view which describes things by words expressing their special functions, e.g., to call a man a devotee because of his being engaged in devotion.
Philosophy, which aims at the perfection of knowledge, however, cannot afford to follow the conventions of men designed to expedite their intercourse with their fellow beings, and must get hold of the actual truth by combining the results of investigation made from different point of view. A thorough insight into the philosophy of standpoints is also necessary to estimate the true value of the statements of our predecessors in the field of metaphysical research. Mankind would find that almost all the confusion of thought, and we might also say the animosity existing between the followers of different religions, would cease to exist as soon as they would test the scriptural text which most of us blindly adhere to with the aid of the touchstone of nayavāda (the philosophy of stand-points). If they would only insert the word “somehow' before any scriptural or prophetic statement, they would find their minds becoming trained in the right direction to enquire into the stand-point of the prophet who made any particular statement. The word ‘somehow would show that the statement was made from a particular point of view, and would at once direct the mind to find out what that stand-point is. It would also enable us to reconcile many a
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