Nandanvana

Author(s): N L Jain
Publisher: Parshwanath Vidyapith

Page 55

Theory of Relativity and Relativism : (35)
as is connoted by Anekāntavāda, thus advising scientists to go beyond science for learning completely about reality.
The relatively theory consists of combination of two laws: (a) law of equivalence and covariance and (ii) law of maximalness and constancy of velocity of light. Table 3 gives comparative details about the concepts and statements of the relativity theory and various Jaina postulates as understood by this author. It is seen that while the Jainas agree to the law of equivalence for uniform systems and, therefore, concept of relative aspects giving it a philosophical and, logistic support, they might not be in a position to agree to the maximalness and constancy of velocity of light on canonical grounds on which the relativity theory is based. Moreover, the constancy of light has also been suggested to be violated in case of many paranormal phenomena and Hubble-Narlikar theory. However, the velocity of light is a physically measurable phenomena and non-agreement with it leads to many other variances of Jainas on physical issues based on it as shown in the table.
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In fact, this Einstein combination of two laws has led not only to explain the above phenomena, but also have forced the scientific community to modify their ideas regarding absolute truth or reality, space, time, matter, simultaneity and gravitation. These have all been turned into relative phenomena in the world. This has led to abandon the ether and gravitational field concept, which was equated, with the Jaina concept of medium of motion and rest as the theory could explain all the phenomena even without them. Moreover, normal 3-d space has been extended to 4-d space-time continuum having a nontraditional geometry reducing the concept of time as an independent reality into it becoming an inseparable part of space. These modified views have not only been derived mathematically but verified experimentally too.
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Anekāntavāda or Jaina Relativism
Anekāntavāda is one of the most fundamental philosophical principles of Jainology in tune with their habit of aspect wise studies in terms of different types of disquisition doors (positings, standpoints, instruments of cognitions etc) and in tradition of a precanonical scripture named 'Asti-nästi-pravāda'- now extant." Its
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