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INTRODUCTION
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some of the fundamental philosophical doctrines associated with Jaina Darsana. Let us take first the doctrine of Sat or Reality. The definition of Sat given in Jaina Metaphysics is that it is a permanent reality in the midst of change of appearance and disappearance Utpada vaya Dhrowya yuktam Sat This conception of reality is peculiar to Jainism. The only parallel that we can think of is the Hegelian conception of reality in Western thought. The teal existence is not merely the state of static and permanent existence An existing reality in order to maintain its permanent and continued existence must necessarily undergo change in the form of appearance and disappearance This may appear to be apparently a paradox But when we appreciate the significance of this description of reality, it may be found that it is the most accurate description of reality of the actual state of things Everywhere we find growth and development and this is manifest in the organic world Whether we look to the world of plants or of animals, the field of botany or biology, this description of reality is clearly borne out Let us confine ourselves to the life history of a plant It begins itself in the form of a seed. The seed which is planted in the soil must necessarily break the shell and sprout out That is the first step in its attempt to grow. If the seed remains as a seed without this change there will be no growth and no plant, the seed will be condemned as a lifeless one. Hence it is necessary that it should change its own form and assume a new form which is the necessary stepping stone for the growth of the plant. This sprouting seed must further undergo change and some portion of it must come out seeking the sunlight and another portion of it must go down into the earth in order to obtain nourishment from the soil. That portion of the sprouting which goes down into the soil will undergo enormous changes into the root system, all engaged in acquiring nourishment for the mother plant. Similarly the portion that shoots up into the air and sunlight will undergo enormous change, of sprouting out in tendrills and leaves finally resulting in branches and stem of the plant all engaged in the task of procuring nourishment with the help of sunlight, from among the chemicals available in the atmosphere, such as carbondioxide. At every
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