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INTRODUCTION
doctrines that have resulted from this doctrine of Anekānta. An analysis of Jñāna and Darsana in their relation to Anekānta would also not be out of place here. Similarly, a brief exposition of this doctrine and illustrations of Ekānta and Anekānta may also be discussed at the proper place. Finally the soundness of Anekänta Vāda and the defects of Ekānta Vāda may also be discussed here.
(a) Anekānta-vada • Its Features and Definition : To examine a thing from every possible point of view, to have a frame of mind favourable for such examination and to try to examine in this manner, is what is called the Anekānta Vāda.
Historical Development: This doctrine of Anekanta was not the sole monopoly of the Jaina religion. It cannot be said that this doctrine does not exist in ancient Indian literature before Lord Mahả vīra. But looking to the ancient Jaina scriptures and compairing the Jaina scriptures on one hand and the ancient and contemporary philosophical literature on the other, one is convinced that the systematic exposition of this doctrine is found only in the Jaina scriptures that embody the preaching of Lord Mahāvīra. In the Anga works of the Jaina this doctrine of Anekānta and several other doctrines incidentally have been discussed no doubt, but in a very brief manner, with very few details and still fewer illustrations. But in the commentaries on the Jaina scriptures written in Prākšta (such as
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