Society Epistemology And Logic In Indian Tradition

Author(s): Dharmchand Jain
Publisher: Prakrit Bharati Academy

Page 40

Society, Epistemology and Logic in Indian Tradition
26
Thus, anekantavāda is the root of social behaviour. This point of view goes well with post-modernist perception of social welfare imbibing the principle of diversity and respecting its existence. In recent decades the western world has seen rise of authoritarian ideologies. Jainism with its emphasis on diversity in society provides apt answer to such authoritarian tendencies.
Language and Society
Language is a principal instrument for communication among the human beings and maintaining social relations. Jaina tīrthankaras delivered their sermons in the Ardhamāgadhī language," which was a language of common people at that time. Although every language has its social importance, a language of common people has crucial and sometimes central role to play in social transactions. The use of Ardhamāgadhī by Mahāvīra denotes the belief in proper communication in the maximum people of society.
Social Importance of the Anuvratas
Jaina code of conduct for laypersons mentions twelve vows, out of which five vows of partial renunciation (anuvrata) are very important for a good citizen of any country and for the avoidance of unnecessary conflicts in the society. The five aṇuvratas that are mentioned concern: the abstinence from killing a living being (prāṇātipāta-viramaṇa), abstinence from falsehood (mrṣāvāda-viramaņa), abstinence from stealing (adattādāna-viramana), satisfaction with own spouse only (svadāra or svapati-santoșa-parimāṇa), and limiting the
62
SS 34.22: bhagavam ca nam addhamāgahie bhāsāe dhammamāikkhai.