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A SOURCE-BOOK IN JAINA PHILOSOPHY
consistency in their approach to philosophical problems. Jainism, realistic in its approach and empiricist in its methodology. The distinction between the syetāmbara and digambara tradition have shown certain differences which are only superficial pertaining primarily to religious practices. The fundamentals of Jaina philosophy have been accepted by both traditions. For instance, there is unanimity of thought in their acceptance of the doctrines like six substances (saddravya), nine categories (nava padārtha) and seven tattvas (principles) and pañcāstikāya (five dimentional substances).
This unanimity and consistency in the Jaina tradition has been possible due to the fundamental outlook of the Jainas expressed in the nayavāda and syādvāda. The nayavāda gives scope for catholicity of outlook. It asserts that others may also be right and the rightness of each point of view is partial and it adds to the comprehensive picture of reality. In this sense, the Jainas have been tolerant in accepting the various points of view in order to present a coherent picture of reality. The nayavāda and syādvāda express the spi it of tolerance. They symboli e intellectual non-violence.
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