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JAIN PHILOSOPHY OF REALITY.... : 65
is given in experience, and consequently advocates change to be as much ontologically real as permanence. Both are separable but only in logical thought. Being implies becoming and vice versa. Inconsistent as it may appear at the inception, there is no doubt that experience enforces it and logic confirms it. Mahāvīra adhered to the common experience and found no contradiction between permanence and change and advocated doctrine free from all absolutism.
Jain Concept of Reality Jain philosophy has an important place in the domain of Indian philosophies. The concept of reality occupies a foremost place in Jain metaphysics. It is reality which acts as a foundational stone in explaining the basic concepts of Jain ethics- Jain theory of karma, Jain epistemology and Jain theory of anekānta. The essence of threefold nature of reality, i.e., utpāda, vyaya and dhrauvya will be dealt within brief and its contribution to the world of philosophy and the world of affairs. In my view, the concept of reality is very peculiar and unique in Jain philosophy. Now, let us see what actually Jain reality is.
Definition of Sat In Jain philosophy, the doctrine of (sat) Reality is different from the rest of the other systems of philosophies. The definition of Reality as given by Umāsvāti (3rd cent. A.D.) is
utpāda-vyaya-dhrauvya-yuktar- sat. Existence is characterized by origination, destruction and permanence. This conception of reality'is peculiar to Jainism. An existing reality in order to maintain its. permanent and continued existence must necessarily undergo change in the form of origination and destruction. It seems to us a paradox at the beginning. But a closer analysis and minute observation will help us to appreciate the significance of this
