________________
Jaina Logic & Epistemology
115
contexts are limited to the dialectical process and are ultimately to be reconciled by a higher unity. This we find in the third synthetic predication.
(ii) Syad Asti Nasti is a synthesis of affirmation and negation in a different context. It is not a mere sum of the first two predicates but an organic synthesis. For instance, a garland of flowers may be said to be flowers, as it contains flowers, and also not merely flowers at the same time, as there is a complex relation between the flowers in a particular arrangement.
(iv) Syad Avaktavyam is a new predication. It is possible that the real nature of the thing is beyond predication, or expression in the form of words. In metaphysical speculations, the "unknowable' of Herbet spencer may be likened to predication of this type. “The given indefinite' - 'the unspeakable' or avaktayya, as it has been called, as distinct from the definite existence, presents something other than consecutive togetherness; it implies saharpana or co-presentation, which amounts to non-distinction or indeterminate distinction of being and negation. 22
For instance in the case of a jar it exists in the Svadravya, Svakşetra, Syakala and Svarūpa : does not exist in the Paradravya, Parakşetra, Parakala and Pararūpa : yet its real nature is indescribable. The common man describes water as liquid which he drinks ; the chemist says it is H20, while Physicist may describe it in terms of electrons and protons. But still from a higher point of view we may just say its nature is indescribable.
Dr. Padmarajaiah discusses the four stages through which the concept or 'inexpressible' has developed : i) The naive negative attitude in the Rgveda as expressed in the song of creation (Book V, 129) ii) A positive attitude as expressed in 'sadasadvarenyaṁ', in the Mundaka Upanişad. It conceives with being and non-being as inherent in reality, owing to the positive character, this tendency has been discussed as the ubhaya phase of the concept. iii) The third phase is the logically sophisticated phase of the 'negative tendency' as shown in the expression like sa eşa neti neti (Br. Up. IV 5-15). In this phase here is the clear awareness of the inexpressible nature of the ultimate as efforts to express the reality would be
Jain Education International
For Private & Personal Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
