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SVASTI - Essays in Honour of Prof. Hampa Nagarajaiah
Duality
Understanding of Anekanta is incomplete until we discuss the duality of all the 'reals'. Mahāprajña has observed the duality of apparently contrary attributes in a substance and found that they enjoy mutual concomitance. Some of them are as follows.
1. Universal and Particular
2. Permanent and Impermanent
3. Existence and Non-existence
4. Speakable and Unspeakable
According to this principle no substance in this world is forever permanent or impermanent. Every substance has an intrinsic harmony between the permanence and transience. The existence of 'reality' is eternal, so it is permanent. But, 'reality' undergoes transformations shape, association, time, etc. - so it is impermanent also. Transition means the creation of 'new', cessation of 'old' and continuation of 'pure'. It is, therefore, evident that every substance is the integration of three characteristics, namely, origination, destruction and the eternity.
Applications
Mahāprajña has established the practical utility of the above principle which can be put to good use in resolving our every day conflicts of life. We shall present his thoughts concisely.
Democracy
Opposition is the backbone of any democratic setup. Leftists keep rightists under reign. Now-a-days, however, the opposition is more to pull down the ruling party, rather than for strengthening it. A supporting and balancing role of opposition will create a healthy environment for the entire country. The basis of democracy is very much similar to that of Jain spiritualism, which stresses on the simultaneous presence of dharmasti- and adharmasti-kāya. It is also similar to the practical life where accumulation and renunciation of wealth, both are equally important and necessary. It is why, of all forms of governance, democracy is considered the most effective and stable way, because it is based on the complementing structure of two opposites.
Destiny and Decisions
Modern society by and large follows two diagonally opposite doctrines. One section believes "Decisions and actions make destiny", while the other section believes "Whatever happens is predestined." Here, Mahāprajña urges us to apply the law of opposites. The moment we accept the coexistence of positive-negative pair, the whole conflict collapses. It is a matter of common experience that howsoever hard one works, the results may not be commensurate with the efforts. Contrarily, if one sits
