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Q35. What is Nayavad, Syadvad, Anekantvad, and Saptabhangi? Discuss their importance. A35. Syadvad and Anekantvad are the greatest contributions which the Jain thinkers have made to the world of thought. This contribution is analytical as well as synthetic.
Its method of analysis is supplied by Nayavad, "Naya" means aspect. Nayavad says that Truth or Reality is very complex and has many aspects all of which cannot be seen or judged by us. Moreover, we, who see it and try to judge it, have limited knowledge, have our own individual prejudices and predilections. Thus on one hand the object to be judged has various aspects, on the other hand the person who tries to judge that object has limited knowledge and understanding which may also be influenced by prejudices. If this is so, how can we expect a correct and comprehensive view or judgement of the object? The judgement which we can get under such circumstances would always be partial and one sided, says Nayavad.
Then what is the remedy for judging a thing? The answer is provided by the theory of Syadvad. Syadvad tries to harmonize all the different aspects from which reality or the truth can be seen, and gives right place to each aspect for getting the total view of the object. If a particular aspect is put, Syadvad says yes, it may be true from one point of view just as some other aspect would also be true from other point of view. The word “Syat” in Sanskrit means perhaps or possible. The Jains have used this word not to express any doubt but to emphasize a possibility. Here it should be noted that every proposition has three possibilities, namely, 1. It is true, 2. It is not true, and 3. It is such that we cannot assert whather it is true or it is not true. So, when a proposition is made, Syadvad would say, “Syad Asti”, “Syad Nasti" or “Syad Avktavyam” which means that the proposition may be true', may not be true', or 'may be such that nothing positive can be asserted'. Thus for every proposition these three notions are required to be considered. Syadvad asks us to consider not only these three basic aspects but also four other aspects which are mere permutations and combinations of the above three aspects. These four are : 1. Syad Asti-Nasti, 2. Syad AstiAvktavyam, 3: Syad Nasti-Avktayam, 4. Syad Asti-Nasti-Avktavyam. The total of seven are known as Saptabhangi (seven aspects). If a thing is looked from these seven aspects you are likely to go near the truth.
Proper synthesis of all different aspects is made by Anekantvad. “Aneka" means many fold and “anta" means end. Anekant gives practical shape to Syadvad and says that different views are possible, do
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