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ANEKANTA-VADA
PART III : 23
Rama was king of Ayodhya. Rama was father of Lava-Kusha. Rama Was son of Dashratha. Rama was husband of Sita. Rama was brother of Laxman.
Each of the above statements is correct from its own point of view, but when all are combined, they give a comprehensive know. ledge about Rama.
This method of expression and understanding helps in resolving dogmatic approach of absolute view-points. It supplies the philosopher with catholicity of thought, convincing him that truth is not anybody's monopoly. It also furnishes the spiritual aspirant with the virtue of intellectual toleration, which is a part of Ahimsa, one of the basic tenets of Jainism.
Jainism has a systematic classification of knowledge. It divides the philosophical stand-point into two main heads-The Nischava and Vyavahara. Of these two, the former deals with the essential nature of things which remain unchanged while the latter takes into account only the popular point of utility and conditions or forms. The statement “ This is a jar of clay” is an illustration of the Nischaya Naya while “ This is a jar of butter" is true only from the Vyavahara Naya or the practical point of view.
Syadvada, when applied in Jain-logic to interpret the nature of things is known as sapta-bhangi as follows:
1. Syat Asti 2. Syat Nasti 3. Syat Asti-Nasti 4. Syat Avaktavyam 5. Syat Asti Avaktavyam 6. Syat Nasti Avaktavyam 7. Syat Asti Nasti-Avaktavyam.
In order to reach the essence of Anekanta-vada, the aspirant will have to accept for its true interpretation, the help of a great spiritual master-the true preceptor who has attained its essence by genuine rightousness in thought, word and deed.
May Anekanta-Vada enlighten our march to divinity !
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