Anekant Syadwad - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anekant Syadwad" by Chandulal Shakarchand Shah, based on the provided pages. The summary is structured to cover the key aspects of the book, its author, and its philosophical underpinnings.

Book Title: Anekant Syadwad (Meaning: Non-one-sidedness and Syadwad) Author: Late Shri Chandulal Shakarchand Shah ("Shree Chandra") Publisher: Babubhai Kadiwala Charitable Trust

Overview:

The book "Anekant Syadwad" is a profound exploration of core Jain philosophical concepts, primarily Anekantavada (the doctrine of manifold aspects or non-one-sidedness) and Syadvaada (the doctrine of conditional predication or the doctrine of maybes). The author, Chandulal Shakarchand Shah, aims to present these complex ideas in an accessible and engaging manner, often through dialogues and relatable examples, to a broad audience, including both Jains and non-Jains. The book emphasizes that truth has multiple facets and that understanding reality requires considering these various perspectives.

Author's Background (as detailed in the Preface and Publisher's Note):

Life and Times: Chandulal Shakarchand Shah (1907-1962) was a prominent Gujarati writer, journalist, and social activist. He was born in Vahalal village near Ahmedabad.
Early Life and Education: He received his initial education in Ahmedabad and was a bright and sharp student.
Social and Political Involvement: Shah was deeply patriotic and involved in India's freedom struggle. He joined the "Majdoor Mahajan" (Labor Union) in 1928 and participated in Mahatma Gandhi's Dandi March and Satyagraha in 1930. He served as the director of the Saurashtra Committee and was imprisoned from 1930-1932, during which he lost significant weight.
Journalistic Career: After his release, he joined the Bombay Janmabhoomi Trust in 1932 as a journalist, writer, and reporter. He covered important events and figures, including the tour of Panchmahal district by the late Bhulabhai Desai in 1936. He also contributed to publications like Free Press Journal and Jaybharat.
International Experiences: Shah traveled extensively, visiting Rangoon, Singapore, Penang, America (1947), and England/Europe (1949). His travels provided him with diverse experiences and broadened his understanding of the world. He also actively participated in movements against injustice faced by Indians in Mombasa, Africa.
Spiritual Turn: In 1957, his life took a significant turn towards spirituality, influenced by his past impressions and the company of saints. He delved deeply into Jain scriptures, contemplating and analyzing them.
Creation of "Anekant Syadwad": The book "Anekant Syadwad" was the culmination of his dedicated study, requiring five years of diligent effort, drawing inspiration from various texts. Although not deeply versed in Sanskrit and Prakrit, he managed to create a simple yet profound composition with the guidance and encouragement of his Guru. He dedicated the book to his Guru, whose name he did not explicitly mention but is understood to be Nyayavisharad Pandit Bhanuvijayji Ganivar.
Literary Contributions: Besides "Anekant Syadwad," Shah also wrote other significant articles, short stories, and novels, some of which were published in journals like "Kalyan Masik" and "Dharmachakra." His translation of the Bhaktamar Stotra and other works are also mentioned, highlighting his literary prowess.
Demise: He passed away on January 24, 1962, at the age of . 54, after observing a month of silence in Pansar, in the presence of Lord Mahavir. His passing was mourned by his acquaintances and loved ones, with many newspapers acknowledging the great loss to society.

Core Philosophical Concepts Explained in the Book:

The book is structured into 21 chapters, presenting the vast Jain philosophy. Key concepts include:

Introduction (Pravesh): The author establishes that Anekantavada is not a fallacy but a valid principle explaining how seemingly contradictory properties can coexist in a single entity. He uses examples from science and logic to illustrate this point.
Fundamentals (Prathamik): Discusses the diversity of beliefs, opinions, political systems, scientific theories, and the differences in perspectives that necessitate a comprehensive approach to understanding truth.
Premise (Bhumika): Emphasizes the importance of logic and the Jain philosophical approach of considering multiple viewpoints (Anekant) to discover truth, drawing parallels with judicial processes.
Introduction to Jainism (Parichay): Defines terms like Jin, Jain, Jainism, and its ancient origins. It introduces the six fundamental substances (Dravyas) in Jainism: Dharma (medium of motion), Adharma (medium of rest), Akash (space), Pudgal (matter), Jiva (soul), and Kala (time). It also explains the nine fundamental realities (Navatattvas) like Jiva, Ajiva, Punya, Pap, etc., and the five causes of the universe.
Knowledge (Jnan): Details the five types of knowledge in Jainism: Mati (sense-based), Shruta (scriptural), Avadhi (clairvoyance), Manahparyav (telepathy), and Keval (omniscience).
Means of Knowledge (Pramana): Explains the two primary means of knowledge: Pratyaksha (direct perception) and Paroksha (indirect knowledge), with their respective classifications.
Naya (Viewpoints): Introduces the concept of Naya, which are different perspectives or ways of understanding reality. It highlights the two main types: Dravyaarthika (substantial) and Paryayaarthika (modal). It then details the seven Nayas: Naigama, Sangraha, Vyavahara, Rujusutra, Shabda, Sambhiroodha, and Evam-bhuta.
Anekantavada: Explains the meaning of "Anekant" and elaborates on the Jain philosophy that reality has multiple, often seemingly contradictory, aspects. It uses numerous examples and illustrations to show how opposing qualities can exist simultaneously in one object.
Syadvaada: Presents Syadvaada as the method to express Anekantavada. It explains how Syadvaada uses the prefix "Syat" (may be, perhaps) to qualify statements, acknowledging the conditional nature of truth and preventing dogmatism. It addresses how critics misunderstood Syadvaada as skepticism.
Sapta Bhangi (Seven-fold Predication): This crucial section delves into the seven logical propositions that emerge from considering multiple perspectives: Asti (is), Nasti (is not), Asti-Nasti (is and is not), Avaktavyam (is indescribable), Asti-Avaktavyam (is and is indescribable), Nasti-Avaktavyam (is not and is indescribable), and Asti-Nasti-Avaktavyam (is, is not, and is indescribable). This is demonstrated through various examples to clarify its applicability in understanding complex realities.
The "Barrister Chakravarti" Example: A hypothetical case is presented involving Barrister Chakravarti to illustrate the practical application of Syadvaada in legal and everyday reasoning, showing how multiple perspectives lead to a nuanced and just conclusion.
Five Types of Knowledge (Panch Jnan): Re-examines the five types of knowledge and emphasizes that true knowledge (Samyak Jnan) comes from understanding the Anekant principle.
Karma: Explains the Jain concept of Karma, its binding nature, types (ghati and aghati), and how to achieve liberation from it.
Soul's Development: Discusses the path of spiritual evolution and the fourteen stages of spiritual progress (Guna-sthanas) leading to liberation.
Life's Complexities (Jivan Zanzat): Addresses life's challenges, classifying detachment into different types and using humorous examples to explain the Syadvaada approach to understanding life's predicaments.
Five Vows (Pancha Achar): Details the practical application of the five core Jain ethical principles: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truthfulness), Asteya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy/chastity), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
Refutation and Affirmation (Khandan-Mandan): Discusses the logical process of debate and establishing truths within the philosophical framework.
Namaskar Mahamantra: Explains the significance and power of the Navkar Mantra, a central prayer in Jainism.
Conclusion (Aavjo): The book concludes by reiterating the hope that readers will find spiritual and intellectual nourishment from "Anekant Syadwad" and achieve right knowledge, perception, and conduct, leading to immortality.

Publisher's Note and Family Information:

The publisher, Babubhai Kadiwala, expresses his joy in bringing out the second edition, highlighting the book's profound style and its potential to guide both Jains and non-Jains. He emphasizes the author's connection with his Guru, Panasji Maharaj Shri Bhadrakarvijayji Ganivarya, and expresses gratitude to the author's family for entrusting him with this responsibility. The publisher also notes that Hindi and Marathi translations of the book had been published earlier.

The information about the author's family provides context about his life and the support system he had. It mentions his wife, Leelawati Bai, who managed the household efficiently, and his seven children, many of whom have settled abroad and are actively involved in community service.

Overall Significance:

"Anekant Syadwad" is presented as a vital work for understanding Jain philosophy. It argues that these principles offer a comprehensive and balanced view of reality, resolving apparent contradictions and fostering a spirit of tolerance and multifaceted understanding. The book is intended to be a guide for both intellectual inquiry and practical living, encouraging readers to embrace a non-dogmatic and holistic approach to truth and life.