Anekantwad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anekantwad" by Sureshmuni Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Anekantwad: The Foundation of Jain Philosophy

The book "Anekantwad" by Sureshmuni Shastri posits Anekantwad (the principle of manifoldness or non-absolutism) as the foundational pillar of Jain philosophy and culture. It is presented as the intellectual component of the "three-streamed Ahimsa" (non-violence) advocated by Lord Mahavir, alongside compassion for all living beings and asceticism for self-purification.

The Essence of Anekantwad:

• Multiple Perspectives: The core tenet of Anekantwad is that every object or reality possesses infinite aspects or qualities, referred to as "Dharmas" in Jainism. Therefore, no single perspective can encompass the complete truth of any given entity.
• "Anek" and "Ant": The term "Anekantwad" is derived from "Anek" (many) and "Ant" (aspects or viewpoints). It signifies the understanding of any subject from multiple viewpoints and the acceptance of diverse, real aspects of an object from different relative standpoints.
• Rejection of One-Sidedness: Jain philosophy considers viewing an object from only one perspective as partial, incomplete, and inauthentic. Conversely, expressing statements about an object from various perspectives is deemed complete and authentic.
• Relativity and "Syadvada": This relativistic approach is termed Anekantwad, also known as Apekshavad (relativism) and Syadvada. Syadvada, specifically, means "from a certain perspective" or "from a certain viewpoint."
• Beyond "Only" (Hi): A key characteristic of Anekantwad is its preference for the particle "also" (Bhi) over "only" (Hi). While "only" implies exclusivity and negation of other possibilities, "also" signifies acceptance and inclusion of other valid viewpoints. "Only" breeds conflict, while "also" fosters harmony and coexistence.

Critique of Monistic/Absolutist Philosophies:

• Anekantwad criticizes other philosophical systems that tend to prioritize a single aspect of reality, leading to rigid and often divisive conclusions. These one-sided approaches, the book argues, can be more entertaining than genuinely beneficial to humanity.
• Jain scholars, in contrast, are praised for their open-minded approach, considering reality from multiple angles to arrive at a comprehensive understanding of truth. This leads to a perspective that promotes truth, peace, public welfare, and coexistence.

Illustrative Examples:

• The Soul (Atma): The text uses the example of the soul to illustrate the principle. Some philosophies declare the soul to be eternally unchanging (Sankhya), while others claim it to be momentary (Buddhism). Jainism reconciles these by stating that the soul is both eternal and non-eternal. It is eternal in its fundamental substance (Dravya) but non-eternal in its modifications and states (Paryaya). The presence of emotions like anger and transformations into different life forms proves the soul is not static, while the recognition of "I saw this before" demonstrates its continuity.
• The Blind Men and the Elephant: This classic parable is used to highlight how limited perspectives lead to incomplete understanding. Each blind man touching a different part of the elephant perceives it differently (like a pillar, rope, fan, etc.). Only by combining their experiences can a more accurate picture of the elephant emerge. Anekantwad, therefore, encourages looking at the world through others' eyes.
• The Blind and Deaf Man at a Dance: This story further emphasizes the importance of multiple senses and perspectives. A blind man misses the dance, and a deaf man misses the music. Their argument over what "actually" happened stems from their individual limitations. Anekantwad warns against such exclusive "only" thinking.
• The Blind Son and the Haridwar Market: A son, who is blind in one eye, returns from a pilgrimage and tells his mother the market moves. His limited vision only allows him to see the market shifting its location as he moves. This illustrates how one-sided vision (blindness to one aspect) leads to inaccurate conclusions.

Anekantwad and Truth:

• Truth is Multifaceted: Anekantwad asserts that truth is infinite. What we perceive is merely a spark or a fragment of this boundless truth. It encourages an open mind to see all directions and not to judge the world solely through one's own limited thoughts.
• Distinguishing Truth from Untruth: Crucially, Anekantwad is not skepticism or a wishy-washy attempt to reconcile all viewpoints. It is a rigorous method for discerning truth. It clarifies that while a statement might be true from one perspective, it doesn't invalidate other valid perspectives. However, it does not endorse or coordinate falsehoods.
• "Vastutattva" (Essence of Reality): Jain philosophy acknowledges that an object can possess seemingly contradictory attributes simultaneously, but only from different standpoints. For instance, an object can be considered eternal from the perspective of its substance (Dravya) and non-eternal from the perspective of its modifications (Paryaya). This is not a contradiction in the object itself but in our understanding if we fail to consider the different reference points.

Key Concepts and Principles:

• Utpatti, Vyay, Dhrauvya (Origination, Decay, Permanence): Jainism posits that all substances undergo these three processes simultaneously. A kangan (bangle) is destroyed (Vyay) to form a mukut (crown) (Utpatti), but the gold itself remains permanent (Dhrauvya). This illustrates how change is in the form (Paryaya), not the fundamental substance (Dravya).
• Dravya and Paryaya: The permanent substance is called Dravya, while the changing states or forms are called Paryaya. Thus, an object is eternal in its Dravya but non-eternal in its Paryaya.
• Sat and Asat (Being and Non-being): Similarly, an object is both "Sat" (exists) and "Asat" (does not exist) from different perspectives. It exists in its own form but does not exist in the form of another.
• Rejection of False Reconciliation: Anekantwad does not equate all religions or philosophical views. It distinguishes between truth and falsehood, accepting only the former in its efforts at reconciliation. It is about acknowledging the truth in different perspectives, not about blind acceptance of all doctrines.
• Mindfulness and Tolerance: Anekantwad cultivates an attitude of tolerance, patience, and the ability to understand another's viewpoint. It aims to quell conflict, hatred, and narrow-mindedness, fostering peace, harmony, and coexistence.

Utility and Application:

• Overcoming Conflict: The book argues that much of the conflict in families, society, religion, and international relations stems from the failure to adopt the Anekant perspective. The desire for one's own view to prevail leads to discord.
• Path to Truth and Peace: By embracing Anekantwad, individuals can open their minds to understand truth more fully and attain inner peace. It is presented as a guiding principle for harmonious coexistence and the realization of universal welfare.

In essence, "Anekantwad" champions a philosophical approach that acknowledges the complexity of reality and the limitations of singular perspectives, advocating for a more inclusive, tolerant, and ultimately truthful understanding of the world.