Anekta Me Ekta Hi Anekant Hai

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Anekta me Ekta hi Anekant Hai," by Indradinnasuriji, focusing on the essence of the concept and its implications:

Central Thesis: Unity in Diversity is Anekant

The book, drawing from the profound insights of Jain philosophers like Acharya Haribhadra Suri and Acharya Hemchandracharya, posits that Anekantvad (the doctrine of manifold aspects) is the ultimate principle of unity in the vast diversity of the universe. This principle is presented as the foundational cornerstone of Jainism, influencing all its rules, regulations, and traditions.

Anekantvad: A Universal Principle

• Uniqueness and Timelessness: Jain philosophy has gifted the world unique and timeless principles, and Anekantvad is highlighted as a paramount, select, and practical one. It is considered so fundamental that it has become synonymous with Jainism itself.
• Broader Philosophical Acceptance: The text argues that Anekantvad, or Syadvad (the doctrine of conditional predication), has been a subject of extensive discussion in Indian philosophical circles. It demonstrates how other prominent philosophical schools, such as Sankhya, Yoga, Vaisheshika, Buddhism (Tathagata), Bhatta and Murari's followers, and even Vedanta, implicitly or explicitly acknowledge aspects of Anekantvad in their own doctrines. They do not reject it because their core tenets often involve understanding things from multiple perspectives or accepting seemingly contradictory qualities.
  • Sankhya: Accepts the coexistence of contradictory qualities within the primary Prakriti.
  • Yoga/Vaisheshika: Believe a single mind can manifest in multiple forms.
  • Buddhism: Views a single form as being influenced by various causes.
  • Bhatta/Murari: Consider objects from both general and specific viewpoints.
  • Vedanta: Views the absolute (Brahman) as unconditioned and the worldly as conditioned.
  • Vedas: Acknowledge that a single subject can be understood differently based on different nayavadas (perspectives).

The Core of Anekantvad: Seeing Things as They Are

• Correct Perception: Anekantvad is defined as the ability to see an object precisely as it is. This is the fundamental basis of Samyaktva (right faith/perception) in Jainism.
• The Danger of One-Sidedness (Ekant): Deviations from this principle, by failing to see an object in its entirety, lead to distortion. The core of all worldly conflict and strife lies in Ekant, the fixation on a single perspective. When a one-sided view becomes stubborn (duragraha), it leads to disputes and disagreements.
• Completeness Through Multiple Perspectives: No object can be fully understood from a single viewpoint. True completeness arises from acknowledging and integrating all its aspects. Therefore, accepting multiple perspectives is essential for understanding reality.

Anekantvad and "Unity in Diversity"

• The Indian Context: The concept of "unity in diversity" prevalent in India is directly equated with Anekantvad. The universe is filled with infinite variations and differences, yet there exists an underlying unity, a common element that all accept.
• Finding the Common Thread: Anekantvad encourages the search for and acceptance of this unifying element amidst diversity. It emphasizes that accepting this unity does not mean opposing diversity.
• Non-Opposition: Anekantvad itself is inherently non-confrontational. Where there is opposition, it signifies the presence of Ekant. Anekantvad simply provides a perspective for understanding and appreciating objects.

Practical Implications and the Purpose of Anekantvad

• Resolving Worldly Disputes: The text strongly asserts that Anekantvad has the potential to resolve all worldly conflicts and disagreements.
• Promoting Peace and Prosperity: By embracing this principle, the entire world can experience happiness, peace, and prosperity.
• The Teachings of the Arihants: The Omniscient Arihants, the enlightened ones in Jainism, propagated these principles, including Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), and Anekantvad, for the well-being of the world. Each of their teachings holds the secret to worldly happiness.
• The Responsibility of Jains: It is the duty of every Jain to actively bring these eternal principles into practical application in the world.

The Quest for Truth (Satya)

The latter part of the text delves into the concept of "Truth" (Satya) as discussed in ancient Indian scriptures.

• Defining Truth: It explores how "truth" has been defined variously, from the Upanishadic call to "speak the truth, practice dharma" to the Advaitic assertion of "Brahman is Truth, the world is false."
• Evolution of the Concept: The understanding of truth has evolved, with early texts sometimes associating it with rituals like Yajna (sacrifice) or referring to elements like water and earth as truth. The word "Brahman" itself has seen diverse interpretations.
• Truth vs. Falsehood: The distinction between truth and falsehood is not an inherent, primitive concept but arose with the development of societal structures, laws, and economic needs. In simpler times, human life was straightforward, and people focused on pleasing deities through rituals.
• The Power of Truth and Falsehood: The text notes how, in ancient narratives like the Deva-Asura war, the weaker celestial beings gained strength by resorting to falsehood, while the stronger celestial beings, by adhering to truth, achieved victory.

In essence, "Anekta me Ekta hi Anekant Hai" powerfully advocates for Anekantvad as the supreme principle that fosters understanding, resolves conflict, and leads to a unified and peaceful existence by embracing the multiplicity of perspectives that constitute reality.