Application Of Anekantavada - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided text, focusing on the "Application of Anekantavada" by Dr. Ramesh S. Betai:

The text introduces Anekantavada as a foundational principle of Jain philosophy, particularly within the Shramana Dharma, contrasting it with Brahmanadharma. It emphasizes that Indian thought's greatest achievement was in philosophy, aiming for unity amidst diversity. Jainism's core contributions are highlighted as:

Anekatattvada/Anekajivavada: The belief in the plurality of souls or realities.
Uplift of Jivas: Achieving liberation (Moksha) through self-control, austerity, and cessation of karma.
Enrichment of Knowledge (Jnana): Continuous learning about reality.
Salvation (Moksha): The ultimate blessed state that all souls can aspire to.

The text then delves into the practical aspects of Jain conduct, which include:

Non-hurt and Compassion: Universal love and non-violence towards all living beings.
Gradual Uplift: The cyclical journey of souls through births and deaths, striving for spiritual sublimation.
Vows, Fasts, and Moral Conduct: Living a life of religious and moral discipline.
Selfless Service: A life of giving, restraint, and spiritual sublimation.
Purity of the Jiva: A steadfast and simple life with unwavering faith.

Anekantavada is presented as a key doctrine guiding these lives, alongside Syadvada and Saptabhanginaya. The author clarifies that these theories of knowledge are applicable to both ascetics (Sadhus) and laypeople (Shravakas) in their pursuit of a higher life.

Key Jain Terms and Concepts:

Anekatattvada: The doctrine of the plurality of souls or realities. Jivas (souls) are infinite in number, eternal, and occupy space. They are trapped in bodies and undergo cycles of birth and death, driven by karma. The goal is to annihilate karma (both good and bad) and achieve liberation.
Karmabandha: The bondage of karma that causes suffering.
Paramaatma (Siddha): The liberated soul, the state of perfection. Jainism doesn't believe in a single supreme God but in the potential for every soul to become a Siddha.
Salvation (Moksha): The ultimate aim, a state of infinite perception, knowledge, bliss, and power.
Tirthankara: Enlightened beings who guide others towards liberation.
Anekantavada: Defined as "relative pluralism" or "the doctrine of the manyness of reality" and "non-absolutism." It's a method of thought and analysis, a mental eye open to all directions and sides.

Understanding Anekantavada:

The text uses the example of a woman to illustrate Anekantavada. She is perceived differently by various individuals (passerby, husband, mother, daughter, etc.). All these perspectives are valid from their respective angles. This demonstrates that truth is multifaceted and can only be grasped by considering multiple viewpoints.

Syadvada and Saptabhangi Naya:

Syadvada: The doctrine that states that every assertion is conditional ("May be").
Saptabhangi Naya: The "sevenfold judgment" system, a logical extension of Anekantavada. The seven propositions describe the manifold nature of reality:
1. May be it is.
2. May be it is not.
3. May be it is and it is not.
4. May be it is indescribable.
5. May be it is and it is indescribable.
6. May be it is not and it is indescribable.
7. May be it is, it is not, and it is indescribable.

These propositions help in approaching truth from various angles and acknowledge that sometimes reality defies complete description. The text notes that while scholars debate the primacy of certain propositions, the core idea is to explore all possible viewpoints.

Application of Anekantavada in Life:

The text provides several examples to illustrate the practical application of Anekantavada:

Family Decision-Making: In a scenario where a son wants to become a Jain Sadhu, parents, elder son, and grandparents all have different perspectives and considerations. Anekantavada encourages considering all these viewpoints, facilitating a more harmonious and satisfactory resolution through open-mindedness, mutual respect, and compromise.
A Jain Sadhu's Relation with Society: A Sadhu, having renounced worldly life, faces choices about his interaction with society. He can remain distant, offer advice, preach, or engage in various other forms of interaction, each with its own implications. Anekantavada guides him to consider the pros and cons of each option from multiple perspectives, leading to self-awareness and spiritual growth.
Factory Workers' Strike: When workers present demands and management faces financial constraints, Anekantavada helps in understanding that both sides have valid points. It promotes open dialogue, a spirit of compromise, and finding solutions that consider the multifaceted nature of the situation, avoiding extremism.
A Christian Scholar Studying Jainism: A devoted Christian scholar studying Jainism needs to be objective. Anekantavada and Syadvada are crucial for him to overcome his inherent biases and evaluate Jainism from its own perspective, fostering intellectual humility and respect for different viewpoints. It helps him avoid judging other philosophies through the lens of his own.
Awakening Faith in Dharma: An individual who practices religious rituals mechanically but lacks inner conviction can benefit from Anekantavada. By embracing its principles, he can develop genuine sympathy, compassion, non-hurt, and an understanding of the unity in diversity, leading to an integrated spiritual life where Dharma becomes an inner urge.

Conclusion:

The text concludes that Anekantavada is a doctrine of non-extremism, fostering a liberal outlook, tolerance, and a respect for all facets of truth. Its practical application in life is more significant than mere theoretical understanding. It encourages empathy, compassion, non-violence, and a unified approach to problem-solving, ultimately leading to personal growth and a deeper understanding of reality. The essence of Anekantavada lies in keeping the mind open to all thoughts and perspectives, recognizing that truth is multifaceted and absolute truth is often elusive.