Jain Dharm Ka Pran Syadvad

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm ka Pran Syadvad" by Mahavirsinh Murdiya, based on the provided pages:

The book "Jain Dharm ka Pran Syadvad" (Syadvad: The Lifeblood of Jainism) by Mahavirsinh Murdiya, published as part of the Z_Kesarimalji_Surana_Abhinandan_Granth, posits Syadvad as the central and unifying principle of Indian philosophies and the very heart of Jainism.

Core of Syadvad:

• Origin: Syadvad's seeds are found in ancient Jain scriptures (Agamas), appearing in various forms like utpad (origination), vyay (cessation), dhrauvya (permanence), syadasti (perhaps it exists), syannasti (perhaps it does not exist), dravya (substance), guna (quality), paryaya (mode), and the seven nay (standpoints).
• Systematization: Jain philosophers like Siddhasena and Samantabhadra developed Syadvad into a logical system, particularly through the Saptabhangi (seven-limbed predication).
• Enduring Relevance: Syadvad has remained a vibrant aspect of the philosophical world for over 2500 years and continues to be so.

Significance and Nature of Syadvad:

• Moksha (Liberation): Syadvad is a direct contribution of the Jain Tirthankaras, being an intrinsic part of their kevalgyan (omniscience).
• Resolving Disagreements: It effectively eliminates mental conflicts and clarifies the true nature of things, fostering inner insight in individuals.
• Harmonious Living: Syadvad's application in daily life promotes harmony, equanimity, and peace, while mitigating intellectual disparities.
• Universal Appeal: Renowned philosophers like Dr. Herman Jacobi recognized Syadvad's transformative power, stating it opens the door to all true ideas. Professor Archie J. Bahm of America emphasized its importance for world peace, suggesting its propagation is more crucial than that of ahimsa (non-violence) for establishing global peace.
• Beyond Logic: Syadvad is not merely a logical framework but a gateway to truth. Today, it is synonymous with Jain philosophy.

The Meaning and Working of Syadvad:

• Etymology: Syadvad is composed of "Syad" (meaning "perhaps," "in some way," or "from a certain perspective") and "Vad" (meaning "doctrine" or "theory"). It signifies a viewpoint based on a specific perspective or context.
• Rejection of Extremism: Syadvad asserts that judging an object by looking at only one aspect leads to a partial and incorrect conclusion. Instead, it advocates for examining every facet of a subject.
• Infinite Aspects: Every object possesses infinite aspects and innumerable inherent qualities, often contradictory. Jain philosophers state that what is a thing in essence, is also not that thing. What exists, also does not exist. What is one, is also many. What is eternal, is also non-eternal.
• Illustrative Examples:
  • The Goldsmith: A goldsmith breaking a gold pot to make a crown illustrates simultaneity of destruction (of the pot) and creation (of the crown) from the same substance (gold). Different observers (those wanting the pot, the crown, or just gold) perceive different realities, all valid from their perspective.
  • Fingers: Holding up fingers and asking which is bigger or smaller demonstrates how the same object can be perceived differently relative to others.
  • Existence/Non-existence: The concept of "what is, is also not" arises from considering different viewpoints.
• The Role of Naya (Standpoints): Syadvad is understood through various nay, including the substance-oriented (dravayarthik nay) and mode-oriented (paryayarthik nay). For example, an atom is eternal from the substance perspective but transient from the mode perspective. Similarly, the soul can be considered one (as a substance) or many (as its manifestations).
• Critique of Ekantavada (One-sidedness): Syadvad critiques philosophies that cling to a single perspective (ekantavada), calling them mithyanaya (erroneous standpoints) because they reject other valid truths and create conflict.

Syadvad and Einstein's Relativity:

• The text draws a parallel between Syadvad and Einstein's theory of relativity. Just as relativity states that phenomena are relative to the observer's frame of reference (e.g., mass varying with speed or location), Syadvad emphasizes that truth is relative to the nay or perspective.
• Einstein's quote, "We can only know the relative truth, the absolute truth is known only to the universal observer," aligns with Syadvad's acknowledgment that complete truth is grasped by the omniscient.
• Both concepts highlight that absolute, context-free statements are often incomplete or misleading.

Philosophical Depth and Uniqueness of Syadvad:

• The Power of "Also": Syadvad's hallmark is the use of "also" (or "too") instead of "only" or "indeed." "Only" implies exclusivity and conflict, while "also" fosters harmony and acknowledges multifaceted realities.
• Resolution of Philosophical Debates: Syadvad provides solutions to perennial philosophical problems by integrating seemingly contradictory qualities like eternality and impermanence, unity and multiplicity.
• "True Middle Path": It is presented as the genuine path to understanding complete truth, resolving philosophical conflicts, and achieving peace.
• Non-Adversarial Approach: Syadvad promotes respect for all viewpoints and advocates for diligent investigation of others' claims, separating truth from falsehood without animosity. A true scholar embraces all philosophies with an equal attitude.

Syadvad and Tolerance:

• Intellectual Non-violence: Syadvad is considered a form of intellectual ahimsa. The root of religious intolerance and conflict lies in the belief that one's own religion, beliefs, and practices are the sole truth.
• Combating Extremism: Syadvad offers a way to overcome superstitious beliefs, sectarian narrow-mindedness, and intolerance, leading to a more benevolent and globally-minded humanity.

Conclusion:

Syadvad is the symbol of happiness, peace, and harmony. It is the synthesis of different perspectives: anekanta (non-one-sidedness) in thought, Syadvad in speech, and ahimsa in conduct. It is a vast ocean where all other doctrines dissolve. Syadvad is a potent means for human welfare, expanding knowledge and purifying faith. In an era of global tension, embracing Syadvad can dismantle ignorance, sectarianism, and intolerance, fostering a spirit of global welfare and leading to self-realization and ultimate liberation. The text concludes by quoting the Dashavaikalika Sutra, highlighting the virtue of enduring harsh words with equanimity as a sign of a truly conquered and worthy individual.