Nischay Aur Vyavahar Kiska Ashray Le - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Nischay aur Vyavahar Kiska Ashray le" by Sagarmal Jain, based on the provided pages:

The text delves into the fundamental Jain philosophical concepts of Nischay Naya (Absolute/Ultimate Viewpoint) and Vyavahar Naya (Conventional/Practical Viewpoint), exploring their significance in both metaphysics and ethics, and answering the central question of which one to rely upon.

Core Argument: The Interdependence of Nischay and Vyavahar

The author begins by highlighting the natural human tendency of the intellect to seek deeper reality beyond mere appearance. This inherent duality leads to two perspectives: what appears and what truly is. The text argues that the problem of reconciling these two, or choosing one over the other, has been a persistent challenge throughout philosophical history.

The Philosophical Predicament and the Jain Solution:

Monism vs. Pluralism: The text points out the inadequacy of purely monistic (one ultimate reality) or pluralistic (many ultimate realities) viewpoints. Monism struggles to explain the multiplicity of the world, while pluralism fails to establish the relationship between independent entities.
The Need for Nayavada (Doctrine of Standpoints): Jainism, through its concept of nayavada, proposes a sophisticated solution. Instead of declaring one viewpoint as exclusively true and the other false, Jainism asserts that both Nischay and Vyavahar are valid within their respective domains.
Nischay Naya (Absolute Viewpoint): This refers to the ultimate, true, and subtle nature of reality, as perceived by pure intellect or spiritual insight. It focuses on the essential, unchanging essence of a thing, independent of time, place, or accidental qualities. For example, the soul is fundamentally pure consciousness, uncreated and indestructible.
Vyavahar Naya (Conventional Viewpoint): This represents the practical, empirical, and worldly perspective, based on sensory experience and common understanding. It describes reality as it appears to us and forms the basis of our everyday interactions and social conventions. For example, the earth appears flat and stable, or the soul is bound by karma and undergoes birth and death.

The Origin and Application of Naya:

The text traces the philosophical lineage of this dualistic approach, acknowledging its presence in Buddhism (Neeyartha and Neetartha), Advaita Vedanta (Pratibhasika, Vyavaharika, Paramarthika Satya), and even Western philosophy. However, it emphasizes that Jainism's approach, particularly the classification of Nischay into "impure" and "pure," and the integration of Vyavahar and Nischay as essential for understanding reality, is a unique and foundational contribution.

Nischay and Vyavahar in Philosophy and Ethics:

The author clarifies that these two nayas are applied not only in understanding the nature of reality (Tattvajnan) but also in the realm of ethical conduct (Achar Darshan).

In Tattvajnan (Metaphysics):
- Nischay Naya reveals the essential, absolute nature of reality, unconditioned by time, place, or qualities. It is a substantive view (Dravyanthik Naya).
- Vyavahar Naya describes the perceived, conditional, and transient aspects of reality, focusing on accidental qualities and modes. It is a modal view (Paryayanthik Naya).
In Achar Darshan (Ethics):
- Ethical Nischay: This refers to the ultimate goal of ethical life, which is liberation (Moksha). It focuses on the inner intention, mental dispositions, and the ultimate realization of the self, free from passions (kashayas) and attachments. This is seen as the individual, internal aspect of morality. The inner purity of mind and the absence of negative emotions are key.
- Ethical Vyavahar: This concerns the external conduct, social norms, and prescribed actions that are necessary for practical life and societal harmony. It is relative to time, place, and individual circumstances. It dictates how to act in the world and is often guided by scriptures, tradition, the instructions of elders, and, as a last resort, popular custom.

Distinguishing Jainism from Other Traditions:

The text notes a crucial difference: while other traditions might view the conventional (Vyavahar) as inferior to the absolute (Nischay), Jainism regards them as equally valid and essential within their own spheres. There's no inherent hierarchy that necessitates discarding one for the other; rather, both have their place.

The Practical Necessity of Vyavahar:

The author emphasizes that even for understanding the absolute, one must initially rely on the conventional. Just as one cannot explain a foreign concept to someone without using their language, one cannot convey ultimate truths without using conventional language and concepts. Vyavahar is the stepping stone to Nischay.

The Five Bases of Vyavahar in Ethical Conduct:

The text outlines five bases for determining ethical conduct in the conventional realm:

Agam Vyavahar: Following scriptural injunctions.
Shrut Vyavahar: Adhering to the teachings and practices of revered elders and traditions.
Agya Vyavahar: Obeying the commands of wise superiors or gurus.
Dharana Vyavahar: Following one's own reasoned judgment (after the above are exhausted).
Jit Vyavahar: Following popular customs or common practice when other means are unavailable.

The Interplay and Importance:

The text concludes by underscoring that true ethical living, according to Jainism, lies in the integration of both Nischay and Vyavahar. The inner intention and ultimate goal (Nischay) must be supported by appropriate outward actions and social conduct (Vyavahar). One cannot abandon external actions simply by understanding the absolute truth, nor can one achieve ultimate liberation without striving for the inner purity that Nischay represents. The ideal is a harmonious blend where one understands the ultimate truth but continues to act ethically in the world, guided by convention.

Key Takeaways:

Both Nischay Naya and Vyavahar Naya are essential and valid perspectives.
Vyavahar is the means to understand and ultimately realize Nischay.
In metaphysics, Nischay deals with the absolute essence, while Vyavahar describes the perceived reality.
In ethics, Nischay focuses on the inner intention and the goal of liberation, while Vyavahar guides external actions and social conduct.
True ethical living requires the integration of both internal disposition and external action.
Jainism offers a nuanced approach that avoids the pitfalls of absolutism or relativism by recognizing the validity of both viewpoints within their respective contexts.

In essence, the text argues that we must understand and utilize both the absolute and conventional viewpoints to navigate life, achieve spiritual progress, and live an ethically sound life, ultimately finding harmony between our inner intentions and our outward actions.