Satya Ki Khoj

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Satya ki Khoj" by Jagdishchandra Jain, focusing on the philosophical concepts discussed:

Satya ki Khoj (The Search for Truth) - A Jain Perspective on Anekant and the Nature of Truth

This excerpt from "Satya ki Khoj" by Dr. Jagdishchandra Jain, published in the "Z_Nahta_Bandhu_Abhinandan_Granth," delves into two fundamental Jain philosophical concepts: Anekant (Non-absolutism) and Satya (Truth).

Anekant: The Foundation of Jain Philosophy and Harmony

The text asserts that Anekant, or Syadvada (the doctrine of conditioned predication), is a profound principle that Jain philosophy and its thinkers have established. At its core, Anekant means seeing things as they truly are. This principle is the very foundation of Samyaktva (right faith or right understanding) in Jainism. The author argues that failing to see an object in its true form, or being fixated on only one aspect of it, leads to distortion and error.

• The Problem of Ekant (One-sidedness): The world's inherent duality and the conflicts arising from it are attributed to Ekant – the tendency to focus on and insist upon only one perspective. Wherever there is a one-sided or partial view, there will be dispute and discord. This insistence, when it turns into stubbornness (duragraha), leads to conflict.
• Completeness in Multiplicity: No single perspective can fully encompass the reality of an object. True completeness arises from acknowledging multiple facets. Therefore, accepting both sides of any issue is essential for understanding its truth.
• Anekant and Unity in Diversity: The author draws a parallel between the Jain concept of Anekant and the popular Indian concept of "unity in diversity." Anekant doesn't oppose multiplicity; rather, it finds the underlying unity within the vast diversity of the world. It emphasizes identifying and accepting the common element that transcends differences.
• Non-Contradiction and Tolerance: Anekant is inherently non-contradictory. Where there is opposition, Ekant prevails. Anekant provides a viewpoint for observing and understanding reality, fostering tolerance and understanding.
• Practical Implications for Worldly Welfare: The text highlights that the omniscient Arhats propounded these principles, including Anekant, for the welfare of the world. Each of their teachings, whether it be Ahimsa (non-violence), Aparigraha (non-possession), or Anekantavada, contains the secret to worldly happiness. It is the responsibility of every Jain follower to bring these eternal principles into practical application in daily life.

Satya: The Elusive Nature of Truth

The latter part of the excerpt shifts to the "Search for Truth" (Satya ki Khoj).

• Varying Definitions of Truth: Ancient scriptures praise the glory of truth. The Upanishads advocate "Speak truth, practice dharma." However, the text notes that definitions of truth have varied throughout history and across different traditions.
  • Some ancient texts associate truth with physical elements like fire, water, earth, and gold, implying its existence in a tangible sense.
  • Shankaracharya's famous dictum, "Brahma satyam, jagat mithya" (Brahman is truth, the world is an illusion), presents a different perspective where only the absolute reality (Brahman) is considered true. The text briefly touches upon the multiple meanings of "Brahman" in Vedic literature.
  • The Vedic tradition, particularly in its focus on rituals, sometimes equated "Yajna" (sacrifice) with truth, reflecting a societal need for order and connection with the divine through prescribed practices.
• The Human Struggle with Truth: The author posits that the concept of speaking truth or falsehood is not primitive but emerged with the development of societies, laws, and religious systems. The desire to understand the nature of existence, the cosmos, and the origins of the universe is a recurrent theme in Indian philosophical inquiry, as seen in the Upanishads. This inherent curiosity is also recognized in ancient Greek philosophy, exemplified by Socrates and Plato.
• The Difficulty of Practical Application: Despite philosophical discussions and the pursuit of truth, the text expresses concern about the inability to purify the "muddy mind" and rise above sectarian differences to become true followers of Anekant.
  • The Sanskrit verse quoted illustrates the human condition of knowing what is right (dharma) but not engaging in it, and knowing what is wrong (adharma) but not abstaining from it.
  • The analogy of the alcoholic, who knows alcohol is harmful but succumbs to temptation, further emphasizes this internal struggle.
• The Continuing Search and Hope: The excerpt concludes with a somber reflection that the search for truth is ongoing, and humanity has yet to fully grasp it. However, there is a hopeful outlook that this journey will soon reach its destination, allowing for the overthrow of outdated traditions with goodwill towards others.

In essence, "Satya ki Khoj" argues that Anekant is the crucial philosophical tool for navigating the complexities of reality and fostering harmony. The text then explores the multifaceted and often elusive nature of Satya, highlighting the human struggle to live by its principles despite intellectual understanding. The ultimate hope lies in embracing Anekant as a path to true understanding and progress.