Syadvadni Sarvotkrushtata

This document is a comprehensive book titled "Syadvadni Sarvotkrushtata" (The Supreme Excellence of Syadvada) authored by Sushilsuri, published by Sushil Sahitya Prakashan. The book delves deeply into the Jain philosophical concept of Syadvada, also known as anekantavada (multi-sidedness).

Here's a summary of the key aspects covered in the book:

Introduction and Core Concept:

• The book begins by introducing the profound nature of Syadvada as the supreme principle of Jain philosophy.
• It highlights that Syadvada is not a narrow or limited viewpoint but a comprehensive approach to understanding reality.
• The author emphasizes that Syadvada is the essence of Jain dharma, and all its principles, scriptures, rituals, and thoughts revolve around it. Deviation from Syadvada leads to false doctrines.
• The book posits that Syadvada is the foundation for understanding Jainism's scent, culture, and welfare.

What Syadvada Is Not:

• The text explicitly clarifies that Syadvada is not:
  • Skepticism (Samsayavad)
  • Doubt (Sandigdhavaad)
  • Impossibility (Asambhavitavaad)
  • Absolutism/Non-relativism (Nirpekshavaad)
  • Perverse Reasoning (Durnayavaad)
  • Unrealistic Doctrine (Atattvikavaad)
  • Uncertainty (Anishchitavaad)
  • Indecisiveness (Anirnayakvaad)
  • Meaninglessness (Nirarthakvaad)
  • Fickleness (Fuddi-vaad)
  • Dahi-Doodhiyo Vaad (a wavering approach)

What Syadvada Is:

• Syadvada provides a synthesis of all world philosophies.
• It is the dwelling place of right faith (Samyakdarshan).
• It represents true harmony in the universe.
• It inspires universal brotherhood and organizational strength.
• It leads to the accomplishment of all tasks.
• It embodies true justice and ethics.
• It is the truthful narration of righteous conduct.
• It is the culmination of non-violence (ahimsa), self-control (sanyam), and penance (tapa).
• It signifies the integration of seemingly contradictory qualities within a single entity through relative perspectives.
• It signifies immense breadth and appreciation of qualities.
• It embodies unparalleled friendly aspirations.
• It is complete and true epistemology.
• It is specialized knowledge.
• It is a wonderful viewpoint for observing everything in the world.
• It contains numerous logical arguments.
• It leads to the purity of conduct and thought.
• It refutes absolutism.
• It is the true path of renunciation.
• It is the supreme means to liberation.

Syadvada's Teaching and Application:

• Syadvada teaches maintaining harmony and unity with the entire world.
• It teaches viewing every object in the world from a relative perspective.
• It teaches understanding the viewpoint of others.
• It teaches accepting seemingly contradictory qualities in a single entity based on expectation.
• It teaches staying away from debates and disputes.
• It inspires organizational strength.
• It teaches complete avoidance of quarrels and conflicts.
• It guides against succumbing to absolutist views.
• It advocates for the abandonment of false convictions.
• It promotes adopting a balanced perspective.
• It teaches that an object is what it is in its own nature, not in another's.
• It explains how to determine the true nature of an object and achieve synthesis.
• It teaches how to uphold justice and ethics.
• It guides individuals on how to achieve their unique individuality.
• It teaches how to turn away from the path of sin and progress towards the righteous path.
• It instructs on how to practice non-violence, self-control, and penance.
• It teaches how to attain true knowledge.
• It shows how to achieve self-elevation, self-freedom, and self-upliftment.
• It guides on how to cross the ocean of worldly existence.
• It teaches how to halt the cycle of rebirth.
• It explains how a soul can become divine and attain eternal bliss.

The Essence of Syadvada:

• The book explains that Syadvada means accepting various and even contradictory qualities in a single object from a relative perspective.
• It clarifies that Syadvada is not the assertion of contradictions but the elucidation of their co-existence through different viewpoints.

Examples and Illustrations:

• The book uses numerous examples to illustrate the concept of Syadvada, including:
  • A person being a father, son, nephew, uncle, etc., all relative to different people.
  • The fluctuating temperature of a patient.
  • The heaviness or lightness of sand.
  • The various descriptions of an elephant by blind men.
  • The different tastes of water when mixed with sugar, lemon, or bitter herbs.
  • The transformation of wheat into flour, dough, bread, and various other forms.
  • The use of precious materials like diamonds and pearls in various forms and their medicinal properties.
  • The concept of production, destruction, and permanence (Utpad, Vyay, Dhrauvya) in objects.
  • The duality of milk and curd, and how one adhering to a vow regarding milk cannot consume curd.
  • The philosophical arguments from various schools of thought (Nyaya, Bauddha, Sankhya, Mimamsa, Vedanta, Vaisheshika) that can be understood through a Syadvada perspective.
  • Examples from court judgments and legal proceedings that demonstrate the application of relative reasoning.
  • The seven categories of Syadvada (Saptabhangi) applied to the soul (Atma).

Syadvada in Other Philosophies:

• The book points out that elements of Syadvada are found in other Indian philosophical traditions, though Jainism presents it as a core and complete doctrine. Examples are given from:
  • Vedic texts and Upanishads (e.g., describing Brahman as both moving and unmoving).
  • Bhagavad Gita (mentioning both Sanyasa and Karma Yoga as paths to liberation).
  • Various Puranas and Smritis.
  • The writings of prominent philosophers like Shankaracharya, Vachaspati Mishra, Kumarila Bhatta, and Patanjali.

Testimonials and Endorsements:

• The book includes numerous quotes and endorsements from prominent figures, both Jain and non-Jain, highlighting the universal relevance and profound wisdom of Syadvada. These include:
  • Mahatma Gandhi, who admired Syadvada for its ability to foster understanding and non-violence.
  • Acharya Anandshankar Bapubhai Dhruv, who saw Syadvada as a principle of integration and a corrective to narrow viewpoints.
  • Prof. Phani Bhushan Adhikari, who praised Syadvada as a profound and unique principle of Jainism, regretting that even scholars like Shankaracharya misrepresented it.
  • Dr. O. Pertolde, who recognized Jainism's advanced position in comparative religion and the modern scientific nature of Syadvada.
  • Acharya Dattatreya Balakrushna Kalelkar, who emphasized the multi-faceted nature of truth as reflected in Syadvada.
  • Pandit Ramkrishna Mishra, who called Syadvada an impregnable fortress of Jainism.
  • Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, who saw Syadvada as a crucial tool for resolving conflicts and fostering tolerance.
  • Various other scholars and intellectuals who appreciated the depth, comprehensiveness, and peace-promoting aspects of Syadvada.

Literary References:

• The book lists numerous Jain scriptures and scholarly works that expound upon Syadvada and anekantavada, citing the contributions of ancient āchāryas like Siddhasena Divakara, Umāsvāti, Haribhadra Suri, Hemachandra Suri, Mallishasena Suri, and Yashovijaya Suri. It also mentions modern scholars who have written on the subject.

Conclusion:

• The book concludes by reiterating the supreme excellence, pervasiveness, and unifying nature of Syadvada. It emphasizes that by embracing this principle, one can overcome intellectual and societal conflicts, foster universal harmony, and ultimately attain liberation. The author expresses gratitude and seeks forgiveness for any inaccuracies.

In essence, "Syadvadni Sarvotkrushtata" is a detailed and persuasive exposition of the Jain doctrine of Syadvada, demonstrating its philosophical depth, logical rigor, practical applicability, and its potential to bring peace and understanding to the world.