Syadwad Ka Lokmangal Drushti Evam Kathan Shaili - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Syadwad ka Lokmangal Drushti evam Kathan shaili" by Shantakumari Dharmnath:

The text delves into the philosophy of Syadwad (also known as Anekantavada) as presented by Jainism, emphasizing its "world-welfare perspective" (Lokmangal Drushti) and its unique "statement style" (Kathan shaili).

The Problem of Absolute Truth and the Birth of Syadwad:

The author begins by highlighting humanity's age-old quest for truth, noting that individuals often perceive truth through their limited individual perspectives. This leads to arrogance and conflict, where each person believes their understanding is the sole truth, leading to disputes and animosity. The text posits that this is rooted in ego, whether it be of intellect, wealth, or status, causing people to fight and even die for their perceived "truth."

Mahavira's Vision: Non-Attachment and Syadwad:

The text then introduces Lord Mahavira's approach to truth. He taught that truth is eternal but cautioned against claiming one's own truth as the only truth. He emphasized that non-attachment (anagraha) to one's own viewpoint is crucial for discovering truth. This non-attached perspective, which does not cling to any single side, is identified as the core of Syadwad and Anekantavada. Syadwad, by accepting truth as multifaceted, embraces truth wherever it is found, with humility. Mahavira's conclusion is that those who praise their own doctrines while criticizing others, and consider this as scholarship, remain trapped in the cycle of rebirth.

Anekantavada and the Nature of Reality:

The text explains Anekantavada's concept of "sat" (existence) as being product-change-permanent (utpad-vyay-dhrauvya). This means that while things undergo creation and destruction in their specific forms (paryaya), their underlying substance (dravya) remains permanent. This principle applies to all elements and is fundamental to everyday life and relationships. Even as an individual plays various roles (father, son, brother, etc.), their fundamental self (dravya) remains constant. This demonstrates how multiple, even seemingly contradictory, states can coexist in a single entity, seen from different perspectives. The example of Kuberdutt and Kuberdas, who experienced numerous relationships (brother-sister, husband-wife, father-daughter), illustrates how different contexts (apeksha) lead to varied perceptions of truth within a single reality.

The Importance of "Also" (Bhi) over "Only" (Hi):

The author draws a parallel to everyday life, where we often encounter seemingly opposing situations. These are seen as relative, not absolute. The text argues against the absolute use of "only" (hi), which implies exclusivity, and advocates for the use of "also" (bhi). The "also" signifies that while one's own truth is valid, the truth of another is also valid. This inclusive approach is the essence of Syadwad.

Syadwad as a Principle for Social Harmony:

The text emphasizes that Syadwad is not just a philosophical concept but a principle that can touch every aspect of life. It can provide justice to the poor, weak, and minorities. The current conflicts, class divisions, and disagreements stem from a lack of understanding of each other's perspectives and an adherence to personal stubbornness.

Incompleteness of Knowledge and the Path to Full Truth:

The author asserts that efforts to understand the complete truth through incomplete knowledge will only lead to partial truths. Mistaking partial truth for absolute truth inevitably creates conflict. True understanding of truth is vast and encompasses more than what we currently know. Therefore, human intellect, while capable, cannot grasp truth in its entirety without achieving completeness. In this state of incompleteness, any knowledge derived from it cannot be considered absolute. Claims of having the sole truth are thus false.

Modern science also supports the idea that objects are multifaceted, and scientific truths are relative and subject to ongoing research. Scientists acknowledge that they can only understand relative truths, while absolute truth is perceived by the "complete seer." Therefore, the knowledge of others cannot be dismissed as false, and relative truths can be valid from different perspectives. Syadwad shares this perspective.

Syadwad: A Synthesis of Opposites and the Foundation of Peace:

The text concludes that the universe is structured as a synthesis of various, seemingly contradictory, elements. These are not rivals but are mutually relative, sharing a common basis. Recognizing this removes the grounds for ideological conflict and dispute.

The author quotes a saying, "I have no partiality towards Mahavira, nor hatred towards Kapila and others. Whatever speech is reasoned, that should be accepted." This highlights the impartial and reasoned acceptance of truth advocated by Syadwad.

The Syadwad Statement Style: The Seven-Fold Predication (Saptabhangi):

The latter part of the text explains the "statement style" of Syadwad, which is characterized by the Saptabhangi (Seven-Fold Predication). This system addresses the inherent duality in language, where words can express affirmation (vidhi) and negation (nishedh). Since no statement can be absolutely affirmative or negative, Syadwad employs seven possible ways of predication:

Syad asti (Perhaps it exists): Affirmation without denying other possibilities.
Syad nasti (Perhaps it does not exist): Negation without denying other possibilities.
Syad asti-nasti (Perhaps it exists and does not exist): Sequential affirmation and negation.
Syad avaktavyam (Perhaps it is ineffable): The statement that something is beyond description.
Syad asti-avaktavyam (Perhaps it exists and is ineffable): Affirmation combined with ineffability.
Syad nasti-avaktavyam (Perhaps it does not exist and is ineffable): Negation combined with ineffability.
Syad asti-nasti-avaktavyam (Perhaps it exists, does not exist, and is ineffable): A combination of affirmation, negation, and ineffability.

The text explains that these seven propositions (bhangas) arise from three fundamental ones (asti, nasti, and avaktavyam) and their combinations. The purpose of Saptabhangi is to use qualified statements (vivaksha) to convey the non-contradictory, manifold qualities of an object, ensuring that the assertion of existence or non-existence is in accordance with valid knowledge.

Syadwad: Broadening Perspectives and Fostering Harmony:

The author concludes by stating that Syadwad broadens narrow and rigid perspectives into a vast and tolerant one. This tolerance is the essence of mutual harmony, cooperation, and goodwill. In today's world, this philosophy is more crucial than ever, as it is the foundation of equality and coexistence. Syadwad's anekaantic (many-sided) thinking is essential for fostering cooperation and goodwill. A true seeker of truth is not stubborn but Syadwadian. Without the universal acceptance of the Anekant-Syadwad perspective, peace in the world is impossible. The world must embrace Syadwad's eternal and simple path for its development, as it is the primary unit of world welfare, and this is the very "world-welfare perspective of Syadwad."