Jain Philosophy: Nayavada

 Jain Philosophy

3.Nayavada

Nayavada is another doctrine of Jain philosophy that states that every thought is true from a certain perspective, and no idea is false. Nayavada is part of Jainism’s Theory of Reality.  According to this theory, every thought is true from certain standpoint. They become false only when they are absolute.  If they are non-absolute, then they are true. This accommodating attitude of Jain philosophy gives due importance to other philosophies. Nayavada refers to only part of the whole truth. Nayavada does not deny attributes, qualities, modes and other aspects. There are two types of Nayas:

1.       Dravyarthika Naya – it is the way of looking at a thing (appearance) to identify a substance

2.       Paryayarthika Naya – it is the changing state of a substance (mode)

Each object, living or non-living, is formed as a collection of two or more elements. Even the same elements can aggregate in different forms and behave differently in different situations. Thus, to know about an object, one need to visualize from any one or more perspectives. The different perspectives to understand an object is called Nayavada. There are  given below:

1.       Naigama naya – to identify a substance by name or etymological view

2.       Sangraha naya – collective understanding or holistic view

3.       Vyavahara naya – to learn about its external behaviour

4.       Rjusutra naya – to know about its present state or current view

5.       Sabda naya – to understand on the basis of sound or synonymous view

6.       Samabhirudha naya – to find various contradictory views or different meanings to the synonymous words

7.       Evambhuta naya – to find the truth as it is without distortion at a particular moment

8.       Nischaya naya – definite view which can only be attained after thorough analysis of the rest seven nayas.

Naigama naya, Sangraha naya and Vyavahara naya, all three come under Dravyarthikaya naya. Rjusutra naya, Sabda naya, Samabhiruddha naya and Evambhuta naya, these four come under Paryayarthikaya naya.

 

Reference:

www.herenow4U.net

www.wisdomlib.org

www.jainworld.jainworld.com

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Jainism for All: Embarking on a Profound Journey of Wisdom and Compassion

Image
Welcome, fellow seekers of truth and wisdom, to the enlightening world of Jainism! It is with immense joy and gratitude that I invite you to embark on a transformative journey through this blog series, aptly titled "Jainism for All." Together, we will explore the depths of an ancient philosophy and religion that has inspired generations with its profound teachings on character building, ethical conduct, and the pursuit of inner harmony. Lord Mahavir I am Ratna Lalwani, M.Sc., Ph.D. in Physics from Calcutta University, your guide and fellow traveller on this path of discovery. Growing up in a family deeply immersed in Jainism, I have been privileged to witness the transformative power of this age-old tradition first hand. My father, Kastur Chand Lalwani, dedicated his life to translating numerous Jain Agams from Prakrit to English, illuminating the intricate teachings hidden within these ancient texts. My uncle, Ganesh Chand Lalwani, played a pivotal role as the Editor of t...
Read more

Nirjara, the 8th Navatattva (Elimination of Karma)

  Nirjara, the 8 th Navatattva (Elimination of Karma ) The eighth cardinal principle is Nirjara . It means the shedding or removal of karma from the soul. Karma once attached to the soul becomes active when the time is ripe to bear fruit. But if one fails to throw out the karma just before it starts bearing fruit, it becomes much more difficult to eliminate the karma from the soul. Bearing fruit means new karma flowing in by the actions and reactions of the old karma . Therefore, it is necessary for those who aspire for liberation, to exhaust all karma on a regular basis by the prescribed means of meditation, contemplation etc. This process of elimination or exhaustion of karma is called Nirjara. Nirjara is of two types: Bhava nirjara , modification of soul which leads to separation of karmic matter from the soul, and, Dravya Nirjara , actual separation of karmic matter from the soul. Again, Bhava Nirjara is of two types: Savipaka and Avipaka Savipaka or akam nirja...
Read more

Triratna or the Three Gems in Jainism

  Triratna or the Three Gems A simultaneous practice of Samyak Darshana or right faith, Samyak Jnana or right knowledge and Samyak Charitra or right character and conduct leads to liberation. These are the three gems of Jainism. Samyak Darshan or Right Faith Samyak Darshan is also called Samyakatwa. It is faith in the nine essential principles ( Navatattva ) and an attitude of unbiased approach to the real nature of things. It can also be called Vivek-Drishti or discriminating perception. Deluded by ignorance, the Jiva ordinarily takes falsehood for truth and truth for falsehood. The faith directed attitude of consciousness that can perceive truth as truth and falsehood as falsehood is Samyak Darshan or Samyakatwa . The spiritual life of the Jiva begins only when Samyakatwa emerges out of darkness of its ignorance. The Jiva develops an aspiration to know the truth in its essential principles, to renounce what is unwholesome and impure, and to accept all that is high a...
Read more