Anekant: Reflections And Clarifications: What Is Syādvāda ?

Anekānta took birth on the basis of inter-dependence of substantial and modal view-points. Syādvāda expresses that very inter­dependence. Anekānta has two aspects: permanent and temporary, existence and non-existence, general and particular, one and many, expressible and inexpressible. What unites these aspects is proved through syādvāda. Gautama is reported to ask; Is the ratnaprabhā earth permanent or temporary? Mahavira answered; it is partly permanent and partly temporary, syādvāda accepts both the thesis and the antithesis. How could the contradictory attributes of permanence and transitoriness co-exist together? The question is answered by Mahāvīra; Ratnaprabhā earth is permanent from substantial point of view, temporary from modal point of view. Naya, anekānta and syādvāda—all these three are useful in the field of metaphysics.