Anekantavada, the Jaina theory of multiple facets of reality and truth, is so fundamental and central to Jaina metaphysics, epistemology and logic that the entire Jaina system came to be known by the name of Anekanta Darsana (System). The theory constitutes its most original and brilliant contribution to philosophical thought and understanding. A critical student of philosophy, eastern and western alike, will find in it a master key to the problems which have engaged thinkers from the very ancient times. The present work is a collection of articles dealing with the theory and written by the eminent scholars like K.C. Bhattacharya, B.K. Matilal, A. Uno, and others. They elucidate examine and evaluate the theory and bring out significant results implied in it. As pointed out by Prof. D.S. Kothari, the theory enriches our understanding of complementarity in physics. It convincingly demonstrates that what seems contradictory to simple mind is, in fact, not contradictory but complementary. It is competent to dive deep into the subtleties of metaphysics, to settle all the vexed questions of abstruse speculation, to reconcile the conflicting views, and to show that grandness of Truth consists in the very richness of its infinite aspects. It fosters intellectual toleration, emancipates man from attachment to inherited traditional views and preconceived notions, broadens his outlook, exposes him favourably to all possible philosophical views, and reveals to him the true significance of each view. It has meaningful bearing on man’s psychological and spiritual life.
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