Work

Niścaya-Vyavahāra Nayas and Anekāntavāda: A Re-investigation with Reference to Kundakunda and Amṛtacandra

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: In this paper, I reinvestigate the issue of the purported incompatibility between the Jaina theory of anekāntavāda (non-one-sidedness) and the niścaya-vyavahāra naya s (N-V) (absolute- and conventional-perspectives). Based on the texts and interpretations thereof that have not been presented before, I argue that the scheme of N-V, instead of contradicting anekāntavāda , is compatible with and sensitive to the spirit of non-one-sidedness. This spirit is strongly evidenced in Amṛtacandra’s works, and the sources of it could be traced back to Kundakunda himself. The paper brings to light new perspectives—philosophical, historical, philological, and hermeneutical—on the Jaina theory of anekāntavāda , especially in the context of soteriology, spirituality and ethics.

Source: Journal of Indian Philosophy

DOI: 10.1007/s10781-025-09618-7

Author: Jinesh R. Sheth

Institution: University of Birmingham

Language: English

Topic: Indian and Buddhist Studies

Subfield: Religious studies

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290

Funder: University Grants Commission