Syadvada

                                     Theory of Syadvada

Jainism seems to be closely linked with the philosophy of 'Sankhya'. It also developed a kind of logic which cut at the root of all stable knowledge.It was technically named Syadvada or the theory of 'May be'. No absolute answer can be given for any question.There are seven modes of answering a question in Jainism.

If the question is, 'Is there a soul'?, this logic of the Jains would admit of seven answer to it,viz, (i) is; (ii) is not; (iii) is and is not; (iv) is unpredictable; (v) is and is unpredictable; (vi) is not and is unpredictable; (vii) is, is not and is unpredictable. First sense is that there is a soul exist , second sense is there is no soul exist and third sense is not inconceivable in which we must admit that we cannot describe it,and so on. This is equivalent to saying that knowledge is only probable.

 Emancipation of Women:In Hinduism women were not given the right to attain salvation. Mahavira wanted that women should also attain Moksha. His predecessor Parshvanath was also of the same view. That is why, he permitted women to join Jain Sangha. Shraminis and Shravikas were the two categories of women in Jain religion.

Self-mortification: Some special stress was laid on fasts and penance in Jainism. Freedom of soul from the body as a result of constant fast was considered as the highest goal in Jain religion. It was believed that if an individual died during self-mortification,he was freed from the bondage of Karma and attained salvation.

Nivriti Marga: Jain religion believed in the Nivriti Marga. It indicates that this world is full of sorrows and suffering as every man is surrounded by ambitions and passion. In case the ambitions and passions of a person are not gratified, he feels sorry and Jainism teaches us to give up all such desires,that causes sorrow and misery in human life.

After the death of Mahavira Swami, Jainism was divided into two sects.Those who wear white clothes came to be known as 'Swetambaras' and those who accepted nudity were called 'Digambaras'.