Unit 2: Charvaka and Jainism
Table of Contents
1. Charvaka (Lokayata)
Charvaka is the Materialist school of Indian philosophy. It denies everything that cannot be perceived by the senses.
Epistemology (Pratyaksha)
Charvaka holds that Perception (Pratyaksha) is the only valid source of knowledge. They reject Inference (Anumana) because it relies on universal relations (Vyapti) which cannot be sensory perceived.
Metaphysics
- Matter is Reality: The world is made of four elements: Earth, Water, Fire, and Air. (They reject Ether/Akasha because it isn't perceivable).
- Consciousness: Consciousness is a byproduct of matter, emerging like the red color from chewing betel leaf. It dies with the body.
- No Soul/God: There is no afterlife, no rebirth, and no God. Death is the final liberation.
"Live happily as long as you live; borrow money and drink ghee."
2. Jainism: Anekantavada
Unlike Charvaka, Jainism is highly spiritual. Anekantavada is their metaphysical theory of the "Many-sidedness of Reality."
It states that reality is complex and has infinite aspects. Ordinary humans can only see one side at a time. To claim one's partial view is the whole truth is the root of all conflict.
3. Jainism: Syadvada
Syadvada is the logical application of Anekantavada. It is the "Theory of Conditioned Predication." Since knowledge is partial, every judgment should be preceded by the word "Syat" (Maybe / In some respect).
The Seven Nayas (Saptabhangi-naya):
- Syat-asti (In some respect, it is).
- Syat-nasti (In some respect, it is not).
- Syat-asti-nasti (It is and is not).
- Syat-avaktavyam (It is indescribable).
- ...and combinations of the above.
4. Jain Ethics and Liberation
Jainism emphasizes extreme self-discipline to liberate the soul (Jiva) from matter (Ajiva).
The Triratna (Three Jewels):
- Samyak Darshana: Right Faith.
- Samyak Jnana: Right Knowledge.
- Samyak Charitra: Right Conduct.
Pancha-mahavrata (Five Great Vows):
1. Ahimsa (Non-violence), 2. Satya (Truth), 3. Asteya (Non-stealing), 4. Brahmacharya (Celibacy), 5. Aparigraha (Non-attachment).
Exam Focus: Tips & FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does Charvaka reject Inference?
A: They argue that inference relies on a universal middle term (Vyapti), but we can never observe all cases in the universe to prove a universal law.
Q: What is the difference between Jiva and Ajiva?
A: Jiva is the conscious soul which is infinite in number. Ajiva is non-conscious matter that "sticks" to the soul due to passions, causing bondage.
Exam Tip
In Jainism, Ahimsa is the most important vow. Remember the phrase: "Ahimsa Paramo Dharmah" (Non-violence is the highest duty).