Haribhadra Ka Aavdan

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the contributions of Haribhadra:

Book Title: Haribhadra ka Avdan (Contribution of Haribhadra) Author: Sagarmal Jain Publisher: Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi

This book, "Haribhadra ka Avdan" by Sagarmal Jain, published by Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi, extensively discusses the significant and multifaceted contributions of the Jain scholar Haribhadra to the fields of religion and philosophy. The author highlights Haribhadra's unique approach in a period characterized by intense philosophical debate, criticism, and sectarian animosity.

Haribhadra's General Contributions:

• Vast Literary Output: Haribhadra is credited with a prolific literary output, reportedly composing 1444 works, though information currently exists for around 84. His writings span various genres including philosophy, religious practice, yoga, rituals, ethics, and inspirational narratives.
• Commentarial Literature: He also produced a substantial body of commentaries on existing texts.
• Addressing a Divisive Era: Haribhadra lived during a time when Indian intellectual discourse was dominated by sophistry, refutation, and a strong sense of mutual hatred and contempt between different religious and philosophical traditions. His own disciples fell victim to this animosity.

Haribhadra's Unique Approach and Significance:

The book outlines Haribhadra's greatness and contributions through several key points:

1. Impartial Presentation of Philosophical and Religious Traditions:

   • Haribhadra was among the first to present diverse philosophical and religious viewpoints impartially, without bias or the sole intent of refutation. This contrasts with earlier Jain texts like Sutrakritanga and Bhagavati, which, while describing other traditions, often criticized them harshly or presented them unfavorably. Even the ancient Rishibhashita (Isibhashiyai), which presented thinkers from other traditions respectfully, was an exception.
   • He is contrasted with Jain philosophers like Siddhasena Divakara, who, while discussing other philosophies, did so primarily for the purpose of refutation and often with satirical remarks.
   • Even later Jain scholars like Hemachandra, Yashovijaya, and Anandghan, while exhibiting a tolerant outlook, are seen as influenced by Haribhadra's pioneering work.
   • Haribhadra's Shatdarshana-samuccaya (Compendium of Six Philosophies) is presented as a unique and invaluable text for its comprehensive and unbiased presentation of various Indian philosophies, a feat not achieved by any earlier Jain or non-Jain scholar in such a manner.
   • Non-Jain works like Sarvasiddhantasangraha (attributed to Shankaracharya) and Sarvadarshanasangraha (by Madhavacharya) are also discussed, but they are noted for their underlying Vedanta bias and a tendency to refute opposing views, lacking the neutrality of Haribhadra's work.

2. Respectful Language and Reverence Towards Founders of Other Religions/Philosophies:

   • Even when critiquing other philosophies, Haribhadra consistently used polite language and showed respect for their founders.
   • While earlier, he might have indulged in some sharp remarks, with intellectual maturity, this tendency diminished, and his later works, like Shastravartasamuccaya, address figures like Kapila and Buddha with titles like "divine person," "great muni," and "excellent physician." This is in stark contrast to some critics who denigrated figures like Gautama and Kanada.

3. Focus on Core Principles Over Superficial Criticism:

   • Instead of engaging in dry philosophical polemics, Haribhadra sought to understand the essential truths and underlying objectives of concepts from other traditions.

4. Synthesis and Harmony:

   • He attempted to integrate the truths found in other philosophical beliefs with the Jain perspective, demonstrating a remarkable capacity for intellectual synthesis.

5. Independent Study and Commentary:

   • Haribhadra meticulously studied the texts of other philosophical traditions and wrote commentaries on them from an impartial standpoint, such as his commentary on Dinnaga's Nyaya Pravesha.

6. Fearless Refutation of Superstitions and Blind Faith:

   • Despite his tolerant and inclusive approach, Haribhadra was a fearless critic of illogical superstitions and blind faith, even within his own tradition.
   • His works like Dhurtakhyana and Dvijavadana Chapeta are highlighted for their sharp but polite critique of Puranic myths, caste systems, and unscientific beliefs. He uses satire to debunk stories like the birth of figures from divine beings, the lifting of mountains, etc., exposing their irrationality.

7. Emphasis on Reason and Logic Over Blind Faith:

   • Haribhadra valued faith but considered it meaningless without the support of logic and reason. He famously stated that he had no attachment to Mahavira or animosity towards Kapila, accepting whatever was logically sound.
   • He cautioned against using logic solely to confirm one's own beliefs, emphasizing its use for the discovery of truth.

8. Connecting Spiritual Practice with Character Purity, Not Ritualism:

   • Haribhadra advocated for connecting religious practice with spiritual purity and ethical integrity rather than mere ritualistic observance.
   • While acknowledging the importance of faith, knowledge, and conduct, he stressed that faith shouldn't be blind, knowledge shouldn't be flawed logic, and conduct shouldn't be limited to external rituals.
   • He criticized empty ritualism and hypocrisy, particularly those who claimed to be ascetics but indulged in worldly pursuits.

9. Liberal and Broad Perspective on Liberation (Moksha):

   • Haribhadra rejected the idea that liberation was exclusive to any particular religious sect or practice. He believed that liberation was attained through the eradication of passions (kashayas) like anger, pride, delusion, and greed, irrespective of one's external appearance or sect (Jain, Buddhist, etc.).

10. Emphasis on Qualities Over Names of the Worshipped:

    • Haribhadra argued against sectarian disputes based on the names of deities or revered figures. He stated that anyone who is free from all flaws and possesses all virtues, whether called Brahma, Vishnu, or Jin, deserves reverence. He believed that the focus should be on the ultimate truth and the inherent qualities of the divine, not on linguistic differences.

Revolutionary Elements in Haribhadra's Religious Philosophy (with reference to Sambodhaprakarana):

The book also delves into the revolutionary aspects of Haribhadra's thought:

• Critique of Hypocrisy and Ritualism: He strongly criticized the superficiality and hypocrisy prevalent in religious practices of his time, where external rituals masked a lack of true spiritual essence. He categorized dharma into four types: 'nama dharma' (mere name), 'sthapana dharma' (symbolic rituals), 'dravya dharma' (outdated practices), and 'bhava dharma' (true spiritual essence). He emphasized 'bhava dharma' – the purification of inner disposition, detachment from desires and passions – as the true path.
• Challenging Internal Corruption: Haribhadra was not afraid to critique shortcomings within his own Jain tradition. He fearlessly condemned monks who accumulated wealth, indulged in worldly comforts, and engaged in practices contrary to true monasticism, even while wearing the monk's robes. He expressed deep anguish over the decline of monastic discipline and the misuse of religious resources.
• Promoting True Guru-Disciple Relationship: He also addressed the growing trend of personal allegiance to gurus and the formation of sectarian groups, advocating for a focus on adherence to Jin's teachings rather than personal devotion to a specific guru.
• Critique of External Traditions (with Dhurtakhyana): In Dhurtakhyana, he used a satirical style to critique the irrational myths and unscientific narratives found in the Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Puranas, aiming to free people from blind faith and expose the manipulative practices of the priestly class. He advocated for logic and reason as the basis of faith and pointed out the inconsistencies and character flaws presented in the stories of divine beings. He argued that the primary criterion for a revered figure should be an impeccable character, not adherence to a particular sect or lineage.

In conclusion, Sagarmal Jain's "Haribhadra ka Avdan" presents Haribhadra as a pivotal figure in Indian religious and philosophical history. He is portrayed as a scholar of immense breadth and depth, a fearless critic of superstition and hypocrisy, and a profound advocate for tolerance, reason, and the pursuit of truth, leaving an indelible mark on Jain thought and broader Indian intellectual traditions.