Haribhadrasuri

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on the figure of Acharya Haribhadrasuri:

This text is a biographical and literary account of Acharya Haribhadrasuri, a prominent Jain scholar and author.

Early Life and Intellectual Prowess:

• Acharya Haribhadrasuri was born into an Agnihotri Brahmin family in Chitrakuta.
• He held the esteemed position of royal priest to King Vikram of Chittor.
• Even before his conversion to Jainism, Haribhadra was a profound scholar of Vedic scriptures and philosophy, mastering fourteen branches of Brahmanical learning.
• He was renowned for his intellectual prowess, logical argumentation, unique grasp of knowledge, and his balanced and unbiased critical analysis.
• His commitment to knowledge was so strong that he vowed to become a disciple of anyone whose teachings he couldn't understand. He held a high opinion of Kavi Yuga as an omniscient being.

Transition to Jainism and Spiritual Awakening:

• A pivotal moment in Haribhadra's life occurred when, fleeing an enraged elephant, he took refuge in a Jain temple. In his fear, he disrespectfully referred to the Jina image.
• Later, while passing a Jain Upashraya (monastery), he overheard a learned Sadhvi (nun) reciting a verse from the Yakshini Gatha. Unable to comprehend its meaning, he was intrigued and approached the Sadhvi.
• The Sadhvi, Yakshini Mahattara, responded with intellectual grace, stating the courtyard was shining because it had been freshly plastered. This logical explanation impressed Haribhadra.
• Yakshini Mahattara advised him to seek the meaning from their Guru, Acharya Jintdattsuri, who was present there.
• The next day, Haribhadra visited Acharya Jintdattsuri. During this visit, he was filled with remorse for his earlier disrespectful behavior towards the Jina image. He offered a prayer acknowledging the Vitaraga (one who has conquered passions) nature of the deity.
• Acharya Jintdattsuri explained the verse and introduced Yakshini Mahattara as his elder sister in worldly terms, highlighting her status as a leading figure among Sadhvis.
• Haribhadra, acknowledging his past ignorance despite his scholarship and attributing his spiritual realization to the virtue of Yakshini Mahattara, expressed his vow to become a disciple of anyone he couldn't understand. He requested initiation from Acharya Jintdattsuri.
• Recognizing his sincere intentions, Acharya Jintdattsuri initiated him, and Haribhadra quickly became a profound scholar of Jain philosophy. He was soon granted the title of Acharya.

Literary Contributions and Scholarly Impact:

• Acharya Haribhadrasuri is recognized as a monumental figure in Jain literature, often referred to as "Yakshini Mahattaranu" (meaning, belonging to Yakshini Mahattara, or perhaps indicating her influence).
• He authored a vast corpus of works in Sanskrit and Prakrit, covering diverse subjects such as religion, philosophy, logic, yoga, meditation, biographies, rituals, geography, astronomy, aesthetics, poetry, stories, and arts.
• He is considered the first commentator (Tika/Vrutti writer) on Jain Agamas, providing new insights into yogic practices and composing informative miscellaneous works.
• His notable works include commentaries on the Aavashyak, Dashavaikalik, Jeevabhigam, Pragnapana, Nandi, and Anuyogadwar Agamas.
• His commentary on the Aavashyak Niyukti is extensive, spanning 22,000 verses.
• He also composed works like Yogadrushti Samuchchay, Yogadashaka, Yogavishika, and Yogashatak, which elucidate yogic principles.
• He authored works for all four Anuyogas (branches of Jain scriptural study): Dravyanuyog (Dravya Sangrahani), Ganitanuyog (Kshetra Samas Vrutti), Charananuyog (Dharma Bindu, Upadesh Pada), and Kathanuyog (Dhurtakhyan).
• His commentary on Nandi Sutra is about 2,336 verses long and clarifies various topics discussed in the Nandi Churni.
• His commentary on the Anuyogadwar Sutra is named Shishyashita and explains concepts like Pramanas (means of knowledge) and the distinction between Jnana Naya and Kriya Naya.
• He also wrote commentaries on texts like Tattvartha Sutra, Pind Niyukti, Kshetra Samas, Karma Stotra, and Dhyana Shataka.
• His works like Anekanta Jayapataka and Anekantapravesh clarify Lord Mahavir's doctrine of Anekanta (non-absolutism).
• Shatdarshan Samuchchay beautifully presents the six Indian philosophical systems.
• He is credited with restoring the Mahanishitha Sutra, which had been damaged due to moisture and insects.
• Acharya Haribhadrasuri's scholarly influence is evident in the fact that many subsequent scholars, including Udyotan Suri, Siddharshi, Dhanpal, Jineshwarsuri, Hemchandracharya, and Yashovijayji, have paid homage to him in their works.
• It is estimated that he composed around 1444 works, though only about 50 to 60 are currently available.

Key Relationships and Life Events:

• His gurus were Jintbatt and Jintdattsuri. He mentions Jintdattsuri by name in his works.
• He had two disciples named Hans and Paramhans, who were his nephews. They were killed by Buddhists after being discovered studying Buddhist logic.
• His disciples Jinbhadra and Virbhadra were also martyred by Buddhists, causing him immense grief.
• Despite his sorrow, he accepted the plea of the Sangha and dedicated himself to writing, focusing on accumulating knowledge rather than increasing his disciples.
• His works are highly regarded for their quantity, quality, and style, placing him at the pinnacle of post-Agama Jain literature.

Later Life and Passing:

• Acharya Haribhadrasuri passed away around V.S. 785 (approximately 728-731 CE) after undertaking a fast unto death for thirteen days, reaching a state of supreme tranquility.
• Some sources suggest his lifespan was from V.S. 757 to 827 (approximately 700-770 CE).

Mention of Acharya Bappabhattsuri:

The text also briefly introduces Acharya Bappabhattsuri, a disciple of Siddhsensuri (different from Siddhsen Diwakar). Bappabhattsuri, born into a Kshatriya family, was known for his intellectual victories in debates and significantly influenced King Amra of Kanyakubja, thus promoting Jainism.