Haribhadrasuri Aur Hemchandrasuri - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, focusing on Acharya Haribhadrasuri and Acharya Hemchandrasuri:

This text, titled "Acharya Shri Haribhadrasuri and Acharya Shri Hemchandrasuri," authored by Hajarimal Banthiya, serves as a comparative study of two highly influential figures in Jain literature and history. The author highlights their immense scholarly contributions and the significant impact they had on the preservation and propagation of Jainism, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

Key Figures and Their Significance:

Acharya Haribhadrasuri: Referred to as a "Kaliyug-Kevali" (a Kevali of the current era), his period is estimated from V.S. 1145 to 1226. He was born into a high Brahmin family in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan. He was an erudite scholar of 14 branches of Brahmin knowledge. His father was Shankar Bhatt and his mother was Gangan or Ganga. Haribhadrasuri was known for his intellectual prowess and was appointed the Rajguru (royal preceptor) of Chitrakoot Naresh Jitarai. He was a scholar of Prakrit language. Modern research places his time between the 8th and 9th centuries V.S. (757-827 V.S.). He is described as a brilliant scholar who aimed to understand other religious philosophies and even convert to them if he couldn't comprehend them.
Acharya Hemchandrasuri: Known as a "Kalikal-Sarvajna" (all-knowing of the current era), his period is estimated from V.S. 1145 to 1226. He was born into a merchant family in Dhandhu, Gujarat. His mother's name was Pahini and his father's name was Chach. Hemchandrasuri served as the Rajguru of Chalukyan rulers Jayasingh Siddharaj and the emperor Kumarpal. He was a scholar of Sanskrit. The text emphasizes his immense intellectual capacity, considering him a "Sea of Knowledge." His grammatical work, "Shabdanushasan," and his epic "Trishashti Shalaka Purush Charit" are highlighted as extraordinary creations. German scholar Dr. Georg Bühler was so impressed by Hemchandrasuri's works that he wrote the first biography of Hemchandrasuri in the German language, which was later translated into Hindi.

Shared Traits and Distinguishing Features:

"Sur" vs. "Shashi" (Sun vs. Moon): The author poses a rhetorical question as to who deserves to be called the "Sun" (Sur) and who the "Moon" (Shashi), implying that both were luminaries of immense brilliance in the Jain literary sky.
Generosity of Spirit: Both Acharyas are described as having noble minds with no room for stubbornness or ego.
Scholarly Depth: Haribhadrasuri excelled in Prakrit, while Hemchandrasuri was a master of Sanskrit.
Influence on Gujarat and Rajasthan: The text credits these two Acharyas for making Gujarat and Rajasthan enduring centers of Jainism.
Discipleship: Haribhadrasuri's guru was Jindattsuri, and Hemchandrasuri's guru was Devchandrasuri.

Key Incidents and Accomplishments:

Haribhadrasuri's Intellectual Journey: While a Pandit considered himself invincible, Haribhadrasuri encountered the chanting of a verse by Mahattara Yakini near a Jain Upashray. Unable to understand it, he entered the Upashray to seek its meaning. When told that only his guru, Jindattsuri, could explain it, Haribhadrasuri decided to become a Jain monk to understand Jain philosophy. He became a great scholar of Agama, Yoga, Astrology, Nyaya, Vyakarana, and Pramana Shastra. He also wrote commentaries on various Jain Agamas, including essential ones like Avashyak, Dashavaikalik, Jivabhigam, Prapana, Nandi, and Anuyogadvar. His "Samraischchhakaha" is a renowned Prakrit work praised for its literary beauty and philosophical depth.
Hemchandrasuri's Intellectual Prowess: During a visit to the Somnath temple with Emperor Kumarpal, Hemchandrasuri recited verses praising Shiva. This enlightened Kumarpal, who then shifted his allegiance from a Shiva devotee to a Jain follower. Hemchandrasuri's profound understanding and eloquent expression of Jain philosophy, even in the context of praising other deities, impressed scholars and rulers alike. He is credited with reconciling the concept of "Mahadeva" (the great god) with the Jain understanding of the liberated soul, stating that whoever has conquered passions like great attachment, great aversion, great delusion, and kashayas is the true Mahadeva.
Tragedy of Haribhadrasuri's Disciples: Haribhadrasuri's nephews, Hans and Paramhans, who had become Jain monks, were killed by Buddhists while studying Buddhism. In his grief and desire for retribution, Haribhadrasuri initially vowed to defeat 1444 Buddhist monks through his knowledge. However, guided by his guru, he abandoned the path of violence and resolved to write 1444 works, enriching the treasury of Indian literature. Sadly, only about 60 of his works are available today, with half of them yet to be published.
Legacy and Recognition: The text notes that while Hemchandrasuri is widely revered with statues and monuments, Haribhadrasuri's contribution has been somewhat overlooked by contemporary Jain society. It calls for the establishment of Jain schools to honor Haribhadrasuri. Scholar Muni Jinavijayji was so inspired by Haribhadrasuri that he commissioned a statue of him, placed his own statue at Haribhadrasuri's feet, and built the "Haribhadrasuri Gyan Mandir" at the entrance of Chittorgarh. Western scholars have lauded Hemchandrasuri as a "Sea of Knowledge."

Overall Message:

The book emphasizes that both Acharya Haribhadrasuri and Acharya Hemchandrasuri were unparalleled scholars whose vast literary output is a treasure for Jainism and world literature. They were influential figures who shaped the landscape of Jain thought and practice, leaving behind a rich legacy of wisdom and devotion. The author strongly advocates for greater recognition and commemoration of Acharya Haribhadrasuri's monumental contributions, urging the Jain community to actively preserve and promote his teachings.