Haribhadrasuri Ka Samaya Nirnay - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Haribhadrasuri ka Samaya Nirnay" by Muni Shri Jinavijay, based on the provided pages:

This book, published by Parshwanath Shodhpith Varanasi in 1988, is a scholarly work by Muni Shri Jinavijayji that aims to determine the correct time period of the renowned Jain scholar and philosopher Haribhadrasuri. The book is a republication of an important essay originally published in the "Jain Sahitya Sanshodhak" in 1919.

The Significance of Haribhadrasuri:

Haribhadrasuri is described as a highly significant and prolific scholar of the Shvetambara Jain tradition.
He authored numerous profound works in both Sanskrit and Prakrit on a wide range of philosophical subjects.
His writings are notable for their critical engagement with various Indian philosophical schools (Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Advaita, Charvaka, Buddhism, Jainism) and their respectful and equitable treatment of opposing viewpoints, using mild and sweet language.
He is considered a foundational figure in the post-classical Jain literature and a key organizer of the modern Jain community.
Establishing his correct time period is crucial for resolving major chronological puzzles within Jain history and also helps in determining the timelines of many non-Jain Indian philosophers and Sanskrit writers.

The Challenge of Determining Haribhadrasuri's Timeline:

While historical Jain records mention several individuals named Haribhadra, the author focuses on the first Haribhadra, who is considered the most important.
European scholars like Prof. Peterson, Dr. Klatt, Prof. Leumann, Jacobi, Ballini, and Mironov have previously attempted to determine Haribhadra's era, often in relation to other works like "Upamitibhavaprapanchakatha."
Dr. Jacobi, in particular, raised doubts about the authenticity of older chronological accounts concerning Haribhadra and published his findings after extensive research.
However, previous attempts are deemed insufficient because they largely failed to conduct a minute examination of Haribhadra's own texts for internal evidence, nor did they consistently consider all available external evidence. This left the question of his timeline unresolved and debatable.

Muni Jinavijayji's Objective:

The primary goal of this essay is to resolve the question of Haribhadrasuri's existence through a careful examination of internal evidence found in his works and a precise consideration of external evidence.

Haribhadrasuri's Literary Output:

Haribhadrasuri's contribution to Jain literature is immense; tradition suggests he authored 1400, 1440, or even 1444 works. While this number might seem exaggerated, the mentions of such a vast corpus date back over 800-900 years, attesting to his incredible productivity.
The book lists some of his most famous and influential works, including: Anekantavada Pravesh, Anekantajaya Pataka, Anuyogadvara Sutra Vrutti, Dharmabindu Prakarana, Dharmasangraha Prakarana, Shad-darshana Samuchchaya, Shastra Varta Samuchchaya, Samaraichchha Katha, and Yoga Bindu.

Biographical Information:

Haribhadrasuri did not leave extensive personal details in his own writings.
He mentions his gachchha (sect) as Vidyadhara, his preceptor as Jinadatta (who initiated him), and his spiritual mother (a nun) as Yakshini Mahattara. He also names Jinabhatta, possibly his academic guru or a revered figure.
Later biographical accounts suggest he was originally a learned Brahmin from Chitrakuta (Chittorgarh) who was converted to Jainism by the learned nun Yakshini Mahattara. He dedicated his life to Jain scholarship, writing numerous original works and commentaries on Agamas to make them accessible.
His character is depicted as simple, gentle, generous, and devoted to truth. He displayed impartiality and respect for truth, accepting valid points from any religion or sect. He used honorific titles like "Bhagavan," "Mahamuni," and "Maharshi" when referring to figures like Buddha, Kapila, Vyasa, and Patanjali, showcasing his broad-mindedness.

Analysis of Key Evidence and Debates:

Merutunga's Vichara-shreni: This text (likely from the 14th century) quotes an old Prakrit gatha stating Haribhadrasuri's demise occurred in Vikram Samvat 585 (approximately 529 CE).
- The author discusses the validity of this gatha, noting it was cited by Merutunga and not composed by him.
- He addresses a textual variation ("panasatiye" vs. "pantaee") and argues for "panasatiye" (585) based on linguistic rules and manuscript evidence, making the year 585 CE more plausible than 535 CE.
- Other later scholars like Pradyumnasuri and Samayasundargani also referenced this gatha, with some interpretations placing Haribhadra around 1055 years after Mahavira's Nirvana (equivalent to Vikram Samvat 585 or 545 CE).
Siddharshi and Upamitibhavaprapanchakatha: Siddharshi, the author of Upamitibhavaprapanchakatha, completed his work in Vikram Samvat 962 (906 CE).
- In the prologue, Siddharshi praises Haribhadrasuri as his "Dharmabodhakar Guru" (guru who imparts religious knowledge) and mentions that Haribhadra wrote the Lalitavistara Vritti for him.
- The Debate: This reference creates a conflict. If Siddharshi considers Haribhadra his direct guru, they must be contemporaries. However, if Haribhadra died in VS 585 (529 CE) and Siddharshi's work is in VS 962 (906 CE), there's a gap of over 350 years.
- Author's Analysis of Siddharshi's Statement:
  - Muni Jinavijayji explores various interpretations of Siddharshi's statements.
  - Prabhavakcharita's View: This biography suggests Haribhadra and Siddharshi were not contemporaries; Siddharshi became a Jain through studying Haribhadra's Lalitavistara Vritti after initially being influenced by Buddhism. Haribhadra was a perceived or indirect guru.
  - Prabandhakosha's View: This text claims Siddharshi was a direct disciple of Haribhadra. This is questioned by the author due to its omission of Siddharshi's actual guru (Garga) and its depiction of Siddharshi as overly simple.
  - Padivalagachchhiya Pattavali's View: This suggests Garga was Siddharshi's initiation guru, but Haribhadra also had contact and taught Siddharshi, though Haribhadra died before Siddharshi could receive the Lalitavistara Vritti.
  - The Author's Conclusion on Siddharshi: The author argues that Siddharshi's mention of anagatam (future) regarding Haribhadra's work implies Haribhadra was from the past relative to Siddharshi. Siddharshi likely considered Haribhadra an indirect guru due to his influential writings, not as a direct contemporary teacher.
Internal Evidence from Haribhadra's Works:
- Mention of "Vashavadatta" and "Priyadarshana": Haribhadra mentions "Vashavadatta" (attributed to Subandhu, possibly 6th century CE) and "Priyadarshana" (attributed to King Harsha, early 7th century CE). This firmly places Haribhadra after the early 7th century CE, contradicting the VS 585 date.
- Reference to Dharmakirti and Dharmapala: Haribhadra critiques the philosophical ideas of Buddhist scholars Dharmakirti and Dharmapala. Historical consensus places Dharmapala in the first half of the 7th century CE and Dharmakirti shortly after him. This further confirms Haribhadra lived in the 7th century CE or later.
- Critique of Kumarila Bhatta: Haribhadra discusses and critiques the Mimamsa philosopher Kumarila Bhatta, who is generally dated to the late 7th or early 8th century CE. This also supports a later dating for Haribhadra.
- Mention of Bhartrhari: Haribhadra cites Bhartrhari, the author of Vakyapadiya. Historical evidence suggests Bhartrhari lived in the mid-7th century CE.
- Reference to Shantarashita: Haribhadra references Shantarashita (c. 749 CE), an influential Buddhist philosopher. This places Haribhadra after Shantarashita.
- Use of Jain Texts: Haribhadra quotes extensively from the Nandi Sutra Churni by Jinasena Mahattara, which was completed in Shak Samvat 598 (VS 733 / 676 CE). This means Haribhadra must have lived after 676 CE.
- Quotation from Kuvalayamala: The author cites the Kuvalayamala by Udyotanasuri (completed in Shak Samvat 699 / 777 CE) which praises Haribhadra and his work Samaraichchha Katha. This provides strong evidence that Haribhadra was active by the late 8th century CE.
Analysis of Kuvalayamala's Guru Tradition: The Kuvalayamala prologue traces a spiritual lineage. Udyotanasuri (the author) mentions his guru lineage, and in the context of specific revered gurus, he praises Acharya Haribhadra as his guru in "Pramana and Nyaya Shastra" and as the author of many texts, indicating the renowned Haribhadrasuri. This, along with the completion date of Kuvalayamala, strongly suggests Haribhadra was contemporary with Udyotanasuri.
Critique of Shankaracharya's Dating: The author discusses the debate around Shankaracharya's timeline. He argues that if Shankaracharya had lived before Haribhadra (as some suggest), Haribhadra would have likely critiqued his Advaita philosophy, especially in relation to Jainism's Syadvada. Since Haribhadra extensively discusses Syadvada and critiques other philosophies, the absence of Shankaracharya's specific ideas in Haribhadra's works suggests Shankaracharya lived after Haribhadra, or at least later in the 8th century CE.

The Author's Final Conclusion:

Based on the cumulative evidence, particularly the citations of contemporary scholars from other traditions (Harsha, Subandhu, Dharmakirti, Dharmapala, Shantarashita, Kumarila Bhatta, Bhartrhari) and the reference in Kuvalayamala, Muni Jinavijayji concludes that Haribhadrasuri flourished in the 8th century CE. Specifically, he estimates his lifespan from approximately 700 CE to 770 CE (Vikram Samvat 757 to 827). This contradicts the older tradition placing him in the 6th century CE.

The book systematically presents these various pieces of evidence and their scholarly interpretations to arrive at this refined chronological placement for the influential Jain Acharya Haribhadrasuri.