Jain Yoga Ke Mahan Vyakhyata Haribhadrasuri - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Jain Yoga ke Mahan Vyakhyata Haribhadrasuri" by Prof. Sohanlal Patni:

This article introduces Acharya Haribhadrasuri as a prominent commentator on Jain Yoga, who brought a new perspective to the field by harmonizing Buddhist Yoga and Nyaya (logic) with Jain practices and logic.

Key Highlights of Acharya Haribhadrasuri:

Prominent Scholar and Era: Haribhadrasuri was a respected Brahman scholar from Chitrakuta (Chittor). His period, from Vikram Samvat 757 to 827 (approximately 700-770 CE), is known as the "Haribhadra Era" in Jain literature. He held a significant position in the Jain tradition, following renowned figures like Siddhasena Divakara and Jinvadhra Gani.
Esteem from Contemporaries and Successors: The text highlights the high regard Haribhadrasuri was held in. Jineshwara Suri (Vikram Samvat 1080) in his "Haribhadrasuri Krit Ashtak Vriti" venerates him, implying that Haribhadrasuri's words were so profound that they could only be explained by himself. Vadideva Suri (Vikram Samvat 1160) in his "Syadvada Ratnakara" also praises him alongside Siddhasena Divakara, acknowledging Haribhadrasuri's influence on aspiring scholars. This demonstrates his role as an inspiration for future great Acharyas.
Intellectual Prowess and Versatility: Haribhadrasuri's extensive knowledge and creative genius are evident from his surviving works. His innovative thinking is reflected in contemporary philosophical texts. He brought about a significant shift in Jain Nyaya, Yoga Shastra, and Jain narrative literature. He is considered a pioneer of a new era in Jain Yoga literature.
Contribution to Jain Yoga: Jainism is fundamentally a path of renunciation, and Yoga holds immense importance within it. In Jain scriptures, the term "Yoga" is used to signify meditation, with detailed descriptions of its characteristics, types, and objects of focus. Haribhadrasuri wrote numerous works on Yoga, presenting it in a unique and unprecedented style, aligned with the Jain path. His key Yoga texts include:
- Yoga Bindu
- Yoga Drishti Samuchchaya
- Yoga Vishika
- Yoga Shataka
- Yoga Shodashaka
He is credited with re-interpreting the Jain spiritual development stages (like the fourteen gunasthanas) through the lens of Yoga. He also mentioned various Jain and non-Jain yogis in his writings, such as Gopendra Kalatita, Patanjali, Bhadanta, Bhaskara, Bandhu, and Bhagavadatta. Scholar Pt. Sukhlalji acknowledges Haribhadrasuri's Yoga descriptions as a new direction in Yoga literature.
Samaraichchakahā (Samarāditya Kathā): This work, written in Maharashtri Prakrit, is considered a milestone in narrative literature. Its stories flow smoothly and serenely towards their goal, like the calm current of the Ganga. According to archaeologist Padmashri Jin Vijayji, it's easily understandable even for those with basic Prakrit knowledge.
Vast Literary Output: According to tradition, he authored 1444 works, though the author believes this might refer to subjects he wrote on. His multifaceted personality made him a central figure connecting the pre- and post-classical periods of Jainism. He had equal command over Sanskrit and Prakrit languages.
Humility and Discipleship: An anecdote describes Haribhadrasuri's vow to become a disciple of anyone whose words he couldn't understand. Upon hearing a Prakrit stanza by Sadhvi Yakini Mahattara that he didn't comprehend, he immediately accepted her as his guru. Though initiated by her guru, Acharya Jinvadhra, he always considered Yakini Mahattara his spiritual mother, frequently using the epithet "Yakini Mahattara Dharma Sunu" (son of mother Yakini Mahattara) at the end of his works. He belonged to the Vidyadhara Gachchha of the Shvetambara tradition.
Critique and Scholarly Approach: Haribhadrasuri's prolific creative power is evident in his critical analysis and refutation of various philosophical schools, including Sankhya, Yoga, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Advaita, Charvaka, Buddhism, and Jainism. Notably, he referred to thinkers from opposing schools with great respect.
Key Works Listed: The article lists 24 of his significant works, including:
- Anekanta Vada Pravesh
- Anekanta Jaya Pataka (with his own commentary)
- Anuyogdwar Sutra Vritti
- Ashtak Prakaran
- Dashavaikalik Sutra Vritti
- Diggaja Krit Nyaya Pravesh Sutra Vritti
- Dharma-Bindu Prakaran
- Dharma-Sangrahani Prakaran
- Yoga Drishti Samuchchaya
- Yoga Bindu
- Lok Tattva Nirnaya
- Shad-darshan Samuchchaya
- Shravak Prajnapti
- Samaraichchhakaha
- Sambo dh Prakaran
- Vishati Vinshatika Prakaran
Impact on Jain Literature: Dr. Herman Jacobi noted that Haribhadrasuri significantly benefited the Jain and non-Jain worlds by composing Sanskrit commentaries, explanations, and "churṇis" (digestive commentaries) on Jain Agamas written in Prakrit. Beyond these listed works, he wrote 82 other books, demonstrating his broad range of literary skill.
Character and Philosophy: His spiritual and philosophical writings reveal him as naturally simple and gentle. While a devoted follower of Jainism, he was always a seeker of truth, maintaining a balanced and neutral approach when examining doctrines.
Historical Context and Influence: His time (VS 757-827) is placed in context with contemporary scholars like Kumara-la Bhatta (around VS 750) and Dharmakirti (691-706 VS). Uddyotana Suri, the author of the Prakrit tale "Kuvalaya Mala" (VS 834-35), was his disciple.
Social and Religious Reformer: Acharya Haribhadrasuri addressed prevailing undesirable practices of his time through works like "Ashtak," "Shodashaka," and "Panchashaka." He challenged the "Chaityavasis" (monks residing in temples) who were straying from the path of Dharma. He unequivocally condemned the misappropriation of temple wealth, stating that those who consume such wealth would face hell. The article concludes by calling him a visionary, creator, and revolutionary, emphasizing the need to study his literature to guide the four-fold Jain community away from decline and onto the path of the Tirthankaras.