Religious Dissonance And Reconciliation The Haribhadra Story

This essay, "Religious Dissonance and Reconciliation: The Haribhadra Story" by Christopher Key Chapple, explores how Jainism has historically navigated its distinct identity within a pluralistic India, drawing lessons from the life and writings of the influential Jain scholar Haribhadra.

The author begins by highlighting Jainism's historical position as a "stand-apart people" due to their unique practices. He notes that despite occasional periods of persecution, Jains have largely survived by defining themselves clearly against other religious groups without being absorbed, unlike Buddhism. Chapple attributes this survivability to Jainism's pluralistic philosophical outlook. He explains that Jainism emphasizes individual responsibility for karma and acknowledges multiple paths to spiritual liberation, thus fostering a "live and let live" attitude and reducing the need for aggressive proselytization.

However, Chapple then introduces a significant point of tension: the existence of stories attributing violent acts to Haribhadra, a scholar otherwise known for his tolerance and commitment to ahimsa (nonviolence). These stories, which emerged centuries after his death, portray Haribhadra as engaging in espionage, having his nephews killed by Buddhists, and subsequently exacting revenge by boiling hundreds of Buddhists to death in oil.

Chapple argues that these violent narratives are inconsistent with Haribhadra's own extensive writings. He analyzes Haribhadra's works, such as Yogadṛṣṭisamuccaya and Yogabindu, which consistently extol virtues applicable to all faiths and show particular respect for Buddhists. Haribhadra's Saddarśanasamuccaya, for instance, summarizes various Indian philosophical systems with an aim to enlighten and bring spiritual peace, not to incite hatred. He champions universal virtues like nonviolence, truth, and honesty, and emphasizes the importance of respecting diverse perspectives, even while holding to core Jain beliefs. Haribhadra's writings advocate for reconciliation and caution against refuting or reviling others, emphasizing kindness and helpfulness.

Chapple suggests that the violent stories about Haribhadra might have emerged as a response to the changing religious landscape of 13th and 14th century India, particularly the rise of Islam. In this context, Jains faced new challenges as a minority. The author proposes that these stories could have been a "new strategy" to strengthen Jain identity and resilience by inverting violence and attributing it to their own exemplary figure, thereby indirectly drawing attention to Haribhadra's conciliatory teachings and their importance for survival.

Ultimately, Chapple contrasts the "Haribhadra of lore" who seeks revenge with the "Haribhadra the author" who promotes self-understanding and respect for others. He concludes that while the Jain tradition allows for self-defense, the core lesson from Haribhadra the philosopher is to prioritize introspection, forgiveness, and reconciliation, even when faced with hostility. The essay suggests that remembering our shared humanity and extending compassion, as advocated by the philosophical Haribhadra, is crucial to breaking the cycle of violence in the contemporary world.