Samdarshi Acharya Haribhadra

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Samdarshi Acharya Haribhadra" by Sukh Lal Sanghvi, translated into English. The summary is based on the provided text, covering the content of the book as outlined in the table of contents and the introductions.

Book Title: Samdarshi Acharya Haribhadra (The Equanimous Acharya Haribhadra) Author: Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghavi Publisher: Rajasthan Prachyavidya Pratishthan, Jodhpur Original Lectures: Delivered at Bombay University as part of the Thakkar Vasnji Madhavji Lecture Series. Language: Hindi (translation of original Gujarati lectures) Year of Publication: 1963 AD / 2016 Vikram Samvat

Overall Scope: This book is a detailed study and appreciation of Acharya Haribhadra, a significant figure in Jainism and broader Indian philosophical and yogic traditions. The author, Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghavi, aims to illuminate Haribhadra's life, his intellectual contributions to philosophy and yoga, and his "Samdarshi" (equanimous or impartial) perspective that sought to harmonize different schools of thought. The book is based on lectures delivered by Pandit Sukhlalji, renowned for his deep scholarship and ability to synthesize diverse philosophical viewpoints.

Summary of the Lectures:

Foreword (Sanchalakiya Nivedan by Muni Jinavijay): The Director of the Rajasthan Oriental Research Institute expresses immense pleasure in publishing this work. He highlights that Acharya Haribhadra, who spent his childhood in Rajasthan, was a prolific writer and thinker who contributed significantly to Jain philosophy and yoga. Haribhadra is presented as a storyteller, preacher, debater, yogi, and an equanimous philosopher. The Director praises Pandit Sukhlalji Sanghavi's erudition and his life's work dedicated to fostering harmony among diverse ideas. He notes Haribhadra's ability to understand and integrate yogic literature from Vedic, Buddhist, and Jain traditions, attributing this to both study and experience. Haribhadra's work in resolving philosophical disputes through his text "Shastra Varta Samuchchaya" and his respect for all philosophical pioneers are emphasized as reasons for his significance and for this book's publication by the Institute. The Director also acknowledges the intellectual generosity of Pandit Sukhlalji in allowing this publication outside his own "Gyanoday Trust" series.

Foreword (Purovachan by Sukh Lal Sanghavi): Pandit Sukhlalji explains his choice of Acharya Haribhadra for the lecture series, driven by his deep scholarship and unique contribution to Indian philosophy and yoga. He mentions considering other eminent scholars but ultimately settling on Haribhadra due to his remarkable qualities. He acknowledges the encouragement from scholars like Umashankar Joshi and Dr. Mansukhlal Jhveri, as well as the support from Rasmiklal Chh. Parikh and Pt. Dalmukhbhai Malvania.

Lecture 1: Outline of Acharya Haribhadra's Life:

• Introduction: The author expresses his initial hesitation and then his honor in being invited to lecture at Bombay University. He acknowledges the intellectual giants who preceded him in this lecture series.
• Gujarat's Cultural Contribution: Reflecting on other lectures, he poses the question of whether Gujarat merely received Indian culture or actively shaped and enhanced it.
• Haribhadra's Uniqueness: He states that while other scholars like Hemchandrasuri and Nyayacharya Yashovijayji were also learned, Haribhadra's distinction lies in his comprehensive understanding and synthesis of different traditions, particularly in philosophy and yoga. He praises Haribhadra's intellectual breadth and spiritual depth.
• Thematic Focus: Haribhadra's contribution to philosophy and yoga will be explored through his works like "Shad Darshana Samuchchaya," "Shastra Varta Samuchchaya," "Yoga Shataka," "Yoga Vishika," "Yoga Bindu," and "Yoga Drishti Samuchchaya."
• Haribhadra's Personality: He emphasizes that Haribhadra was not just a scholar but also a balanced individual who valued impartiality, the ability to absorb good qualities from all traditions, and a respectful approach to others.
• Haribhadra's Unique Approach to Synthesis: Haribhadra achieved synthesis in three ways:
  1. Reinterpreting and providing broader meaning to terms used in rival philosophical traditions (like Ishvarakartvavada, Naturism, Advaita, Vijnana, Shunyata) to show their potential for harmonization.
  2. Demonstrating how different definitions, even when conveying a similar meaning (like Avidya, Moha, Darshanmoha, Brahma, Nirvana), point to a single underlying truth.
• Haribhadra's Multifaceted Persona: He was a storyteller (author of "Samaraichchaha"), a philosopher/logician ("Anekantajayapataka," "Dharma Sangrahani"), a reformer of conduct ("Sambodha Prakarana"), and a yogi ("Yoga Bindu," etc.).
• Birthplace: The text discusses conflicting accounts of Haribhadra's birthplace. While "Kahaavali" mentions "Pivangui Brahm-puri," other sources point to Chittor or Chitrakoot. The author suggests that "Brahm-puri" might have been a locality within or near Chittor/Madhyamika, which was an ancient center of learning and religion.
• Parents: The name of his mother is given as Ganga and father as Shankar Bhatta in "Kahaavali," indicating his Brahmanical origin.
• Time Period: The author, following Muni Jinavijay's research, places Haribhadra's life between 757 and 827 AD, citing evidence from "Kuvalayamala."
• Education: Born a Brahman, Haribhadra likely received his initial education in Sanskrit in the traditional Brahmanical manner. His intellectual journey led him to embrace Jainism, where he mastered Prakrit and Jain scriptures, thus integrating Brahmanical and Shramanic knowledge.
• "Bhavavirahe": This epithet, meaning "one who desires separation from worldly existence," is explored through three interpretations: his choice of renunciation for Moksha, the sorrow of separation from disciples (Jinabhadr and Virabhadra), and the blessings he bestowed on devotees.
• "Porwal" Caste: An anecdote suggests Haribhadra played a role in establishing the Porwal lineage within the Jain tradition in Mewar.

Lecture 2: Origins, Spread of Philosophy and Yoga, Gujarat's Connection, and Haribhadra's Place:

• Origins of Philosophy and Yoga: The author discusses the challenges of pinpointing the exact origins due to sectarian biases. He references the Buddha's open-minded approach to truth-seeking. The influence of scientific, historical, and archaeological research is highlighted.
• Early Indian Inhabitants: The contribution of pre-Aryan communities (Negrito, Austro-Asiatic, Dravidian, Mongol) to Indian culture, language, and religion is acknowledged. The fusion of Aryan and non-Aryan elements led to the development of Indian civilization.
• Aryanization and Religious Development: The process of Aryanization and the accompanying cultural exchange, including the development of concepts like "Brahma" (Aryan) and "Sama" (non-Aryan), and their eventual integration, is discussed.
• Yoga Traditions: The close connection between philosophy and yoga is noted. The development of different yogic paths like Bhakti, Karma, Dhyana, and Jnana, and their association with different philosophical schools (Samkhya, Vedanta, Buddhism, Jainism) is outlined.
• Spread of Philosophy and Yoga: The geographical centers of diffusion are identified as parts of North and Northwest India.
• Gujarat's Connection: The ancient connection of Gujarat with various religious traditions (Yadavs, Shaivism, Vaishnavism) is traced from the pre-Mauryan period. The influence of Ashok's reign and the subsequent rise of Valabhi and Vadnagar as centers of learning are discussed.
• Haribhadra's Place in Development: Haribhadra's contribution is analyzed in the context of the rich philosophical and yogic milieu of Gujarat. His unique approach of Samadarshitva (equanimity), Tulana (comparison), Bahuman Vritti (respect for others), Nav Drishti (new perspective), and Antar Mitane Ka Kaushal (skill in bridging differences) is emphasized. His ability to reconcile diverse traditions and reinterpret terms to foster understanding is highlighted as his primary contribution.

Lecture 3: Haribhadra's Distinctiveness in Philosophical Tradition:

• Philosophical Landscape: The lecture begins by acknowledging the prevalence of sectarian debates and animosity in the philosophical sphere, referencing Ashoka's edicts promoting harmony.
• Haribhadra's Approach to Debate: Unlike many scholars who engaged in harsh criticism, Haribhadra adopted a respectful and impartial approach.
• "Shad Darshana Samuchchaya" (Compendium of Six Philosophies):
  • This work is compared to earlier attempts like that of Siddhasena Divakara, highlighting Haribhadra's clarity and comprehensive coverage.
  2. Haribhadra's inclusion and respectful treatment of Charvaka philosophy, despite prevalent dismissal by other schools, is noted as a testament to his open-mindedness.
  3. His approach to listing and describing philosophies is compared with later works like "Sarva Siddhanta Sangraha," emphasizing Haribhadra's focus on presenting truths rather than refutation for its own sake.
• "Shastra Varta Samuchchaya" (Compendium of Philosophical Discourse):
  • This work is contrasted with Shantarashita's "Tattva Sangraha" in Buddhism. While both offer comprehensive critiques, Haribhadra's approach is marked by deeper respect for opposing views.
  • Haribhadra's analysis of Buddhist schools like Momentarism, Vijnanavada, and Shunyata is discussed, showing his attempt to understand their underlying intent and place them within a broader context, often relating them to different levels of spiritual development or teaching methodologies.
  • His nuanced critique of Ishvarakartvavada (creator God) by reinterpreting it in terms of the highest spiritual attainment (human potential) rather than outright dismissal is highlighted.
  • Haribhadra's reconciliation of the "Samadhi" concept with Jain principles and his refutation of rigid interpretations of karma and moksha are noted.
  • His skill in bridging the gap between different traditions, especially Jain and Buddhist, by highlighting commonalities and reinterpreting differences, is a recurring theme.

Lectures 4 & 5: Haribhadra's Contribution to the Yoga Tradition:

• Evolution of Yoga: The lectures trace the evolution of yoga from ancient times, starting with the concept of "Tapas" (asceticism) in the Indus Valley civilization and its subsequent development through various traditions (Mahadev, Avadhuta, Tapas, Tapasvin, Samkhya yogis, Buddha, Jivaka, Mahavira, Ajivikas).
• Key Yogic Concepts: The underlying unity in different yogic paths (Yoga, Samadhi, Tapas, Samvara) and their connection to philosophical systems (Samkhya, Vedanta, Buddhism, Jainism) is explored. The four main paths of Yoga (Bhakti, Karma, Dhyana, Jnana) are discussed.
• Haribhadra's Yogic Works: The focus shifts to Haribhadra's specific contributions through his works:
  • Pr Prakrit Works:
    • Yoga Vishika: A collection of twenty short Prakrit verses, forming part of a larger series. The author notes their educational value and the commentary by Yashovijayji.
    • Yoga Shataka: This work, comprising 101 verses in Arya meter, outlines the stages of Jain spiritual life (Apunarbhandhak, Samyagdarshi, Desavirati, Sarvavirati). It integrates concepts from other traditions like Bhakti, Karma, and Preeti, and emphasizes that true Dharma is based on personal insight, not just popular consensus.
  • Sanskrit Works:
    • Yoga Bindu: A more extensive work (527 verses) that elaborates on yoga philosophy. It categorizes yoga into five stages (Adhyatma, Bhavana, Samata, Vrittisankshaya) and compares them with Samkhya's Samprajnata and Asamprajnata states. Haribhadra's view on the continuity of consciousness in liberation (contrasting with a complete annihilation of mind) and his integration of Jain concepts like karma and drishti are discussed.
    • Yoga Drishti Samuchchaya: This work (228 verses) presents yoga development through three initial categories (Iccha Yoga, Shastra Yoga, Samarthya Yoga) and then through eight "Drishtis" (views or stages of understanding). These eight views are categorized as avedya-samvedya (unknowable) and vedya-samvedya (knowable), reflecting the journey from the initial stages of ignorance to enlightened realization. Haribhadra's comparative analysis of various yogic traditions (Samkhya, Shaiva, Buddhist, Jain) and their key figures (Patanjali, Bhaskara, Datta, Gopendra, Kalatita, Buddhaghosha, Shantarashita) is a major highlight. He uses analogies (like the cloud-covered sun) to explain differences in perception and the ultimate unity of spiritual goals.
• Haribhadra's Innovations in Yoga:
  • Reinterpreting Traditions: He integrated concepts from other yogic traditions into Jainism, fostering a more inclusive and harmonized approach.
  • Emphasis on Inner Transformation: He stressed the importance of paramavairegya (supreme detachment) over mere external asceticism or suppression of the mind.
  • Holistic Approach: He advocated for integrating spiritual discipline with social responsibilities and ethical conduct, emphasizing the importance of "Purva Seva" (preparatory services) and respectful treatment of all beings and traditions.
  • Comparative Methodology: His detailed comparison of different yogic paths and philosophical viewpoints, aiming to identify underlying unity and resolve perceived conflicts, is a significant contribution.
  • Critical Engagement with Scripture: He analyzed the intent behind scriptures from different traditions, suggesting that apparent contradictions often arise from differing audiences or specific teaching objectives.
  • Reframing Key Concepts: He reinterpreted concepts like sannyasa (renunciation) and sarvajnatva (omniscience) in a more inclusive and less sectarian manner.
  • The Importance of Effort and Qualification: He emphasized the role of the practitioner's own effort and readiness in receiving spiritual grace or insight.

Conclusion (Upasamhara): The book concludes by reiterating that Acharya Haribhadra, by synthesizing the rich philosophical and yogic heritage available in his time and adding his own unique insights, provided invaluable contributions to Indian spiritual thought. His works serve as a testament to his "Samdarshi" nature and his ability to bridge divides, making him a pivotal figure for understanding the interconnectedness of Indian spiritual traditions. The author expresses hope that this study will inspire further appreciation for Haribhadra's profound legacy.

Appendices:

• Appendix 1: A bibliography of literature foundational to understanding Acharya Haribhadra's life.
• Appendix 2: A list of works attributed to Acharya Haribhadra, including his commentaries and independent treatises on philosophy and yoga, with annotations on their language and availability.

This summary provides a comprehensive overview of the book's content, emphasizing Acharya Haribhadra's life, philosophical contributions, and his significant impact on the development and harmonization of yogic traditions in ancient India.