Samdarshi Haribhadrasuri - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, focusing on Acharya Haribhadrasuri:

Acharya Haribhadrasuri: A Visionary Jain Scholar and Syncretic Thinker

The provided text, "Samdarshi Haribhadrasuri," authored by Sagarmal Jain, delves into the life, works, and profound contributions of Acharya Haribhadrasuri, a towering figure in Jain tradition. Haribhadra is celebrated for his exceptional intellect, prolific writing, and his pioneering role in various fields of Jain literature and philosophy.

A Literary Colossus:

Haribhadra is recognized as a multifaceted scholar who authored a vast and diverse body of literature encompassing philosophy, religion, yoga, ethics, teachings, satire, and narrative poetry. His literary output includes both original works and extensive commentaries. Notably, he is considered the pioneer of yoga-related literature within Jainism and the first Jain scholar to write commentaries on Agamic texts in Sanskrit. Prior to him, Agamic commentaries (Niyukti and Bhashya) were primarily in Prakrit, and subsequent commentaries (Churṇis) were in a mixed Prakrit-Sanskrit. Haribhadra initiated the tradition of purely Sanskrit commentaries on Agamic texts. His works are available in both Sanskrit and Prakrit. While tradition attributes 1444 works to him, approximately 75 are currently available. Scholars like Pandit Sukhlalji have confirmed the authenticity of around 45 of these, based on specific epithets like 'Bhavavirah'. If each section of his 'Ashtaka', 'Shodashaka', 'Vimshatika', and 'Panchashaka' is considered a separate work, the total number approaches 200, highlighting his prolific nature.

A Champion of Tolerance and Synthesis in a Divisive Era:

Haribhadra lived in an era when Indian intellectual and philosophical discourse was characterized by aggressive argumentation and mutual refutation. Similarly, religious intolerance and animosity were rampant. The text states that Haribhadra himself had to sacrifice two of his disciples due to this prevailing animosity. His true greatness lies in his ability to demonstrate equanimity, integrity, generosity, synthesis, and tolerance amidst such acrimonious circumstances. While the Jain principle of anekanta (non-absolutism) provided a foundation for his syncretic views, his personal commitment to these virtues in both his life and writings was exceptional, even within the Jain tradition.

Biographical Details and Timeline:

Haribhadra, like many ancient scholars, did not record personal details in his works. However, insights from his writings reveal that he belonged to the Shvetambara sect of Jainism and was associated with the 'Vidyadhar Kul'. He was inspired to embrace Jainism by a female ascetic named Mahattara Yakini, leading him to refer to himself as 'Yakini-sunu' (son of Yakini) in many of his works. He also used the epithet 'Bhavavirah' (one who is detached from worldly existence), which is also mentioned by Udyotan Suri in 'Kuvalayamala'.

The earliest mention of Haribhadra is in Bhadreshwar's 'Kahavali', which states his birthplace as 'Bambhuni', though other texts suggest Chittor (Chitrakoot). It's speculated that Brahmagiri might have been a suburb or town within Chittor. According to 'Kahavali', his father was Shankar Bhatt and his mother was Ganga. The title 'Bhatt' suggests a Brahmin lineage, further supported by his presence in Brahmagiri and explicit references as a Brahmin in 'Gadharshatak' and other works. His profound knowledge of diverse philosophical and religious traditions also points to a Brahmin upbringing and education.

Conversion to Jainism:

Tradition suggests Haribhadra was initially proud of his scholarship and vowed to become a disciple of anyone whose teachings he couldn't comprehend. One night, while returning home, he overheard an elderly nun reciting a Prakrit verse that he couldn't understand: "Chakkidugam haripanagam panagam chakkik esavo chakkī | kesav chakkik esav du chakkik kesi a chakkī a ||" (Avasyakaniryukti, 421). His innate curiosity led him to the nun, who directed him to her guru, Acharya Jinatedatta Suri. Jinatedatta Suri explained the two types of dharma: sakama-dharma (religious practice with desires) and nishkama-dharma (religious practice without desires), stating that the latter leads to Bhavavirah (liberation). It is believed that the richness of Prakrit language and its literature drew Haribhadra towards Jainism. Upon learning that deep study of Jain scriptures required monastic initiation, he embraced monasticism.

Having been born into a family of royal priests, Haribhadra was already well-versed in Sanskrit grammar, literature, Vedas, Upanishads, Dharma Shastras, philosophy, and astrology. After his initiation, he diligently studied Jain literature, integrating it with his prior knowledge, as evidenced in works like 'Yogasamucca', 'Yogadr̥ṣṭi', and 'Shastravartasamuccaya'. He declared himself 'Yakini-sunu' to repay his spiritual debt to his preceptor, Mahattara Yakini. The epithet 'Bhavavirah' is linked to three potential events: Jinatedatta's inspiration for liberation, the remembrance of beloved disciples, or an appellation given by supplicants wishing him longevity.

Dating Haribhadra:

The exact period of Haribhadra is debated. Merutunga's 'Vichara Shreni' quotes a verse placing his demise in Vikram Samvat 585 (529 CE). Many scholars, including Pradyumnasuri and Samavasundara Gani, adhere to this date, placing his life in the 6th century CE. However, other traditions suggest Vikram Samvat 1055 (999 CE). Modern scholarship, particularly influenced by Muni Jinavijayji, places Haribhadra between 700-770 CE, based on the influence of his 'Dhurtakhyana' on later texts like 'Nishitha Churni' and 'Nishitha Bhashya'. The mention of specific mythological texts like Vishnu Purana and Mahabharata in his works further suggests a post-5th century CE timeframe.

Haribhadra's Personality and Contributions:

Haribhadra's personality was characterized by a radiant intellect imbued with virtues like generosity, tolerance, and equanimity. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of equanimity, using his knowledge not to create further schisms but to foster understanding and synthesis between different philosophical and religious traditions. He was a seeker of truth, transcending partisan biases. Like a bee collecting nectar from diverse flowers, he assimilated knowledge from various traditions and harmonized it with the Jain anekanta perspective.

His contributions to religion, philosophy, literature, and society can be categorized as follows:

Objective Presentation of Philosophical and Religious Traditions: He strived to present other traditions accurately, without distortion.
Respectful Discourse and Appreciation of Other Traditions: Even in critique, he maintained polite language and showed respect for the founders of other religions and philosophies.
Focus on Essence over Dry Argumentation: He prioritized the underlying concepts and aims of philosophies over mere argumentative debates.
Synthesis and Integration: He embraced truths found in other philosophical schools and integrated them with the Jain viewpoint.
Commentaries on Other Traditions: He engaged in impartial study and commentary of works from other philosophical traditions.
Fearless Critique of Superstitions: While open-minded, he fearlessly refuted unfounded superstitions prevalent in other traditions.
Emphasis on Reason and Logic: He valued logic and reasoning over blind faith, emphasizing their use in the pursuit of truth, not just for self-validation.
Character over Ritual: He connected religious practice to purity of character rather than mere ritualistic observance.
Broad Perspective on Liberation: He advocated for a liberal and inclusive understanding of liberation.
Focus on Qualities over Names: He believed in the importance of the qualities of the divine rather than the sectarian differences in divine names.

Key Works and Their Significance:

Commentaries on Agamas: Haribhadra initiated the tradition of Sanskrit commentaries on Jain Agamas. His works like 'Dashavaikalika Vritti', 'Avasyaka Vritti', 'Anuyogadvara Vritti', 'Nandi Vritti', 'Jivabhigama Sutra Laghu Vritti', and 'Chaitryavandana Sutra Vritti (Lalitavistara)' are crucial for understanding Jain scriptures.
Original Works and Commentaries: He authored works like 'Anekantajayapataka', 'Anekantavada Pravesh', 'Shatdarshan Samuccaya', 'Shastravartasamuccaya', 'Yogadr̥ṣṭi Samuccaya', 'Yogabindu', 'Yogashataka', and 'Dhurtakhyana'.
- Shatdarshan Samuccaya: This work is remarkable for its impartial presentation of six major Indian philosophical schools (Charvaka, Bauddha, Nyaya-Vaisheshika, Sankhya, Jain, and Mimamsa) without the usual polemical intent.
- Shastravartasamuccaya: A more extensive work than Shatdarshan Samuccaya, it offers a critical review of various Indian philosophies, presenting them accurately while engaging in thoughtful analysis.
- Dhurtakhyana: This satirical work critiques the superstitions and illogical narratives prevalent in Vedic traditions like the Puranas and epics.
- Yogabindu, Yogadr̥ṣṭi Samuccaya, Yogashataka: These works highlight his pioneering role in Jain yoga, offering unique perspectives on yogic practices and their philosophical underpinnings.
Narrative Literature: Haribhadra used folk tales to propagate religious teachings, aiming to reform societal and individual conduct. His 'Samaraichchaha', 'Dhurtakhyana', and other shorter narratives offer vivid portrayals of the culture of his time.

Haribhadra's Revolutionary Approach:

Haribhadra's revolutionary spirit is evident in his fearless critique of prevailing practices within his own Jain tradition. He observed the decline in monastic discipline, the accumulation of wealth and possessions by ascetics, and the exploitation of religious offerings for personal gain. His work 'Sambodhana Prakarana' meticulously details these corrupt practices, revealing his deep concern for the purity of the Jain faith and his desire for social and religious reform. He categorized religion into four types: 'Namadharma' (mere name), 'Sthapanadharma' (external rituals), 'Dravya-dharma' (outdated practices), and 'Bhavadharma' (true spiritual practice), advocating for the supremacy of the latter. His works often address the need for ethical conduct, detachment from desires, and the cultivation of equanimity as the true path to liberation, regardless of sectarian affiliation.

In conclusion, Acharya Haribhadrasuri was a scholar of unparalleled breadth and depth, a syncretic thinker who championed tolerance and reason, and a social reformer who fearlessly addressed corruption. His contributions have significantly shaped Jain philosophy, literature, and practice, making him a timeless inspiration for seeking truth and promoting harmony.