Āchārya Haribhadra Suri

His life was unusual and extraordinary. He was the family priest of King Jitari of Chittor. Besides being an authority on the Vedant and Darshanshastra (Jain Philosophy) he possessed a thorough knowledge of 14 faculties of studies. In his own times, there was nobody in the entire country to challenge and defeat him in debate and discussions. He therefore issued a public challenge that if anyone could present the topic that he could not understand he would readily become his/her pupil. It was said that Haribhadrasūri always carried the following items with him: 1. A golden belt around his belly, 2. An Axe in his hand, 3. A net at his side, and 4. A ladder on his shoulder.

All four items were very significant. He used to wear a golden belt around his belly in order to protect it from bursting, as he believed that he had so much knowledge that his belly would burst if he did not tie it around. The axe, net, and ladder were instruments Haribhadrasūri used to find a scholar who wished to defeat him in discussions. Haribhadrasūri challenged everyone that he would find a scholar hidden beneath the earth with an axe or from the sea with his net or with the ladder he would bring a scholar down from the sky and defeat him in debate. This is how Haribhadrasūri established himself as the most knowledgeable person on this earth.

One day, as he was walking through the village, he came across a royal elephant so angry that it was completely out of control. The elephant was running directly toward Haribhadra. In grave danger of being trampled, Haribhadra frantically looked around for a safe place and entered a Jain Temple just in time to avoid being crushed by the charging elephant. There, he happened to listen to a gatha (verse) being sung in a tranquil and melodious voice –

Chakkidugam Haripanagam Panagam Chakki Ya Kesavo Chakki

Kesav Chakki Kesav Du Chakki Kesi Ya Chakki Ya.

Pandit Haribhadra made numerous efforts to interpret its meaning but he failed to understand it. He had mastered four Vedas, all the Upanishads, and eighteen Purans as also all the branches of knowledge, and yet he failed to make out the meaning of the verses. He felt small and his pride in being knowledgeable began to melt. In all humility, he went to the Sadhviji and requested her to interpret the ‘gatha’ for him.

Sadhvi Mahattara Yakini requested him to come the next day in the presence of her Guru who would explain the meaning of the gatha. Accordingly, Ācārya Jindattasuri arrived there the next day and offered an interpretation, whereupon Haribhadra became his disciple, and in the course of time Pandit Haribhadra came to be known as Ācārya Haribhadrasuri.

Ācārya Haribhadra promoted the ideal of Anekāntavāda – epitomized by the parable of the blind men and elephant. He taught that whenever we take a partial, unconditional view of reality and won’t accept contrary views, our reality becomes distorted. He respected and studied many traditions, promoted religious pluralism, and included the insights of other religions in his own teachings. He concluded every book that he wrote with an invariable expression of deep gratitude to Sadhvi Yakini Mahattara and introduced himself as Dharmaputra of Yakini Mahattara.

Literary Legacy :

Ācārya Haribhadra Suri’s literary prowess is evident in his vast body of work. He authored numerous texts, ranging from commentaries on canonical Jain scriptures to independent philosophical treatises. He wrote 1444 religious books, covering many aspects of Jainism. Unfortunately, only about 170 of his books are presently available. The commentaries on Dash Vaikälika-sutra, Tattvärtha-sutra, Pancha-sutra, and Ävashyaka-sutra are among his well-known compositions. Moreover, he wrote Lalit-vistarä, Dharma Sangrahani, Upadeshapad, Shodashtaks, Dharmabindu, and Anekänta Jayapatäkä. He was probably the first Jain scholar to write on Yoga and treated the subject with an entirely new point of view, he taught that everything done by a monk, with a spiritual end in view and without attachment should be considered yoga. Yogabindu, Yoga-vinshikä, Yoga-shatak, and Yogadrashti Samuchchaya are his compositions on Yoga. His magnum opus, “Shaddarsanasamuccaya,” is a comprehensive work that systematically presents the teachings of six major philosophical traditions of ancient India, including Jainism. This remarkable compilation showcases Haribhadra Suri’s encyclopedic knowledge and analytical acumen.

Among his famous works are:
• Anekāntajayapatākā (The Victory Banner of Relativism) – which puts forward arguments about anekantavada.
• Ashtakaprakarana (The Eightfold Explanation).
• Dharmabindu – which outlines the duties of the laity, outlines rules for mendicants, and describes the bliss of moksha.
• Dhūrtākhyāna (The Rogue’s Stories) – a satirical critique of Hindu mythology.
• Pañcāśaka – a Prakrit work on rituals and spiritual matters.
• Ṣaḍdarśanasamuccaya (Compendium of Six Philosophies) – which compares Jainism with other schools of Indian philosophy.
• Samarāiccakahā (The Story of Samarāicca) – a narrative that outlines the effects of karma in a story about the enmity of its characters which endures over several reincarnations.
• Sāstravārtāsamuccaya (The Array of Explanatory Teachings).

With such an output, Ācārya Haribhadra-suri will always be remembered for his valuable contribution to Jain literature.

Ācārya Haribhadra Suri’s contributions extend beyond the realm of philosophy and spirituality; his literary works have played a crucial role in shaping Jain culture. His writings have been instrumental in preserving and disseminating the rich heritage of Jain thought, making them valuable resources for scholars and practitioners alike. He remains an illustrious figure whose legacy continues to enrich the tapestry of Jainism. His profound philosophical insights, literary brilliance, and spiritual guidance have left an indelible mark on the tradition, influencing generations of seekers and scholars. As we reflect on his significant contributions, we recognize Ācārya Haribhadra Suri as a beacon of wisdom, guiding us toward a deeper understanding of life, ethics, and the eternal truths that transcend time and space.