Acharya Haribhadra Suri

SR No.: 201051
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee
Publication Year: 2010
Total Pages: 4
Language: English
Classification: Article, Jaina_Education, & 0_Jaina_education_Story
File Size: 1 MB

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GANADHARS AND ACHARYAS
at loss about what to do. Finally, he had stumbled upon a subject he did not dominate; however, to seek more knowledge required him to become a pupil of Jain Sadhvi Mahattara. He was perplexed. Despite his arrogance, Haribhadra was also a man of his word. Without further hesitation, he presented himself to the Jain nun Mahattară, explained his pledge, and requested her to accept him as a pupil. Mahattară explained that Jain nuns could not have males as pupils. She advised Haribhadra to go to her Guru Jinabhatta-suri who could explain the meaning of the verse and he could become a pupil of her Guru. Accordingly. Haribhadra went to Ächärya Jinabhatta-suri who explained the verse in the proper perspective.
The Acharya's explanation of the verse induced Haribhadra to learn more about Jainism. He requested the Acharya to accept him as a pupil. Jinabhatta-suri agreed to accept him only if he got the consent of his family and other close relatives. Haribhadra knew that it would be an ordeal to get their consent to study Jainism. Indeed, his family opposed his decision. His father challenged him, "But you have studied so much to become a Brahmin scholar. Why would you want to give that up now?" His relatives, who had been so proud of his reputation cried, "But you are the best debater. Who will you be now?" Haribhadra persevered in the face of this resistance. He explained to them that his knowledge would remain incomplete without gaining knowledge of Jainism in detail. For that purpose as well as for adhering to his decision, it was necessary for him to be a Jain monk. He ultimately succeeded in gaining the consent of all his family members. Thereupon, he renounced his worldly life and became a disciple of Acharya Jinabhatta-suri.
He diligently studied Jain scriptures and other sacred books. His intelligence and perception soon allowed him to achieve mastery of Jain scriptures. The study of the Agams showed him the depth of Jain philosophy in seeking the truth. Once he mastered all the relevant Jain literature and when his Guru Jinabhatta-suri was thoroughly convinced about his true faith, he decided to bestow upon Haribhadra the title of Ächärya. Now Haribhadra became Acharya Haribhadra-suri. As an Ächärya he managed the Jain order very capably and efficiently. By virtue of his knowledge and intelligence he attracted many people to Jainism. Many of them also renounced worldly life and became his disciples. Jainism gained a newfound popularity under his stewardship.
Amongst his many pupils there were two pupils named Hans and Paramhans, who were his sister's sons. They were very intelligent, and Haribhadra-suri had high expectations of them. Once, Hans and Paramhans requested him to allow them to go to a well-known Buddhist monastery in order to study the weak points of Buddhism. Then, they could defeat the Buddhist monks in debate. Haribhadra-suri did not approve. Hans and Paramhans persisted and ultimately they secured his permission. They went to the monastery disguised as Buddhist monks. Unfortunately, their secret was quickly revealed. They decided to leave the monastery in disguise. The Buddhist people were chasing them which ultimately resulted in the loss of their lives.
When Haribhadra-suri learned about the tragic fate of his nephews, he was furious and vowed to punish the Buddhist monks for their cruelty. He challenged them to a debate in the royal court with the stipulation that whoever lost would be put to death. Haribhadra-suri's violent reaction to his nephews' deaths saddened Guru Jinabhatta-suri and Sädhvi Mahattarä. Haribhadra-suri won the debate but Sädhvi Mahattarä convinced him to abandon the idea of killing. Haribhadra-suri also realized that his undue attachment for Hans and Paramhans had led him to indulge in such a violent attitude. He therefore begged for atonement. Guru Jinabhatta-suri advised him to compose verses that would enlighten people to the right faith. This was another major turning point in his life.
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