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PART II GANADHARS AND ÄCHÄRYAS
11- Acharya Haribhadra-Suri
During the sixth century A.D., there lived a learned Brahmin named Haribhadra. He was highly intelligent and proficient in the philosophies of all religions. Among his many talents, he had the ability to determine the point of his opponent's argument almost immediately. During that time, it was common for scholars to travel and engage others in debate to increase their wealth of knowledge. Therefore, Haribhadra traveled and debated many brilliant scholars. Other scholars were unable to win discussions with him. His talent allowed him to dominate all conversations. It was not long before he earned a formidable reputation, and scholars began avoiding entering into a discussion with him.
When no one came forward to counter him, he concluded that he had no rival in the entire country. Confident in his ability to comprehend any subject being discussed, he issued a public challenge that if anyone could present a topic that he could not understand, he would readily become his/her pupil.
One day, as he was walking through the village, he came across a royal elephant so angry that it was completely out of control. His keeper was trying his best to bring him under control, but the elephant was not responding to his efforts. The elephant was running directly towards Haribhadra. In grave danger of being trampled, Haribhadra frantically looked around for a safe place and saw a Jain temple. He entered just in time to avoid being crushed by the charging elephant. Once inside, he paused to regain his breath and then looked around the temple with disrespect. Haribhadra had no regard for Jainism. Because of his prejudice, he remained ignorant of Jain philosophy. Brahmins were usually staunch Shaiväites (followers of Lord Shiva in Hinduism) and looked down upon those going to Jain temples.
As he looked around, he saw the white marble idol of Lord Mahävir facing him. Instead of seeing the graceful compassion flowing from the eyes of the Tirthankar's idol, Haribhadra only noticed that the stomach of the idol did not epitomize the slim body of an austere saint. He surmised that Jain Tirthankars must have enjoyed sweet foods. He therefore made the following remark:
Haribhadra-Suri listening to Yäkini Mahattarä's explaining Jain philosophy
"Vapurevatavachashte Spashtam Mishtann-Bhojitämit"
"Your stomach clearly indicates that you must enjoy eating sweet foods"
When the elephant left the area, Haribhadra stepped outside the temple. On his way back, he passed the Upäshray of Jain nuns (Sädhvis). He heard the following verse that was recited by a Sädhvi named Yäkini Mahattarä:
Chakkidugam Haripanagam Panagam Chakki Ya Kesavo Chakki
Kesav Chakki Kesav Du Chakki Kesi Ya Chakki Ya
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JAIN STORY BOOK
