Humanism of Haribhadra

Author(s): Christian Lindtner
Publisher: Z_Nirgranth_Aetihasik_Lekh_Samucchay_Part_1_002105.pdf and Nirgranth_Aetihasik_Lekh_Samucchay_Part_2

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Christian Lindtner
Jambu-jyoti
23. Visnu, in his terrible hand, bears a raised club. Siva wears a lolling
garland of skulls, bones and heads of men. Mahāvīra, on the other hand, has an abundance of absolutely calm behaviour. Which one of them should we honour—the one who is calm, or the one whose nature is violent ?
24. Visnu is supposed to have destroyed the family of Duryodhana and
many others. Hara (i.e. Śiva) is supposed to have destroyed (the citadel of] Tripura. Moreover, Guha (or Skanda) deprived [the mountain) Krauñca of its firm strength. Mahāvīra, however, only does what is good for the entire world!
25. It is certainly not the supreme religion (when Visnu etc.,] says : “This
one I must torment, this one I must protect, this one I must kill". Mahāvīra, whose mind is set on the bliss and benefit of summum bonum and worldly success, also has enemies, surely, but not ones that can be deceived by him.
26. The words of Visnu create sins such as desire, etc. the words of Siva
makes one behave like a madman. Those of the Muni (Mahāvīra) alleviate all sins. So you must consider who is worthy of true adorableness !
27. One is prepared to kill others without mercy, another trics to offer
refuge for the protection of the world. One has desire, another is free from desire. Consider this carefully and tell me which one of the two is worthy of honour !
28. Which intelligent person can honour Indra who carries a thunderbolt,
Bala who holds a plough, Visnu who carries a discus, Skanda who bears a spear, and Rudra (or Siva] who dwells in cemeteries and carries a trident as his weapon, [when he also sees that] they are tormented by faults and fears, that they lack compassion, are fools, carry various arms, and that they are engaged in combat with all kinds of living beings!
29. I seek refuge with that sage (Mahāvīra] who provides protection for
(all] creatures, who is absolutely free from all vices, and whose mind strives for the welfare of others. He does not carry a spear, nor does he