Humanism of Haribhadra

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

Page 55

The Humanism of Haribhadra
257
carry an enamoured youth on his lap. He carries no spear, no discus, no plough or any other weapon as, for instance, a staff.
30. Under the influence of desire, the violent Rudra without shame seduces
a woman. Visnu is even more cruel. Skanda behaves ungratefully when he personally kills his own kinsmen. Pārvati killed Mahisa when she was sick of desire for the bones, the flesh and the fat of a man. Ganesa loves to drink liquors. In the best among the Jinas, however, there is not even a very tiny fault.
31. Brahmā had his head cut off, Hari had pain in his eyes, Hara (or Siva]
was emasculated, the Sun was wiped away, Agni is omnivorous, and Soma is branded by a spot. The Lord of heaven (or Indra) is also said to have become unsteady when influenced by some sexual organs of beautiful appearance. So, for the most part, even the gods run into misfortune due to aberration from the right path.
32. This Bhagavat (Mahāvīra] is not necessarily) our friend, nor are
the others (necessarily] our enemies. We have never seen any one of them personally, directly with our own eyes. However, when we hear how extraordinary his words and his fine behaviour actually are, we rely on Mahăvira out of eagerness (lolatā = bhakti) for the eminence of his moral virtues.
33. Sugata (i.e. Mahāvīra) is not our father, nor are the (Jaina] ascetics
our enemies. They have not given us any property, nor has Jina, nor has Kanāda, etc., taken anything from us. Bhagavat Mahāvīra, however, is only concerned about the welfare of the world. His pure preaching removes all impurities. It is for this reason that we are devoted (bhakti) to him !
34. (Mahāvīra] is always a master] of good intentions, who constantly
supports the world. He is the one who has rendered this world, sick in so many ways, healthy again. He knows everything that one can know as clearly as something in the palm of one's hand. With devoted minds good men should seek refuge with the unequalled Sugata !
35. Those who honour Thee, O moon among the leaders of Munis,-even
if they do so without complete sincerity, by chance, just to imitate others, or out of doubt--still, they will attain divine success!