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
36. Out of desire and hatred, in order to steal the riches of the asuras and
the gods, [Hari) once committed fraud with his mind intent on taking away the earth. Nevertheless, Hari is still to be hailed as worthy of honour even though he is not at all free from unsteadiness. People who do not honour (Mahavira), who is totally free [from such defects), must be full of delusion!
37. If he—be it Brahmā, Vişnu, Varada, Sankara or Hara-has given up
selfishness and delights in the welfare of others, and if he always knows everything, in all its forms, in all its aspects, variously and unequalled, then I honestly seek refuge in such an unequalled [hero] whose mode of behaviour is inconceivable.
38. I have no predilection for Mahāvīra, nor do I hate Kapila, etc. What
one must do is to embrace (a hero] whose words are reasonable !
39. Surely, some of all these must be omniscient and in possession of
the illustrious doctrine of absolute altruism. Such a one must be followed by a man with the subtle eye of intelligence. What is so special about the words of useless pundits !
40. He who has no fault at all, he who has all the good virtues—to him I
pay homage—be it Brahmā, Visnu, or Maheśvara !
41. Disputants discuss various matters with regard to the actual truth about
the creation of the world. Those to whom it is not known in advance, may have to have the truth decided by means of discussion (vāda) (or by means of syādvāda).
42. Those who believe in creation maintain that the entire world is created.
The adherents of Maheśvara (or Śiva say] that the world as a whole has a beginning and an end.
43. Some say that the world can only have been created by Isvara, others
say that it was created by Soma or Agni. Some maintain that the world is made up of six things, i.e. substance, etc. :
44. The truth, according to Kanāda, etc., is substance, quality, motion,
generality, inherence, and particularity. This is Vaiśesika, and the world, by the large, goes along with it (or consists of it].