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Shantilal M. Desai
comparative method of synthesis and avoids controversies as far as possible because his main task is integration. In the first Karika of the introduction to Yogabindu he emphasises the Tattvasiddhi which is nothing but an integrated yoga. This he wants to do by impartial approach because in essence there is no conflict among the scriptures. The end is common to all though the manner of exposition may be different but that is immaterial says Haribhadra in the second and the third Kärikäs of Yogabindu.
The subjects treated in both these books vary to a great extent. In Yogabindu subjects like the unity of yoga, the greatness of yoga, Adhyatma, preliminary performance, deity worship, good conduct, penance, worldly bondage, spiritual enlightenment, categories of sadhakas like Apunarbandhaka and others, Japa, self assessment and introspection along with some basic philosophical questions like Mok şa, omniscience, soul and ultimate existence are discussed and expounded by Haribhadra. In Yogadṛṣṭisamuccaya, subjects like the types of yoga, eight dristis, scholasticism, logic chopping, treated. mokṣa, momentariness and absolute eternalism are Herein the main treatment is about the eight drstis which show Haribhadra's originality and the philosophical discussion receives subsidiary place. There is natural overlapping of some subjects in these two books but most of the subjects are supplementary.
Common Philosophic Concepts
Haribhadra's real art of synthesis lies in the fact that he first sought to find out the most common and most basic concepts in the philosophies of all the systems. Once the common ground is found, it is easy to fill up the gap in the rest. This is the only pragmatic way in bridging distance in any question. Haribhadra made a friendly and sympathetic approach in the field of philosophy. This was specially necessary at the time when Haribhadra sought to pacify the hard wranglings of scholasticism and secterianism. He could see well from his deep study of different philosophies that the goal of all of them is common to all. Mokṣa is the goal of all Indian philosophies. Their descriptions of Mokṣa may differ slightly and the terms used for it may vary but in essence the goal is the same in all of them. In Vedic philosophy and Jainism the common word is Mokṣa or Mukti though Sankhya uses a similar word like Kaivalya, Buddha uses Nirvana but in essence the meaning is the same. In this wise the first attempt and a great one is successful in seeking a common goal in Moksa, 'Well begun is half done' is well proven in the task of synthesis of yoga by Haribhadra. This first success leads to another and in a wise Haribhadra seeks to conquer the citadel of synthesis.
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