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Haribhadra, Jainism and Yoga
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Syadvāda in its practical application to interprete other systems of philosophy. (2) He saw through the similarity of the fundamental words like Praktivada, Nonduality, Vijñāna etc., and interpreted them in a right manner. (3) He enlarged the meanings of technical words and adopted them to suit the truth he wanted to drive at.12 The reason of Haribhadra's vast success in such a vast and concrete synthesis lies in the fact that he could imbibe and digest both Brahmanic and Jain philosophical thoughts in his life. Both the traditions intermingled in such a way that they became one, as it were and took a natural integrative form. He could well make a balanced interpretation of even the Buddhist thought as well: He has said that even the Buddha has made no tall claims for himself and made himself known only as Dharmajña ().13 His developed personality and his five prominent qualities of high character are mainly responsible for his successful philo. sophical integration. These five virtues are his (1) equanimity (2) sympa thetic and truth-searching comparision (3) respect for others and especially for the opponents (4) readiness to renovate his own philosophy and his own views and lastly (5) the art to minimise the difference by grasping the truth and reaching the core of the words. These pre-eminent characteristics of Haribhadra's synthesis opened up new directions for the creation of unity in the philosophic world.14 These characteristic qualities are the inevitable basic necessity for synthesis in all works of life and in every field of knowledge at any stage in human history and more so at present.
Renovator of Behaviour
But one has to tarry a while before understanding Haribhadra's Yogic insight. Though he was personally after higher and spiritual goals, he was not less concerned with social and religious welfare. In seeking the highest, he was equally attentive to the immediate social surroundings. Naturally therefore his attention was drawn to the behaviour of the Jain monks and Jain society at large. He knew quite well the limitations of the behaviour of the common man in the society. No one can expect the purity of high conduct from a layman. There is bound to be a difference in the standard of conduct between a Sadhaka and an ordinary man. On the subject of right conduct, Haribhadra has his original contribution. His works on this subject can be classified in three categories. In the first category are included works like Vimšikäs, Pañcavastu, Pañcāśaka etc. They are written. in accordance with Jaina tradition wherein are given the duties of householders as well as the rules of conduct of the Jain Yatis.
Yoga-heritage and Traditions
To know and understand Haribhadra's Yoga-works, to see the Yogic aspect of his life and to gauge his contribution to the field of Yoga, it is Sambodhi Vol. 8(20)
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