Sambodhi 2007 Vol 31

Author(s): J B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 11

Vol. XXXI, 2007
HARIBHADRASŪRĪCĀCĀRYA) ON YOGA
Haribhadrācārya newly expanded and explained the term Yoga. Hence, to gauge the contribution of Jains in the field of Yogic practices, it is necessary to understand Haribhadrasūrī's works on Yoga since they were also written in Prākrta language so that in ancient time people easily understood the doctrines of Yoga.
Contribution of Haribhadrasuri
Haribhadrasūrī lived most probably in the gth century. He was a Brāhmin priest and well-versed in Sanskrit language and literature. A Jain nun named Yakini Mahattārā indirectly suggested him a course of being initiated in the Jain order of Monks. Hence, he considered himself a spiritual son of that nun. He was also known as Bhāvavirahasūrī, because he blessed his devotees with the words - "to exert himself for the dissociation of mundane life".
He reputedly wrote no fewer than 1440 works which mainly deal with religious stories, philosophical treatises and discourses, exhortations on right conduct, behavior and Yoga. They were compiled in Sanskrit as well as in Prāksta languages, in facile style, in easy and flowing language. He is clear in his exposition and his works are rarely abstruse. Haribhadra's chief works on Yoga are four in number - 1) The Yogabindu, 2) The Yogadrstisamuccaya, 3) The Yoga Sataka, and 4) The Yogavimśati. The Yogabindu has 527 verses and the Yogadrstisamuccaya has 227 verses, both are in Sanskrit language. The Yoga Śataka has 100 gāthās and the Yogavimśati has 20 gāthas -both are in Prākrta language.
Jain Yoga, in its higher aspects, resembles some Hindu counterpart, and Haribhadrasurī has made use of some of the codifications of Patañjali, a compiler of Yogasūtras?. He defines that all proper conduct is Yoga which result in concentration removing modifications of the mind. By his adamant will, fearless actions and creativity, Haribhadra successfully attempted to synthesize all doctrines of Yoga in his own style, which could prepare his works on Yoga and that prove him a Yogi. In him, we found more insight in these theories after his study in Jainism, in detail. His aim to compose Yogic works was to enhance the purity of conduct and thought, known as samyak caritra.
In Jain philosophy, the mingling together of the Karmas i.e. the Ajīva with an individual Soul (i.e. the Jīva), is beginningless even then there are means viz.