Studies in Haribhadrasuri

Author(s): N M Kansara, G C Tripathi
Publisher: B L Institute of Indology

Page 25

The Yoga-śataka of Haribhadrasūri
the elders—mother, father and teacher-among those who are to be respected, 12 thus embracing the teaching of the śikṣā-valli of the Taittirīyopanișad.13 As regards the controversial issue whether gifts can be given to a non-monk or not, Haribhadra clearly decides in favour of offering gifts to the needy.14 He gives a long list of such other duties, which includes following the prevalent popular customs (lokācārānuvrtti).15 This shows the practical approach of Haribhadra to Yoga.
Equanimity in pain and pleasure, loss and gain, etc., is well known as the essence of Yoga. Haribhadra has added an entirely new dimension to it by saying that one should have equanimity in what is prescribed and prohibited by the scriptures. One should have no attachment to what is prescribed and no aversion for what is prohibited. 16 This comes nearer to the concept of śuddhopayoga of Kundakundācārya. Sankarācārya also says that prescription and prohibition belong to the domain of the Pūrvamīmāṁsā, which conducts an inquiry into Dharma. Of course this latter term is to be understood in the technical sense of ritualistic religion, and not does belong to the domain of Vedānta, which enquires into spiritualism (brahma-jijñāsā). Haribhadra has shown a deep understanding of spiritualism in this context. He has made a very bold proposition in putting the meritorious and demeritorious actions on par..
* This is, however, only one aspect of the problem. The perennial problem is how Yoga could lead to A-yoga, the Samprajñāta to A-samprajñāta, and Subha to A-śubha, and Karma to A-karma. If the ultimate aim is to stop all activities, why prescribe any activity at all? The answer is that vigilant activities purify the body; utterances free from blemishes purify the speech; and auspicious thinking purifies the mind. 17 The body, speech and mind are first to be purified before their activities are totally stopped. Hence the importance of Yoga for A-yoga. The evil propensities which have a stronger sway over us, are to be counteracted by good activities, which are easier to be regulated and controlled.