Yogabindu

Author(s): Haribhadrasuri, K K Dixit
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 10

INTRODUCTION
efficacy of the deities worshipped by different theological sects, 'right knowledge' knowledge of those metapbysical positions which render tet. able the doctrine of moksa and 'right conduct conduct which makes for a happy and barmonious social life. At any rate, it is a detailed elabora. tion of this threefold suggestion that seemes to exhaust the subjectmatter of the Yogabiud11. Let us take up the three aspects of the sugges. tion one by one.
(i) The Problem of Deity-Worship: That deity-worship is a highly desirable performance Haribhadra just takes for granted, but he does seck: to dispel doubt that might arise in one's mind owing to the fact that different circles propagate different concepts of the deity to be Forshipped. Thus at one place be-quoting with approval the declaration of one Kalatita - arguss tbat since a common feature of all deities is their supreme capacity to grant favour to their respectire devotees and since it is impossible for man to form a precise and unmistaken concept of the secondary features of a deity people should not quarrel as to which deity (rather than any other) deserves to be worshipped; the idea is that whatever deity one chooses to worship ought to be in a position to grant the lavour sought. With somewhat similar ideas in mind it is elserbere recommended that one should vorship all the deities without distinction -just as the lady, who knew that some one of the yonder Ivius herbs was going to cietamorphose his husband-turned-bull but who was in the dark as to which this herb was, fed him with all those herbs nud thus got him restored to the human form. It is as a result of this basic attitude of his that Haribhadra's mention - repeatedly made - of dcity-worship as a desirable performance ceases to sound sectarian.
(11) The Problem of Metaphysical Knowledge : Another problem that constantly exercised Haribhadra's mind was that of the differeuce obtain. ins, among the rarious theological sects on the questions of mctaphysics. However, in this connection lie found it impossible not to criticize certain positions and defend certain others - even is here too be took care to paint out that this criticisnt and this defence had become necessary because of the need to render tenable the unanimously upheld doctrine op son. Thus here and there in the present text we find criticized the Advaita Veiltinta doctrine that the only existing realisy is onc soul, the Sadler oc:sine fint soul is an absolutely immutable verity and that frabri c inadimote priniciple responsible for a souil's bondage - is common :o m1! coule, the Builddist locirine that soul is nothing over and are the Stie of omienisty consciousness states, the doctrine (0: Skrilytted : 201y one particular school) that things are not possessed o be inherit carcity obch?ve u the Ituar they do; contraster c est is be joies doctrine oant to be riciended - cccording to