Acharya Samantabhadra
Biographical Introduction:
Acharya Samantabhadra was a renowned Jain philosopher and logician of the 2nd century CE (according to Vikram Samvat). He possessed exceptional intellect and was a distinguished poet.
In Jain literature, he is recognized as the first Sanskrit poet and the first composer of devotional hymns (stutis). He is remembered as a radiant scholar, influential philosopher, invincible debater, and poet.
Acharya Samantabhadra was deeply learned in Jain doctrines, as well as in logic, grammar, prosody, poetics, and literary theory. Through his extraordinary brilliance, he absorbed knowledge from all available disciplines of his time. He was well-versed in multiple languages, including Sanskrit and Prakrit.
He was a pioneering figure who established new milestones in Jain philosophy. He is credited with establishing the theory of Syadvada (the doctrine of conditional predication). In inscriptions found at Shravanabelagola, he is referred to as the proponent of the Jina’s teachings (Jinashasana) and as Bhadrmurti.
Acharya Samantabhadra was born in South India in the 2nd century CE, believed to be a prince of the Chola dynasty. His birthplace is said to be Uragapura, and his birth name was Shantivarma.
Motivated by a desire to spread Jainism, he renounced royal luxuries and accepted Jain monastic vows (Diksha), engaging in intense austerities to strengthen his spiritual powers.
Illness and Recovery:
Soon after taking monkhood, he was afflicted by a disease called bhasmaka vyadhi (a severe metabolic disorder), which made it difficult to strictly observe Digambara monkhood. He sought permission from his guru for Samadhimaran (ritual death), but the guru, being a farsighted seer, knew that Samantabhadra would play a significant role in propagating Jainism.
He advised him to temporarily give up monkhood, recover from his illness, and later retake vows through proper atonement. Following this, Samantabhadra traveled to Kanchipuram, adopted the appearance of a layman (Bhadrakriti), and consumed food offered at a Shiva temple, which cured him of his illness.
When suspicion arose among the local people and the king, Samantabhadra was asked to bow to the Shiva idol (lingam). Instead, he composed the ‘Svayambhustotra’, offering praise to the 8th Tirthankara, Chandraprabha. Miraculously, the lingam split open, revealing an idol of Chandraprabha, leading to a surge of interest and faith in Jainism.
After this, he retook monastic vows with atonement and traveled to various regions to propagate the teachings of Lord Mahavira.
His Preaching and Travels:
Acharya Samantabhadra traveled extensively, driven by a sense of public service and spiritual purpose. Wherever he went, local scholars were so captivated by his logical arguments and profound discourses that they remained silent in awe.
Before reaching Karahatak, he visited prominent places like Pataliputra, Malwa, Sindh, Punjab, Kanchipuram, and Vidisha, where he engaged in and won numerous philosophical debates.
A unique feature of his speech was that his words were always measured against the principles of Syadvada. Being an advocate of critical inquiry (pariksha-pradhani), he encouraged others to think critically as well.
Acharya Vidyananda described him as someone who viewed all things through the lens of examination (pariksha). His presence was so commanding that even harsh critics would become gentle in his presence.
Acharya Samantabhadra significantly enriched the tradition of Lord Mahavira's Tirtha, and is therefore regarded as equivalent to the Shrutakevalins (those with complete scriptural knowledge).
Literary Contributions:
Acharya Samantabhadra expressed philosophical, doctrinal, and logical ideas through devotional poetry (stutikavya). His notable works include:
- Vṛhat Svayambhū Stotra
Also known as Svayambhū Stotra or Chaturvimshati Stotra, this text contains hymns dedicated to all 24 Tirthankaras, from Lord Rishabha to Lord Mahavira. The poet presents the life stories of the Tirthankaras in a simple yet heartfelt manner.
- Stutividyā (Jinashataka)
The original title is Stutividyā, also known as Jinashataka or Jinashatakālankāra. It contains 116 verses featuring pictorial poetry and intricate poetic construction, praising the 24 Tirthankaras through artistic stanzas. Its primary aim is said to be conquest over all sins.
- Devāgamastotra / Āptamīmāṁsā
Originally titled Devāgamastotra, this work is also called Āptamīmāṁsā. It contains 10 chapters and 114 verses, where logical reasoning and canonical tradition are used to analyze the authority (āpta) and omniscience of the Tirthankaras.
- Yuktyanuśāsana
This philosophical treatise contains 64 verses, combining reasoning, perception, and scriptural authority to refute opposing views and uphold the Tirtha of Lord Mahavira as supreme. It is a brilliant philosophical defense of Jainism and promotes the idea that Mahavira’s teachings end all suffering.
- Ratnakaraṇḍa Śrāvakācāra
This is one of the earliest, simplest, and most popular texts on Jain lay conduct (Śrāvakācāra). Comprising 150 verses in 7 chapters, it describes right faith (samyagdarshan), right knowledge (samyagjnana), and right conduct (samyakcharitra) in a simple and engaging style, using stories and examples.
The text covers:
- The eight core virtues (ashta-mulgunas) of laypeople
- Twelve vows, Sallekhana (ritual fasting at end of life), and
- Eleven stages (pratimas) of spiritual progress for householders
It emphasizes the greater spiritual worth of non-attached laypeople over emotionally attached monks.
Lost or Unavailable Works:
Some works attributed to him but currently unavailable include:
- Jīvasiddhi
- Tattvanuśāsana
- Prākṛta Vyākaraṇa (Prakrit Grammar)
- Pramāṇapadārtha
- Karmaprabhṛti Ṭīkā
- Gandhahastimahābhāṣya