Haribhadra's Saddarsana Samuccaya: Verses 81-84: A Study

Haribhadra Sūri’s eighth‑century Ṣaḍdarśanasamuccaya is a doxographical poem that summarises six classical Indian philosophical systems—Buddhist, Nyāya, Sāṃkhya, Jaina, Vaiśeṣika and Mīmāṃsā—and adds an exposition on the materialist Lokāyata school. The work advances the Jain doctrine of anekāntavāda (non‑absolutism) by demonstrating that each system, though internally coherent, apprehends only a partial aspect of truth. This article focuses on verses 81–84, which employ the allegory of a wolf’s footprint to critique materialists who infer the non‑existence of liberation and karma from limited sensory experience. The author explains that just as seeing a footprint does not prove that a wolf is present, relying solely on empirical evidence cannot justify sweeping metaphysical conclusions. Haribhadra argues that materialists misunderstand scriptural testimonies and reject the possibility of moral causation and life after death. The article traces the sources of the “wolf’s footprint” parable, compares Haribhadra’s arguments with those of Buddhist and Nyāya philosophers and analyses commentaries by later Jain scholars. It situates Haribhadra’s critique within the broader context of Jain epistemology, which classifies knowledge into different standpoints (naya) and emphasises that comprehensive understanding requires synthesising multiple perspectives. Through careful philological analysis, the article shows how Haribhadra used irony and parable to encourage inter‑philosophical dialogue rather than to denounce other schools. The study concludes that the verses exemplify Jainism’s commitment to intellectual humility and pluralism.

Summary reviewed by a volunteer editor.