શ્રી હરિભદ્રાચાર્ય પ્રણીત “લલિતવિસ્તરા' ટીકા

Summary

This study introduces and evaluates Haribhadrasūri’s commentary on the Buddhist Lalitavistara, highlighting the Jain scholar’s engagement with non‑Jain texts. The author outlines Haribhadra’s life and literary achievements, noting his reputation as a versatile intellectual who wrote on ethics, philosophy and literature. Turning to the Lalitavistara ṭīkā, the article summarises its contents: Haribhadra retells the Buddha’s life story while integrating Jain perspectives and ethical interpretations. He praises the moral qualities depicted in the Lalitavistara but also uses the commentary to expound Jain doctrines such as non‑violence, ascetic discipline and the relativity of viewpoints. The essay compares Haribhadra’s treatment with other commentaries and underscores his balanced approach, which appreciates the literary beauty of the Buddhist narrative while offering respectful critiques. By examining stylistic features and quoting passages, the author demonstrates Haribhadra’s mastery of both Sanskrit and Prakrit and his importance in the history of inter‑religious dialogue in India.