Sacho Anand

Here is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Sacho Anand" by Punyavijay, in English:

The text, "Sacho Anand" (True Happiness), emphasizes that life's purpose is not merely to subsist but to live for happiness. True happiness, it posits, is essential for a joyful life, akin to the necessity of breath. Conversely, sorrow and worry lead to a state akin to death, while dejection results in suffering, which is contrary to the soul's inherent nature and thus equivalent to death.

Happiness as the Soul's Nature: The core argument is that happiness is the defining characteristic of the soul. When one breathes with happiness, the soul is considered to be in its natural state. This true happiness is distinct from the fleeting pleasure derived from agreeable sensations (Shata Vedaniya-generated pleasure). True happiness, in essence, is the soul. Where the waves of true happiness are present, the soul is in an awakened state.

The Path to True Happiness and Self-Realization: By experiencing the soul's natural happiness, one can come to know their true self. This knowledge leads to detachment from other worldly objects and allows the soul to engage in its pure, unadulterated state of bliss with unbroken attention. A life of happiness is described as eternal and one's own true life. In contrast, the life dominated by pleasure, pain, sorrow, and other agreeable or disagreeable sensations is not the soul's genuine, pure existence but rather a contrary existence.

The Interplay of Knowledge and Happiness: True happiness is experienced alongside pure knowledge. This happiness can manifest outwardly, even on the face of a contented person. A spiritually detached individual (Gyanagambhit Vairagi) experiences glimpses of happiness. Their heart is characterized by simplicity, purity, fearlessness, benevolence, and pure love, which makes their inner being a foundation for high virtues.

The Wise Person's Response to Suffering: The wise person, even in moments of suffering, dispels thoughts of sorrow and experiences the wave of true happiness. They transform thoughts of suffering into thoughts of happiness, thus leading a happy life internally.

The Definition of a Soul-Seeker (Atmarthi): The text then defines an "Atmarthi" (one who seeks the soul) as someone who performs what is necessary, understands what is to be understood, and has a desire to do what is to be done and understand what is to be understood wherever and in whatever situation they find themselves. This dedication to spiritual practice and understanding is what characterizes an Atmarthi.