Sahaj Sukh Sadhan - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Sahaj Sukh Sadhan" by Shitalprasad, published by Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram, based on the provided pages.

Book Title: Sahaj Sukh Sadhan (Meaning: The Means to Natural Happiness) Author: Shitalprasadji (Brahmachari) Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Ashram Language: The original text appears to be in Hindi with Sanskrit shlokas, and the provided pages contain a Gujarati translation and commentary.

Overall Purpose: The book aims to guide the reader towards achieving "Sahaj Sukh" (Natural Happiness), which is understood in Jainism as the inherent blissful nature of the soul, free from all worldly suffering and limitations. It achieves this by elucidating the nature of the world, the body, worldly pleasures, and ultimately pointing towards the soul as the true source of eternal happiness. The text draws heavily on the teachings of revered Jain Acharyas and Tirthankaras, particularly emphasizing the path of liberation as described by the Tirthankaras, and implicitly referencing the teachings of Shrimad Rajchandra through its publisher and the mention of Shrimad Laghuraj Swami.

Key Themes and Content Summary:

Introduction and Salutations:
- The book begins with salutations to the Sadguru and Lord Rishabhesh, emphasizing the importance of Tirthankaras who have revealed the true nature of the soul.
- It highlights the Tirthankaras' teachings about the soul as the true, inherent nature of happiness and the necessity of abandoning all other attachments to realize it.
- The text emphasizes the firm faith in the soul as the sole refuge, achieved by understanding the difference between the soul and non-soul substances.
The Nature of the World (Sansar Swarup):
- Chapter 1: This chapter describes the world (Samsara) as a realm of constant change, suffering, and unrest.
  - It details the misery associated with the body: birth, death, old age, illness, hunger, thirst, physical discomforts, and the impact of external forces.
  - It elaborates on mental suffering: separation from loved ones, association with the unpleasant, grief, envy, greed, anger, fear, dissatisfaction with unfulfilled desires, and the pain of insults.
  - The world is likened to a salty ocean where indulging in transient pleasures only increases the thirst for more, never quenching it.
  - The chapter describes the four realms of existence (Naraka, Tiryancha, Manushya, Deva) and the inherent suffering in each, even in the celestial realms, due to envy, attachment to pleasures, and the eventual fall.
  - It elaborates on the nature of Raudra Dhyana (fierce contemplation) in hellish beings, categorizing it into four types based on violence, falsehood, theft, and acquisitiveness, detailing how these contribute to suffering.
  - The detailed descriptions of suffering in each realm, particularly the suffering of one-sensed beings (Ekendriya) like plants, earth-bodied, water-bodied, etc., and the multi-sensed beings (Vikalatraya – two, three, and four-sensed) and even five-sensed beings, paint a grim picture of samsara as a cycle of pain.
  - The text emphasizes the role of desire (Trushna) as the root cause of suffering, which paradoxically increases with indulgence.
  - It highlights the five transformations (Parivartana) that souls undergo in their cyclical journey: transformation of substance, space, time, form (bhav), and states (bhava), emphasizing the immense, unimaginable duration of this cycle.
  - The fundamental cause of this cycle is identified as Mithyadrishti (false perception/wrong belief), coupled with Avirati (non-restraint), Pramada (heedlessness), and Kashaya (passions).
The Nature of the Body (Sharir Swarup):
- Chapter 2: This chapter focuses on the nature of the body and the illusion of identifying with it.
  - It states that souls are bound to the body and consequently experience worldly suffering. a The soul is described as subtle, pure, and beyond physical form, while the body is gross, inert, and composed of matter (pudgal).
  - The text critiques the deep attachment (moha) humans have to their bodies, mistaking them for the soul. It details how souls identify with the body's states: age, illness, youth, beauty, wealth, status, and even familial relationships.
  - The impermanent and impure nature of the body is emphasized through vivid descriptions of its composition: blood, flesh, bones, fluids, excretions, and the presence of countless germs.
  - It explains the four types of bodies: Karman (karmic), Tejasa (fiery), Ahara (alimentary), Vaikriyika (transformable), and Audarika (gross physical).
  - The suffering in the hellish beings' Vaikriyika bodies and the celestial beings' Vaikriyika bodies is described, highlighting the internal jealousy and dissatisfaction even in heaven due to comparisons.
  - The text argues that true happiness lies in recognizing the soul's distinction from the body and all material possessions and relationships, as these are all temporary and subject to karma.
The Nature of Pleasures (Bhogo nu Swarup):
- Chapter 3: This chapter analyzes the nature of worldly pleasures derived from the senses.
  - It reiterates that sensory pleasures are ultimately unsatisfying and increase desire (trushna).
  - These pleasures are described as transient, like a mirage in a desert, offering only fleeting satisfaction and ultimately leading to greater suffering.
  - The text illustrates this with examples of animals driven by their senses (like the moth to the flame, the deer to the sound, the elephant to the scent) which leads to their destruction.
  - It criticizes the pursuit of sensory pleasures, which leads to attachment, greed, anger, pride, deceit, and the neglect of true spiritual goals.
  - The futmic nature of these pleasures is emphasized, as they are dependent on external objects and cannot provide lasting or true happiness.
Natural Happiness or Ineffable Happiness (Sahaj Sukh / Atindriya Sukh):
- Chapter 4: This chapter introduces the concept of "Sahaj Sukh" or "Atindriya Sukh" (ineffable happiness).
  - It contrasts this with sensory pleasures, explaining that true, natural happiness is an inherent quality of the soul.
  - This happiness is described as pure, eternal, unchanging, and independent of external factors.
  - The text uses analogies: like the sweetness inherent in sugar, the coolness in water, the brilliance in the sun, the purity in a jewel – these are inherent qualities. Similarly, bliss is the inherent quality of the soul.
  - The obstacles to realizing this inner bliss are identified as sensory indulgence, passions (kashayas), and ignorance (mithyatva).
  - The path to this bliss is presented as turning inwards, self-enquiry, and meditation on the soul's true nature.
  - The teachings of Tirthankaras, Acharyas, and saints are presented as guides to this inner quest. The text extensively quotes verses from various Jain scriptures and saints to illustrate the profoundness and accessibility of this natural bliss.
The Singularity of the Soul (Jeev nu Ekatva):
- Chapter 5: This chapter explores the concept of the soul's individuality and independence.
  - It emphasizes that each soul is a distinct, independent entity. In the cycle of birth and death, no one else can share or alleviate one's own karma or suffering.
  - The soul is described as the doer of its own actions and the enjoyer of its own karma, whether good or bad.
  - Relationships in the world (family, friends, wealth) are depicted as temporary bonds based on mutual benefits and karma, rather than true, eternal kinship.
  - The text highlights the soul's inherent purity and its potential for liberation, which is obscured by karmic coverings.
  - The path to realizing the soul's singularity and independence is through discrimination (Bhed Gyan) between the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva) substances.
Means to Natural Happiness (Sahaj Sukh Sadhan):
- Chapter 6: This chapter details the practical means to attain Sahaj Sukh.
  - It reiterates that the path lies within the soul itself. The soul is the source of bliss, and the means to attain it is through self-enquiry, self-observation, and meditation (Dhyana).
  - The importance of three jewels (Ratnatraya) – Samyak Darshan (Right Faith), Samyak Gyan (Right Knowledge), and Samyak Charitra (Right Conduct) – is stressed as the core path to liberation and natural happiness.
  - Samyak Darshan is explained as right faith in the Tirthankaras, their teachings (Agam), and the spiritual masters (Gurus), along with unwavering faith in the soul's true nature (as pure, blissful, conscious). It involves abandoning false beliefs.
  - Samyak Gyan is described as the discriminative knowledge of the soul (Jiva) and non-soul (Ajiva) substances, understanding cause and effect, and realizing the soul's distinction from body, senses, and passions. It requires studying scriptures and understanding their essence.
  - Samyak Charitra is presented as the practical application of Right Faith and Right Knowledge in daily life, involving the practice of virtues, self-control, restraint of senses, adherence to vows (Vratas), and diligent spiritual practices (Tapas).
  - The text details various practices like meditation (Dhyana), emphasizing proper posture, concentration, and techniques like focusing on the breath or inner light.
  - It also touches upon the importance of Vairagya (non-attachment) and Nirmohatva (freedom from delusion) as crucial elements in this practice.
  - The text elaborates on the qualities of a true Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) and the stages of spiritual progress (Gun Sthanaks).
The Significance of Right Faith (Samyak Darshan nu Mahatmya):
- Chapter 7: This chapter focuses on the supreme importance of Samyak Darshan.
  - It's described as the foundational step for spiritual liberation. Without right faith, knowledge becomes misinformation, and conduct becomes misconduct.
  - The text emphasizes the importance of taking refuge in the Three Jewels (Tirthankaras, Agam, and Gurus) as the means to attain and strengthen Samyak Darshan.
  - It outlines the eight qualities of Samyak Darshan (Ashta Anga of Samyag Darshan) which are essential for its purity and steadfastness: Nishankita (doubtlessness), Kashaya Rahita (freedom from passions), Nirvicha (no skepticism), Amudha Shraddha (unwavering faith), Vatsalya (affection for the truth), Prabhava (spreading the dharma), and Updesh (teaching the dharma). The text mentions eight qualities but then elaborates on more, suggesting a broader interpretation.
  - It highlights the benefits of Samyak Darshan: purification of the soul, freedom from doubt, attainment of true knowledge, and progress towards liberation.
The Significance of Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan nu Mahatmya):
- Chapter 8: This chapter elaborates on the importance and nature of Right Knowledge.
  - Right Knowledge is described as the direct perception and understanding of the true nature of the soul and reality. It involves understanding the soul's inherent qualities like omniscience, omnipotence, and eternal bliss.
  - It explains the distinction between knowledge obtained through senses (Mati Gyan, Shruta Gyan) and direct, pure knowledge (Avadhi Gyan, Manah Paryay Gyan, Keval Gyan).
  - The text emphasizes that true knowledge leads to the discrimination between the soul and non-soul substances, which is crucial for detaching from the body and worldly affairs.
  - It highlights that through the practice of Right Knowledge, one can overcome ignorance (Moha) and attain inner peace and clarity.
  - The text quotes various scriptures and saints to illustrate the power of knowledge in dispelling illusion and realizing the soul's true nature.
The Significance of Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra nu Mahatmya):
- Chapter 10: This chapter discusses Right Conduct.
  - Right Conduct is presented as the practical manifestation of Right Faith and Right Knowledge. It involves living in accordance with the teachings of the Tirthankaras and Acharyas.
  - It encompasses the practice of non-violence (Ahimsa) in thought, word, and deed, truthfulness (Satya), non-stealing (Achaurya), celibacy (Brahmacharya), and non-possession (Aparigraha) – the five Mahavratas for ascetics and the five Anuvratas for householders.
  - The text details the importance of Self-Control (Samyam), Vairagya (non-attachment), and Penance (Tapas) as essential components of Right Conduct.
  - It explains the detailed practices for monks (Digambara ascetics) like the five Samitis (careful conduct in walking, speaking, eating, taking and putting objects, and excretion) and three Guptis (restraint of mind, speech, and body).
  - It also outlines the path for householders (Shrāvakas), which involves practicing the five Anuvratas (minor vows), three Gunavratas (qualitative vows), and four Shikshavratas (disciplinary vows), emphasizing the gradual progress towards higher spiritual states.
  - The ultimate goal of Right Conduct is the destruction of karma and the attainment of liberation (Moksha).
Concluding Remarks and Blessings:
- The text concludes with blessings and expresses hope that the readers will benefit from the spiritual insights provided in the book.

Style and Approach: The book employs a devotional and instructive style. It uses extensive quotes from Jain scriptures and the sayings of revered saints and Acharyas to support its points. The Gujarati translation aims to make the profound Jain philosophical concepts accessible to a broader audience, particularly focusing on the path to inner peace and liberation. The repetitive emphasis on the soul's intrinsic nature and the transient, suffering-filled nature of worldly existence is a hallmark of Jain literature.

In essence, "Sahaj Sukh Sadhan" serves as a spiritual roadmap, guiding individuals from the mire of worldly suffering and illusions towards the inherent, eternal bliss of the soul through the rigorous yet attainable path of Jain spiritual practice, primarily emphasizing the three jewels.