Sukhi Hone Ka Upay Part 2

Here's a comprehensive summary of "Sukhi Hone ka Upay Part 2" by Nemichand Patni, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Sukhi Hone ka Upay Part 2 (The Way to Be Happy Part 2) Subtitle: Atma ki Antardasha, Tatva Nirnay evam Bhed Vigyan (The Inner State of the Soul, Determination of Truth, and Discerning Knowledge) Author: Nemichand Patni Publisher: Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur

Overall Purpose: This book is the second part of a series aiming to guide individuals towards happiness and spiritual liberation (moksha). It focuses on understanding the soul's inner state, determining fundamental truths, and developing the ability to discern between the self and the non-self. The author emphasizes that true happiness and liberation come from within, through self-understanding and the application of Jain philosophical principles.

Key Concepts and Structure:

The book is structured into several key sections, guiding the reader through a process of self-discovery and spiritual progress:

1. Introduction and Author's Note:

   • The author clarifies that this is the second part of a series, originally planned in three volumes, now expanded to four.
   • He acknowledges the fragmented nature of his writing, done whenever time permitted, leading to some repetition and potential grammatical shortcomings.
   • He states his intention is for his own spiritual benefit and for that of earnest seekers.
   • He highlights that the first part focused on establishing the soul's independent existence and its detachment from worldly substances. This second part will delve into the inner state of the soul, the determination of truth, and discerning knowledge.

2. Delineation of Happiness, Sorrow, and Dharma:

   • Sorrow (Dukh): Defined as the intense agitation (akulata) arising from ego-driven attachment (rag) and aversion (dwesh) due to past karmic influences. This happens when the soul forgets its true nature and identifies with favorable or unfavorable circumstances as being "mine" or "not mine," and believes it can control them.
   • Happiness (Sukh): Described as a similar state of agitation arising from attachment (rag) to favorable circumstances and aversion (dwesh) when they are lost, or when unfavorable circumstances are encountered. This also stems from identifying with external factors and the ego-driven belief of being the doer.
   • True Dharma (Religion/Righteousness): The first step towards true dharma is the absence of this dual agitation (rag-dwesh) by understanding the soul's true nature as the knower (gyayak) and non-doer (akarta). This leads to a sense of detachment and the emergence of inner peace, signifying the first stage of spiritual progress (Chaturth Gunasthan). Further progress involves increasing non-attachment and self-absorption, culminating in liberation.

3. The Quest for a Simple Path to Dharma:

   • The author acknowledges the vastness of Jain scriptures (Dwadasang) and the limited lifespan and intellect of most individuals.
   • He emphasizes the need for a concise, essence-based path to spiritual realization, referencing scriptures that state even lower beings can attain right faith (samyakdarshan).
   • He stresses the urgency of spiritual pursuit in this human life, as such an opportunity may not come again.

4. The Worthy Soul and the Five Abilities (Labdhis):

   • Worthy Soul: Only sentient, five-sensed beings with developed intellect (after the age of eight) are capable of spiritual pursuit.
   • Five Abilities (Labdhis): These are crucial for spiritual progress and are essential for attaining right faith and eventual liberation.
     • Kshayopasham Labdhi: The partial destruction and suppression of karmas that enable the consideration of truth (tattva-vichar).
     • Vishuddhi Labdhi: The reduction of passions (kashaya) leading to a state of mental purity and clarity, allowing for contemplation of truth.
     • Deshna Labdhi: Receiving and internalizing true spiritual teachings from a qualified teacher or scripture, leading to firm conviction.
     • Prayogya Labdhi: The attainment of mental states conducive to realizing right faith, where the soul's focus shifts from external objects to its own nature.
     • Karan Labdhi: The final stage where the soul, having attained the previous four abilities, is on the verge of manifesting right faith within a short period (antarmuhurta).

5. Determination of Truth (Tatva Nirnay):

   • Where to Seek Teachings: From those who have truly realized the path (Arhants, Acharyas, enlightened Gurus) or from scriptures that embody their teachings.
   • In the Absence of a Guru: The scriptures (Jinavani/Agam) become the primary source, requiring diligent study and contemplation.
   • Ensuring Accuracy of Understanding: The ultimate test of understanding is its ability to foster dispassion (vitaragta) and inner peace. If the understanding leads to greater attachment or agitation, it is flawed.
   • Why Determination is Necessary: Firm conviction is essential to follow the spiritual path without doubt and to overcome obstacles.
   • Method of Determination: Involves studying scriptures, contemplating their meaning, using logic and reasoning (anuman), seeking clarification from experts, and engaging in discussion with peers. The key is to align one's understanding with the teachings of the Tirthankaras and the ultimate goal of vitaragta.

6. The Inner State of the Determiner:

   • The seeker must have a sincere and urgent desire for self-realization.
   • The focus should be on discerning what is beneficial (upadeya) and what is harmful (heya).

7. The Subject of Determination:

   • The primary focus should be on understanding the self (swa) and the non-self (para).
   • The Four Anuyogas (Categories of Jain Scripture): Prathamanuyoga (narratives), CharanAnuyoga (conduct), KaranAnuyoga (cosmology/karma mechanics), and Dravyanuyoga (substance philosophy). The author emphasizes that Dravyanuyoga is the most crucial for true discernment, as it deals directly with the nature of reality and the self. The other anuyogas serve to support and reinforce this understanding.

8. Identifying What to Know (Gneya) and What to Discard/Accept (Heaya/Upadeya):

   • Gneya Tattva (Knowable Truths): All six substances (dravyas) and their infinite qualities (gunas) and states (paryayas) are knowable.
   • Categorizing Knowables into Self and Other: The crucial step is to divide all knowables into the self (swa-gneya) and the other (para-gneya).
   • Focusing on the Self (Swa-gneya): In the pursuit of the self, all other knowable entities (para-gneya) naturally become secondary or to be neglected.
   • The Method of Finding the Self: This involves purifying one's perception, moving away from external attachments, and focusing inward.
   • Overcoming Attachment to the External (Para-samukhta): This is achieved by realizing the transient and non-self nature of external objects and the soul's inherent self-sufficiency.
   • Reconciling Knowing and Believing: True knowing leads to corresponding belief and conviction.
   • The Sole Object of Inquiry: Only the self-knowledgeable substance (swa-gney tattva) is truly worthy of investigation.

9. The Path to Self-Knowledge (Swa-gney Tattva):

   • Discernment: The soul's true nature lies in its unchanging, eternal essence (dhruvansh), contrasted with its constantly changing states (paryayanash).
   • The Soul as the Knower: The soul's fundamental nature is to know.
   • The Seven Tattvas (Categories of Reality): These are central to understanding the self and the path to liberation:
     • Jiva (Soul): The unchanging knower, the self (swa-gney), to be cherished (upadeya).
     • Ajiva (Non-soul): All other substances, to be understood as external and neglected (para-gneya, upekshaniya).
     • Ashrava (Influx of Karmas): Changing states, to be discarded (heya).
     • Bandha (Bondage): Changing states, to be discarded (heya).
     • Samvara (Stoppage of Karma Influx): Changing states, to be accepted (upadeya).
     • Nirjara (Shedding of Karmas): Changing states, to be accepted (upadeya).
     • Moksha (Liberation): The ultimate state, supremely to be accepted (param upadeya).
   • The Path to Liberation: Understanding these seven tattvas, establishing one's identity solely with the unchanging soul-essence, and discarding what is to be discarded (heya) and accepting what is to be accepted (upadeya) constitutes the path.

10. The Role of Nayas (Standpoints) and Anekaanta/Syadvada:

    • Nayas: Jain logic employs various standpoints (like Nischaya Naya - ultimate truth, and Vyavahara Naya - conventional truth) to understand reality from different perspectives. Understanding these is crucial for accurate discernment.
    • Anekaanta (Multi-substantiation) and Syadvada (Conditional Predication): These principles explain how reality is multifaceted and can only be understood by considering multiple viewpoints. They are essential tools for understanding the subtle nature of the soul and the universe.

11. The Author's Philosophy and Guidance:

    • The author's teachings are deeply influenced by his spiritual preceptor, Shri Kanji Swami.
    • He stresses self-reliance and diligent personal effort in spiritual practice.
    • He encourages readers to go beyond mere intellectual understanding and strive for experiential realization.
    • The book aims to provide a practical guide for achieving lasting happiness and spiritual freedom.

In essence, "Sukhi Hone ka Upay Part 2" is a profound exploration of the soul's inner landscape, guiding the reader through the Jain principles of self-inquiry, discernment, and the gradual shedding of worldly attachments to achieve true, lasting happiness and liberation. It emphasizes the importance of understanding one's true self as the eternal, unchanging knower and rejecting the false identification with transient states and external objects.