Sukhi Hone Ka Upay Part 3 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Sukhi Hone ka Upay Part 3" by Nemichand Patni:

Book Title: Sukhi Hone ka Upay (The Way to Become Happy) Part 3 Author: Nemichand Patni Publisher: Todarmal Granthamala Jaipur

This third part of the "Sukhi Hone ka Upay" series focuses on "The Way to Understand and Attain Self-Knowledge." The author, Nemichand Patni, emphasizes that true happiness and liberation are achieved through right understanding and the realization of one's true self. The book draws heavily from Jain scriptures, particularly the teachings of Acharya Kundakunda and the explanations by Acharya Amritchandra.

Core Theme:

The central thesis of this volume is that true happiness and the destruction of delusion (mithyātva) are attained through the correct and decisive understanding (yathārtha nirṇaya) of reality. This involves understanding the nature of the soul, its relationship (or lack thereof) with other substances, and the path to realizing one's inherent pure nature.

Key Concepts and Methods Explained:

Understanding Arhats as the Model: The book highlights the significance of understanding the liberated souls (Arhats and Siddhas) as the ultimate exemplars. Acharya Kundakunda's Gatha 80 is central, stating that one who knows the Arhat in terms of substance (dravya), quality (guṇa), and mode (paryāya) knows their own soul, and their delusion is destroyed. This Gatha is seen as the blueprint for attaining right faith (samyakdarshan).
The Gold Analogy: To illustrate the nature of the pure soul, the book uses the analogy of pure gold. Just as pure gold, even when mixed with impurities, retains its inherent qualities and can be identified by those who know its true nature, similarly, the soul, despite being mixed with karmic impurities and experiencing impure states, retains its inherent pure nature. Recognizing this pure nature of the soul, like recognizing pure gold, requires understanding the perfect state of the Arhats.
The Importance of Right Understanding (Yathārtha Nirṇaya): The book stresses that merely knowing about the soul is not enough. A decisive and unwavering conviction (nirṇaya) about one's true nature is crucial. This involves understanding the distinction between the self (swa) and the non-self (para) and firmly establishing one's identity in the true self.
The Nature of the Soul and its Attributes:
- Substance (Dravya) vs. Mode (Paryāya): The text differentiates between the eternal, unchanging substance of the soul (the 'dhruvāṅśa' or permanent aspect) and its temporary, ever-changing modes or states (the 'paryayāṅśa' or transient aspect). True self-knowledge involves realizing the self as the eternal substance.
- Inherent Powers: It asserts that the soul possesses all the powers and qualities that are manifest in the Arhats, such as omniscience (sarvajñatā) and dispassion (vītarāgatā). These are not acquired but are inherent, though currently obscured by ignorance and karma.
- The Self as the Knower (Jnātā): The soul's inherent nature is to know. This knowing is always present, both in terms of self-knowledge and knowledge of external objects. The key is to realize the self as the knower, detached from the act of knowing itself.
The Role of Nayas (Standpoints) and Drishti (Vision):
- Dravyaarthik Naya (Substance-based standpoint): This nay focuses on the eternal, unchanging substance of the soul. The "drishti" or vision associated with this nay is Dravya Drishti, which involves establishing one's identity in the pure, substantial soul. This is considered the ultimate and most beneficial vision.
- Paryayaarthik Naya (Mode-based standpoint): This nay focuses on the transient states and changes of the soul. The associated vision is Paryaya Drishti, which tends to get caught up in the changing states. While the knowledge of modes is essential for understanding the path, attachment to them leads to suffering.
- Nishchaya Naya (Ultimate Truth standpoint): This nay reflects the ultimate reality, which is the unchanging substance of the soul. It is associated with Dravya Drishti.
- Vyavahara Naya (Conventional Truth standpoint): This nay deals with the conventional way of speaking about things, including the soul's states and its relationship with the external world. It is a means to understand the ultimate truth but should not be mistaken for the truth itself.
The Fallacy of "Doer" (Kartā): The book clarifies that the soul is not the doer of its own states or external events. The idea of being a doer is rooted in ignorance and leads to attachment, aversion, and suffering. Recognizing oneself as a mere knower (jnātā) is crucial for liberation.
Overcoming Delusion (Mithyātva): The primary goal is to eradicate false belief (mithyātva) by understanding the true nature of the soul and its distinction from all other substances and its own impure states. This is achieved through right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.
The Path to Vītarāgatā (Dispassion): By understanding the true self and relinquishing the notion of being a doer, one naturally develops dispassion towards worldly objects and experiences. This dispassion is the essence of the path to liberation.
The Nature of Knowledge: Knowledge is inherently self-illuminating and can also illuminate external objects without actually merging with them. The soul's knowledge is a natural, unhindered process. The illusion of suffering arises from mistaking external objects or impure states for the self.
The Role of Faith (Shraddha): True conviction and unwavering faith in the eternal nature of the soul are paramount. This faith, when firmly established, guides one towards liberation.

Structure and Content:

The book systematically breaks down the process of self-realization, starting from understanding the principles of Jain philosophy as applied to the path of liberation. It then delves into:

Understanding the Soul through Arhats: Using the gold analogy and the example of Arhats' liberated state.
The Power of Correct Determination: Emphasizing how right understanding leads to the destruction of delusion.
The Significance of Nayas and Drishti: Explaining how to shift from a mode-centric view to a substance-centric view.
Practical Application: Guiding the reader on how to overcome the attachment to modes and external objects, including subtle mental states.
The Role of Faith and Discrimination: Highlighting the importance of unwavering faith in the true self and the ability to discriminate between the self and the non-self.

Overall Message:

"Sukhi Hone ka Upay Part 3" is a profound guide for spiritual seekers aiming for self-knowledge and liberation. It asserts that the path to lasting happiness lies not in external pursuits but in the internal realization of one's own pure, eternal, and blissful self, which is identical in essence to that of the Arhats. Through clear explanations, scriptural references, and practical guidance, the book empowers readers to embark on the transformative journey towards becoming truly happy by becoming one with their true self.