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Tattvartha Sutra
[1. 2-3: As one desire is fulfilled or unfulfilled, hundreds of other desires arise. The satisfaction of all these desires is not possible; even if it were, thousands more desires arise by then, which cannot be fulfilled. Therefore, in the world, the scale of happiness derived from the fulfillment of desires remains heavier than the scale of incompleteness caused by desires. Hence, it is said to be merely the appearance of happiness. The state of liberation is such that there is an absence of desires, and natural satisfaction manifests. Thus, the happiness derived from satisfaction is true happiness. This is true bliss. 1.
Definition of Right Perception
Tattvarthashraddhanam samyagdarshanam. 2.
The interest in determining the true nature of substances is right perception. The cause of the emergence of right perception is either natural disposition or acquisition through teachings and external causes. 3.
Right perception arises either from nature or merely from external prompting, such as teachings.
The interest in genuinely knowing the substances of the world arises from both worldly and spiritual aspirations. The pursuit of truth arising from worldly desires such as wealth and prestige is not right perception because its result is the worldly existence. However, the interest in realizing truth solely for spiritual satisfaction and development is right perception.
Determining what is real and what is not—right perception arises from a spiritual development that leads to a genuine understanding of what is to be known, the abandonment of what is to be disregarded, and the acceptance of what is to be taken up. This interest leads to a commitment to the essence of Dharma, which is practical right perception.
Signs of Right Perception—There are five signs that identify right perception: tranquility, urgency, detachment, compassion, and faith. 1. The pacification of defects such as attachment arising from untruth about substances is tranquility. 2. The fear of worldly bondage is urgency. 3. The diminishing attachment to objects is detachment. 4. The desire to relieve the suffering of living beings is compassion. 5. The acceptance of substances inferred through logical reasoning, such as the soul, is faith.
Differences in Causes—With the occurrence of spiritual advancement fit for right perception, right perception emerges...