Ananda

   Happiness is a conditional bliss that is transient and depends on something for it to exist. For example our happiness is based on a particular material or a event or a place a person, or situation. When the above "things" are not present then there is no "happiness". Hence according to Vedic tradition happiness is not real because it cannot exist on its own and depend on something else for its existence. There is but  real unconditional happiness known as "Aananda" which is the very own nature of Awareness state.  It does not depend on any thing or person or material. It is self existent. That Self-existent happiness is Ananda, our true nature.

       We all strive to attain this "Aananda" but unfortunately due to ignorance we are struck with happiness and not "Aananda".   We take  a Journey to swim in the ocean of "bliss" but unfortunately we settle swimming in the tiny bathroom tub. (Page 126:Journey to the Source).  The reason is that we are struck with the happiness which are of four types.

1. Physical happiness: This is the happiness derived through our identification with the sensual organs of the body.

Music gratifies - hearing sense,

Movies gratifies two (audio-visual).

Talking to others is enjoyable because of the three organs involved.

Food gratifies four, taste, touch, visual and smell.

Sexual act gratifies all five senses.

2. Emotional happiness: This is the happiness derived through our identification with our mind. Suppose you get a chocolate , if you eat it yourself you get physical happiness. Instead if you give that to a child then you  enjoy emotional happiness. Giving gifts to family members, friends or relatives or sharing or helping some one are all emotional happiness. They last just a little more than the physical happiness. Anyone who receives gifts are happy for a relatively short time and the happiness in giving materials (giver) is also short lived.

3. Intellectual Happiness: This is the happiness derived through our identification to the intellect. If through your intellect you achieve academic excellence for example, the whole life time you are happy feeling proud of it. The happiness through intellectual achievement last a little more longer.

4. Spiritual happiness: This is the happiness derived through our identification with the Awareness state, our real state. This happiness is eternal for births after births. This is the state  of bliss. This is not conditional, not depended on the body senses, emotional mind or the intellect. This is the being.

Unfortunately we are caught only with the transient happiness of the body and mind (physical and emotional). The intellectual happiness unfortunately we are doing to cater our Ego and not for joy of doing it.

Come back here to read more on "How to achieve Aananda?".

  Please click here to read  how the Rishi's got to know the eternal Truth?.