This site is about writing articles on ancient Eastern philosophy, Advaita Vedanta ,Yoga , Consciousness, Peace of mind, true nature of Self. Quantum Physics and Neuroscience.
“World Happiness Day” is a global observance celebrated annually on March 20th.Yesteday we observed that.
Let Happiness be forever:
The United Nations designated this day to promote happiness and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in the lives of people around the world. The idea behind World Happiness Day is to recognize that happiness is a fundamental human goal, and that promoting happiness can help to promote social progress, economic growth, and sustainable development.
Let us look what is Happiness in the perspective of Vedanta?
Joy, Bliss and Happiness are all same. In Sanskrit, we say this as “Ananda”.
According to Vedanta, the goal of Human is ” Attyantika Dukshya Nibritti, Paramananda praptyachya”.
Our aim to increase happiness and well-being among individuals, communities, and societies can be achieved through ONENESS. For that, our activities may include gaining true knowledge, the Awareness along with practice mindfulness exercises, gratitude practices, community service, charity work, and other positive actions that promote happiness and well-being.
Vedanta teaches that the root cause of our suffering is our identification with the body-mind complex and our attachment to external objects and experiences. When we identify with the limited and impermanent aspects of ourselves and seek happiness through external means, we experience only temporary and fleeting pleasure, which is always followed by pain and dissatisfaction.
A small post on the basis of ancient Indian Philosophy.
According to Vedanta, happiness is not something that can be acquired from external sources, but rather it is an inherent aspect of our true nature. In Vedanta, our true nature is referred to as Atman or Brahman, which is the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. Happiness, therefore, is not a state that can be achieved through external means, but rather it is the natural state of being that arises when we realize our true nature.
The Taittiriya Upanishad, the Brahmananda Valli section, describes joy or Ananda as an aspect of Brahman, the ultimate reality.
According to this Upanishad, “Brahman” is not just the cause of the Universe(s), but also the source of infinite joy and bliss. The Brahmananda Valli explains that the experience of joy arises when we are in harmony with the divine essence of Brahman, and that this joy is not limited by time, space or circumstances.
The text describes different levels of joy, including the physical pleasure derived from sensory experiences, the joy of the mind derived from intellectual pursuits, and the ultimate joy of the soul that arises from union with Brahman. It suggests that the joy derived from sensory experiences and intellectual pursuits is fleeting and limited, while the joy of the soul is eternal and limitless.
The Taittiriya Upanishad emphasizes the importance of seeking this ultimate joy by purifying the mind and practicing spiritual disciplines such as meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion to Brahman. It suggests that the ultimate goal of human life is to realize our true nature as divine beings and experience the unbounded joy and bliss that comes with this realization.
Long back I published a post ” What is Joy” in three parts. The links are given below. You may have a look.
☆The article is purely based on my studies, my thoughts, my concept, my beliefs, my experiences and self realization.
☆I found some link between modern science (Quantum mechanics) and teachings of ancient sages as mentioned in Vedanta, regarding Universe, Supreme Consciousness or the Ultimate truth , the Ultimate Reality whatever we say.
☆ The term “MAN” wherever used in this entire text is intended to consider as “HUMAN” irrespective of gender differences.
♡ Having gone through the Vedanta/ancient texts, commentaries, translated by different writers, translators, publishers on the same topic, I have tried my best to share the subject matter as I understood and convinced too. My intention is to reach to you with the topic that I found very useful for human lives. I am not good in English literature. Please give your valuable suggestions for the improvement and valuable inputs to make the text beneficial for mankind.
☆ The Spiritual context is purely based on ancient sacred texts. Sanskrit slokas are taken from books and websites. There may be little variation in the translations and commentaries. I have shared my own views and explanations according to my concept gathered in the subject through experience and intuitions. There is no discrimination against any religion, race, cast or creed.
Your feedback will be highly appreciated. I am sure that the subject matter is highly logical and does not bring any conflict. Hope you will enjoy reading. Regards. NAMASTE.
Here we will discuss from Anuvaka-7 to Anuvaka-9 and thus the End of Brahmananda Valli.
The Taittiriya Upanishad is a part of the Krishna Yajur Veda and placed in the seventh position in the list of Ten Principal Upanishad. The Upanishad has three Chapters. First chapter of the Upanishad is Sheeksha Valli which gives the essence of the Karma Kanda of the Veda in terms of disciplines, rituals, meditations, values, code of conduct for daily life has been published in two parts. Sheeksha Valli: part-1A and Sheeksha Valli: part-1B.
Key Words Brahmananda Valli, Ananda, Bliss, Joy, vision of oneness, One unit of Human joy. The knower of Brahman reaches the Supreme
In this section we will discuss in details “What is Bliss” ?( The True Joy~ Ananda)
” Brahmananda Valli- “ब्रह्मानन्दवल्ली” : The Bliss that is Brahman”
Anuvaka-7: A vision of Oneness is the sole condition that brings fearlessness.
Everything is Self-created. He is that essence. Drinking that essence, man rejoices. If man did not lose himself in that Joy. he could not breath, he could not live. Self is the sole giver of Joy. When man finds invisible, nameless, homeless, shapeless, he is no longer terrified. He becomes free from fear who attains such Oneness. But if the slightest ” Otherness” is allowed to enter then he is smitten with fear. That man, thinking himself wise, becomes terrified. Through fear of Brahman, Sun shines, rain pours, fire burns, wind blows, death speeds.
I have tried to project the concept in the figure drawn below:-
Anuvaka-8: What is JOY (Bliss) ?
Anuvaka has multiple slokas which are to be understood in depth. This article is about “Bliss (Ananda Joy)”. Definition of One unit of ‘Human Joy” as mentioned in Taittiriya Upanishad.
We all know that our fundamental aim is to be always happy, joyous in our life. We always think of overcoming sufferings, miseries during different phases of life. We need permanent happiness which ordinarily is never seen. Joys and sorrows come and go like waves’ crest and trough.
According to Vedanta, the goal of Human is ” Attyantika Dukshya Nivritti, Paramananda praptyachya”. Complete cessation of sufferings and attainment of Bliss is the goal of everyone. In the Second part of the Brahmananda Valli, there is one section(section eight), known as ” Ananda Mimamsa“ which means an enquiry into the form of Supreme Bliss(Ananda). The Text first defines what is human joy and defines one unit measure, a standard unit of human joy. Then it explains about multiple units of this Joy at different levels and compare those amount of Joys(Bliss) with one revelation.
Part of Sloka starts like this:- “ 2. seisa ananda mimAMsA bhavati” which means ” This is the enquiry for Joy(Bliss)“
1) Above sloka defines measurement of one unit of human joy this way:-– Think of a young man, well educated ,ambitious, firm, strong, noble, and poses total wealth of this world. Call his joy as “eko maanusha aanandah” means one unit of human joy” .
So we have now one unit of human joy for further enquiry, further analysis. Before proceeding further, we will analyse the definition of one unit of human joy. The first point to be noted here is that, the first condition is, the Man should be young.Why young? Because youth is the ideal condition in one’s life to enjoy ,since at young age , body holds full strength, vigour and vitality. Looks very attractive, body heals faster and posses all the benefits of physical works. Second condition is that the youth should be well versed, ambitious, firm, strong, noble and have the wealth of the entire world. We may imagine him as the King of this world. The Joy of such a person may be assumed as one unit of human Joy which is maximum possible Joy of any human in this world. According to Vedanta, even more than this Joy is possible, but not in this world ( loka /plane/heavens and also known as Astral Planes ). However we should understand the concept of Joy in actuality.
Sloka continues :-
2) A hundredfold of that Human joy is now unit measure of Human Gandharvas, joy of those brought to the celestial choir (Gandharva loka) by their good deeds. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(100)
3) A hundredfold joy of Human Gandharvas is now unit measure of joy of celestial Gandharvas.A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(10000)
4) A hundredfold joy of celestial Gandharvas is now unit measure of joy of manes (fore fathers), living in their eternal paradise (pitri loka). A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(1000000)
5) Multiply that one unit of joy of pitri loka hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Heaven born gods. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(100000000)
6) Multiply that one unit of joy of Heaven born gods hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Gods brought to godhead by their good deeds . A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(10000000000)
7) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of gods brought to godhead by their good deeds. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(1000000000000)
8) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of ruling gods . A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(100000000000000)
9) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of god Indra (known as King of Heaven and also known as God of Thunder). A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(10000000000000000)
10) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Brihaspati, who is known to be Guru of gods. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(1000000000000000000)
11) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Prajapati, who is known to be maker of gods.A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(100000000000000000000)
12) Multiply that joy a hundred times and call it one unit of joy of Spirit. A man full of revelation but without desire, has equal joy.(100,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00,00=10^22)
Anuvaka-9: Reality in the core of man and the reality in the Sun is One and the same.
‘He who lives in Man, He who lives in the Sun are one. He who knows this spiritual joy, mind cannot grasp, nor tongue speak, fears nothing.““He who knows this, cries goodbye to the world, goes beyond elemental Self, living Self, thinking Self, knowing Self, joyous Self. ”
Let us now analyse the amount of human joy which is One unit in this world. More happiness is possible. but not in this world. As we believe, beyond this world, there are higher worlds, higher planes commonly known as Etheric plane, Astral planes of different vibrational frequencies. All the planes are in ascending order according to the energy densities. Commonly we call it as Gandharva loka, Pitri loka, Deva loka, Indra loka, Brihaspati loka, Prajapati loka, Brahma loka etc. All these lokas* are in ascending order. According to description, joy of each loka is multiplied by hundred to that of joy of previous loka. Finally the figure of joy becomes billions of times greater than that of maximum human happiness. {*I will write about the lokas, higher worlds or higher planes separately with full details}
For the time being, let us assume and believe that those higher worlds exist and also believe in the text of the sloka. We may concentrate on the concept. What we have learnt from the above sacred text? We can have discussion over it. In the sloka, every time it has been pointed out that the amount of Joy in the new loka, remains same. The statement is “A man full of revelation, but without desire, has equal joy”.
Conclusion:
What does it mean : “A man with full revelation, without desire has equal Joy”?
For that we will go back to beginning of Taittiriya Upanishad book II, sloka 1 ” The knower of Brahman reaches the Supreme”.
According to Vedanta, Brahman is the Truth, the Knowledge and the endless Being. He who knows what is hidden in the cave in the highest heaven, realizes all his desires along with the Omniscient Brahman.
Recommended readings:
Back to the Truth: 5000 years of ADVAITA by Dennis Waite.**
THE TEN PRINCIPAL UPANISHADS: Translated by Shree Purohit** Swami and W.B.Yeats
Brahma Sutra Bhasya of Sankaracharya: Translated by Swami Gambhirananda.**
Commentary of Taittiriya Upanishad: By Swami Krishnananda.
TaittiriyaUpanishad By Swami GuruBhaktananda.
EIGHT UPANISADS -VOL-1 with commentary of Sankaracharya, Translated by SWAMI GAMBHIRANANDA.
THE TAITTIRIYA UPANISHAD: SHIKSHAVALLI-ANANDAVALLI-BHRIGUVALLI with Sri Shankara’s Commentary By Sri Swami Satchidanandera Saraswati.
A-U-M Awakening to Reality : By Dennis Waite***
Information available on internet.
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