In Hinduism, the pursuit of true happiness is often seen as a spiritual journey, one that involves deep introspection, contemplation, and meditation. The threefold discipline you mentioned—hearing about the Atman, reflecting on it, and meditating on it—is indeed considered a fundamental practice for attaining true happiness and liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara).
Hearing about the Atman (Sravana): This involves listening
to the teachings of the scriptures, gurus, and spiritual texts that expound on
the nature of the Atman—the true self or soul. Through hearing about the Atman,
individuals gain knowledge and understanding of their innate divinity, the
eternal aspect of their being that transcends the physical body and mind. This
knowledge is essential as it serves as the foundation for the subsequent stages
of reflection and meditation.
Reflecting on the Atman (Manana): After gaining knowledge
through hearing, reflection or contemplation (manana) is the next step. This
involves deeply contemplating the nature of the Atman, internalizing its
significance, and integrating this understanding into one's daily life. Reflecting
on the Atman allows individuals to clarify doubts, overcome misconceptions, and
deepen their realization of the self as immortal and divine.
Meditating on the Atman (Nididhyasana): Meditation
(nididhyasana) is the practice of turning inward, quieting the mind, and
directly experiencing the Atman. Through meditation, individuals strive to go
beyond the limitations of the ego and connect with their true nature—the Atman.
This is not merely intellectual understanding or reflection but a direct
experience of the self as pure consciousness, bliss, and infinite awareness. In
this state of meditation, one transcends the fluctuations of the mind and experiences
a profound sense of inner peace, joy, and oneness with the universe.
By diligently practicing these threefold
disciplines—Sravana, Manana, and Nididhyasana—one gradually realizes the Atman
as the ultimate reality underlying all existence. This realization leads to
liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death and the attainment of
true happiness, which is not dependent on external circumstances but arises
from the eternal bliss of the self. Thus, in Hinduism, the journey towards true
happiness is ultimately a journey of self-discovery, leading to the realization
of one's divine nature and the experience of boundless joy and fulfillment.