There Is No Joy In The Finite – There Is Only Joy In The Infinite – Upanishads

As a great fish swims between the banks of a river as it likes, so does the shining Self move between the states of dreaming and waking.

As an eagle, weary after soaring in the sky, folds its wings and flies down to rest in its nest, so does the shining Self enter the state of dreamless sleep, where one is free from all desires. The Self is free from desire, free from evil, free from fear…

Like strangers in an unfamiliar country walking everyday over a buried treasure, day by day we enter that Self while in deep sleep but never know it, carried away by what is false.

Day and night cannot cross that bridge, nor old age, nor death, nor grief, nor evil or good deeds. All evils turn back there, unable to cross; evil comes not into this world of Brahman. One who crosses by this bridge, if blind, is blind no more; if hurt, ceases to be hurt; if in sorrow, ceases sorrowing. At this boundary night itself becomes day: night comes not into the world of Reality.

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This quote - There is no joy in the finite; there is only joy in the Infinite - from the Upanishads encapsulates a profound philosophical perspective on joy and the nature of existence. Let's delve into it a bit further:

Finite vs. Infinite: The Upanishads often explore the contrast between the finite and the infinite. The finite refers to anything limited by time, space, or attributes, while the infinite transcends such limitations. In this context, joy derived from finite sources is seen as transient and limited, while joy stemming from the infinite is boundless and everlasting.

Transient Nature of Finite Joy: The Upanishads suggest that seeking joy solely from finite sources, such as material possessions, relationships, or sensory pleasures, leads to temporary satisfaction at best. These sources are subject to change, decay, or loss, inevitably resulting in suffering or dissatisfaction.

Joy in the Infinite: Conversely, joy found in the Infinite transcends the limitations of the finite world. This Infinite can be interpreted in various ways, such as the eternal essence (Atman) within individuals, the cosmic consciousness (Brahman) pervading the universe, or the divine reality underlying all existence. Joy derived from realizing one's inherent connection to this Infinite is considered enduring and profound.

Spiritual Perspective: The Upanishads emphasize the importance of spiritual realization and self-discovery as pathways to experiencing the Infinite and attaining true joy. Practices such as meditation, self-inquiry, and devotion are advocated as means to transcend the confines of the finite and connect with the infinite source of joy within oneself.

Implications for Life: Understanding this teaching can profoundly influence one's perspective on life and the pursuit of happiness. It encourages individuals to look beyond external circumstances and fleeting pleasures in search of deeper, more meaningful sources of joy rooted in spirituality, inner peace, and a sense of oneness with the universe.

In essence, the quote reminds us that true and lasting joy is not found in the transitory and limited realm of the finite, but in the boundless and eternal realm of the Infinite.