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Our True Nature Is Bliss

If we think, others care if we are miserable then it is a wrong notion. Forget others and try to be happy.

If we are depressed, isolated, miserable, bored and lonely, it simply means that the key to our life and happiness is with someone else. So, only that outside force can make us happy. We are a slave of that outside force. What kind of life is it? Take control of our lives. Happiness reside inside not outside.

Instead of trying to find happiness, we should focus our energy in removing the veil of ignorance inside us.

Ignorance is made up of expectation, attachment, anger, desire, ego and false identification of things.

Our true nature is bliss. But it is ignorance that is stopping us from realizing it. We are happiness. All misery and unhappiness is the result of ignorance. So focus removing the veil of ignorance and discover happiness within.

Our True Nature is Bliss in Hinduism

In Hinduism, the idea that our true nature is bliss—referred to as Ananda—is a fundamental concept deeply embedded in the spiritual and philosophical teachings of the tradition. This belief is rooted in the understanding that the soul (Atman) is inherently divine and that its true nature is eternal, pure, and full of bliss.

Philosophical Background

The concept of Ananda is closely linked to the principle of Sat-Chit-Ananda, a Sanskrit term that describes the nature of Brahman, the ultimate reality or God in Hinduism:

  • Sat: Existence or truth
  • Chit: Consciousness or awareness
  • Ananda: Bliss or eternal happiness

According to the Upanishads, the ancient philosophical texts of Hinduism, the realization of one's identity with Brahman brings about the experience of Ananda. This bliss is not dependent on external conditions but is the inherent nature of the self, obscured by ignorance (Avidya) and worldly distractions.

Symbolism of Ananda

In Hindu iconography and rituals, bliss is symbolized in various forms:

  • Lotus Flower: Often associated with divinity and spiritual enlightenment, the lotus represents purity and the unfolding of the soul's true nature, which is bliss.
  • Shiva’s Dance (Nataraja): The cosmic dance of Shiva symbolizes the rhythm of the universe and the liberation of the soul from ignorance, leading to the realization of bliss.
  • Krishna's Flute: The sweet, melodious sound of Krishna’s flute is symbolic of divine bliss that captivates the soul and draws it towards the divine.

Scriptural References

Hindu scriptures are replete with references to bliss as the ultimate goal and true nature of the soul:

  • Taittiriya Upanishad (2.7.1): “Anando Brahmeti vyajanat” – "He knew bliss as Brahman," indicating that the ultimate realization of the divine is through the experience of bliss.
  • Bhagavad Gita (5.21): "He who is without attachment, who does not rejoice at pleasure or grieve at pain, he is established in the infinite, and the happiness of Brahman becomes his."

Stories Illustrating Bliss

  1. Story of King Janaka and Sage Ashtavakra: In the Ashtavakra Gita, King Janaka seeks enlightenment and asks Sage Ashtavakra how to attain liberation. The sage teaches that the realization of the self as one with Brahman, which is pure bliss, is the key to liberation. Janaka's realization of his true nature as bliss brings him inner peace and freedom from worldly attachments.

  2. The Story of Nachiketa: In the Katha Upanishad, the young boy Nachiketa confronts Yama, the god of death, asking about the nature of the soul. Yama explains that the soul is eternal and its true nature is bliss, which can be realized through knowledge and detachment from material desires.

Importance of Bliss in Hindu Practice

  • Meditation and Yoga: These practices aim to quiet the mind and remove distractions, allowing practitioners to experience their true nature as bliss. The ultimate goal of yoga is Samadhi, a state of profound inner peace and bliss.
  • Devotional Practices (Bhakti Yoga): Through devotion and surrender to God, devotees experience Ananda as they feel the divine presence in their lives.
  • Rituals and Worship: Hindu rituals often invoke the blessings of deities to bestow peace and happiness, symbolizing the quest for the divine bliss that is inherent in all beings.

Lesser-Known Facts

  • The Concept of 'Bliss Sheath' (Anandamaya Kosha): Hindu philosophy describes five sheaths (Koshas) that cover the true self, with the innermost sheath being the Anandamaya Kosha. This sheath is closest to the soul and represents the blissful nature of the self.
  • Bliss in Vedanta: In the Vedanta school of Hindu philosophy, Moksha (liberation) is described as the state of supreme bliss, where the soul realizes its oneness with Brahman and transcends the cycles of birth and death.

Modern-Day Relevance

  • Mental Health and Well-being: In contemporary times, the idea of Ananda has found relevance in discussions about mental health, happiness, and well-being. Practices such as meditation and mindfulness, which are rooted in Hindu philosophy, are widely recognized for their ability to bring about inner peace and joy.
  • Self-Realization Movements: Various modern spiritual movements and gurus emphasize the idea that true happiness and bliss are found within, aligning with the Hindu concept of Ananda as the true nature of the self.
  • Global Spread of Yoga: As yoga and meditation have become global phenomena, the underlying philosophy that our true nature is bliss has been introduced to a broader audience, influencing modern spiritual and wellness practices.

Quotes on Bliss

  • Ramana Maharshi: “Your own Self-Realization is the greatest service you can render the world. The mind turned inward is the Self; turned outward, it becomes the ego and all the world. The true bliss lies within, not in the external.”
  • Swami Vivekananda: “The goal of mankind is knowledge... Now this knowledge is inherent in man. No knowledge comes from outside; it is all inside. What we say a man ‘knows,’ should, in strict psychological language, be what he ‘discovers’ or ‘unveils’; what a man ‘learns’ is really what he discovers by taking the cover off his own soul, which is a mine of infinite knowledge and bliss.”

The idea that "Our True Nature is Bliss" serves as a guiding principle in Hinduism, encouraging individuals to look within and discover the divine joy that lies at the core of their being. This philosophy has continued to inspire spiritual seekers and influence global perspectives on happiness and well-being.