The word "ānanda" is derived from the Sanskrit root "nand," which means "to delight." It is a key concept in Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain philosophies, and is often associated with the highest state of spiritual realization.
Usage
The word "ānanda" is used in various contexts to describe:
The supreme bliss experienced by the divine
The joy of liberation from suffering
The happiness derived from fulfilling one's dharma (duty)
The delight found in aesthetic experiences and relationships
In Hinduism
In the Vedas, Ānanda is one of the five qualities of Brahman, the ultimate reality.
In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna describes Ānanda as the highest goal of life and the ultimate reward for those who follow the path of devotion.
In Buddhism
In Theravada Buddhism, Anicca (impermanence), Dukkha (suffering), and Anātman (non-self) are recognized as the three essential characteristics of reality. Anatta, in combination with the idea of impermanence, gives rise to ananda.
In Mahayana Buddhism, Anatta is seen as the foundation for bodhicitta, which is the compassionate motivation to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. This bodhicitta is often associated with ananda.
In Jainism
In Jainism, Anāнда is one of the four states of consciousness experienced by enlightened beings. It is characterized by complete detachment from desires and impediments.
