Common Sense In Pursuing Heavenly Joy Or Ananda

Author: Chaitanya Kumari

Common Sense In Pursuing Heavenly Joy Or Ananda

Human beings have consistently and regularly sought bliss and joy in their life – irrespective of the time and location of where they have lived. It has been a historical fact that people have gone through immense pain and sadness at various times in the history of the world. Many people feel that they are being tested for endurance and are paying their karmic dues. This is why people go to great lengths to achieve heavenly joy and complete happiness, also referred to as "Ananda" in Sanskrit. These are intertwined concepts, symbolizing a state of divine connection and profound bliss. In some ancient Hindu doctrines, such feelings are connected to the ideas of the afterlife, devotion or bhakti, and selfless actions.

Vaishnavism suggests that joy in heaven is achieved through the happiness that comes from devotion, or bhakti, especially through singing sacred songs and hymns in this life and the afterlife. On the other hand, the Purana suggests that heavenly joy is attainable through a virtuous way of life. Such virtues include fasting and fulfilling one's duties. Both these approaches indicate the role of devotion and righteousness to achieve inner bliss beyond this life.

The notion of heavenly bliss is interpreted in many different ways across varying belief systems. For instance, Buddhism suggests that one can achieve heavenly bliss and divine joy through the performance of meritorious deeds and the unique spiritual experiences a person can have through rebirth among celestial beings. Hinduism teaches that a person can achieve heavenly joy and bliss through sacrificial worship which brings spiritual fulfilment. Followers of Vaishnavism and Jainism consider heavenly bliss as akin to divine grace and a virtuous way of life. In this way, they consider it as a higher form of joy and contentment. Sacred Sanathana Hindu scriptures consider that noble and righteous actions are the best path to achieve heavenly bliss. This expresses the idea of divine bliss attained through virtuous living and spiritual devotion.

Heavenly joy is a state of being where one feels profound happiness brought on by spiritual fulfilment. In Buddhism, it sharply contrasts earthly sorrow and effectively encapsulates the idea of ultimate happiness. On the other hand, Jainism associates it with a state of transcendence beyond all forms of worldly pain. Jain customs promise heavenly joy to everyone who dies valiantly, and Purana associates ecstatic happiness with divine experiences. Vedanta describes heavenly joy as happiness felt in the afterlife for bearing with some disturbances in this life. Dharmashastra explains that performing righteous duties can bring heavenly joy to a person’s soul. Such beliefs indicate a multifaceted understanding of heavenly joy.

Dharmic traditions and religions characterize complete happiness as a state of ultimate joy and inner fulfilment. Vaishnavism suggests that to achieve such happiness, one needs to attune to Krishna consciousness. By devoting one's heart, mind, and soul to Shri Bhagavan the path to heavenly joy or Ananda is discovered. While most people pursue wealth, achievement and fame in order to get happiness and joy. The spiritual path is a direct route to happiness which does not require the need for wealth, achievement or fame.

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