Significance of Great bliss
Great bliss is a profound state of joy and fulfillment recognized in various spiritual traditions, notably Buddhism, Vaishnavism, and others. It signifies a deeper realization and insight, often achieved through meditation, spiritual practices, and understanding one's true nature. This state brings about unparalleled happiness and contentment, highlighting a connection with the divine and enlightenment. Whether through the lens of meditation in Buddhism or divine connection in Vaishnavism, great bliss embodies the ultimate emotional and spiritual joy that transcends ordinary experiences.
Synonyms: Extreme happiness, Supreme joy, Profound bliss, Ecstasy, Euphoria, Joy, Elation, Delight, Rapture
In Dutch: Grote gelukzaligheid; In Finnish: Suuri autuus; In Spanish: Gran dicha; In German: Große Glückseligkeit
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Great bliss'
Great bliss in Buddhism signifies a profound state of joy and tranquility derived from spiritual enlightenment and deep meditation practices, reflecting interconnectedness, true nature realization, and ultimate fulfillment devoid of suffering.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) The spontaneous presence of this is also the naturelessness that is the nature of things, indicating inherent joy.[1] (2) The profound state of joy and tranquility experienced upon realizing one's true nature and the interconnectedness of all existence.[2] (3) Great bliss refers to the profound state of joy and realization that arises from advanced meditation practice.[3] (4) A profound state of happiness and fulfillment resulting from understanding and practicing the Dharma.[4] (5) A profound state of joy and understanding achieved through spiritual practice, associated with enlightenment.[5]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) This is a state of Innate Great Bliss, a realization within the unique Tantric teachings, specifically the Anuttara Tantra, which is not produced through ordinary meditation.[6] (2) Great Bliss is the state of the Innate Wisdom of Perfecting Yoga that requires the prana to enter and remain in the Central Channel.[7] (3) A profound state achieved through meditation that allows the yogi to experience ultimate joy and fulfillment, merging into the wisdom of voidness.[8] (4) An extraordinary level of bliss that arises from consciously connecting experiences in meditation.[9] (5) The profound state of joy and enlightenment that is the result of effective meditation practices.[10]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A state of existence devoid of suffering and defilements, marking the essence of Great Nirvana.[11]
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) Great bliss (mahasukha) characterizes the third dhyana and is regarded as a quality that indicates carelessness, hence its omission in detailed discourse.[12]
Hindu concept of 'Great bliss'
In Hinduism, Great bliss signifies profound joy from spiritual experiences, including divine connections, true knowledge, and worship. It encapsulates the ultimate state of happiness derived from devotion to deities like Shiva and Krishna.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) Jealousy was born out of goodness because it gave complete bliss, also becoming extremely blissful and fully absorbed.[13] (2) The supremely blissful experience of prema-bhakti that resides in the hearts of the devotees.[14] (3) The state of immense joy that taunts the bliss achieved through impersonal liberation.[15] (4) An intense joy or happiness that Shri Gopa-kumara felt as a result of receiving Shankara's mercy.[16] (5) A deep and overwhelming sense of joy and fulfillment experienced by the devotees in response to the divine words spoken.[17]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) Great bliss is the emotional state experienced by Narada upon seeing Krishna's toenails, leading him to lament for sages with impersonal liberation.[18] (2) An intense feeling of joy or happiness that one experiences in connection to the divine.[19] (3) The profound joy that arises from the divine connection with Krishna's touch.[20] (4) A profound state of happiness and contentment resulting from spiritual experiences or divine blessings.[21]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) This emotion was experienced by many, was felt when the Lord proceeded on the pathway, and when the Lord entered his home.[22] (2) The bliss in her body had no end.[23] (3) A profound happiness expected to arise from the marriage between Lord Gaura and Vallabhacarya's daughter.[24]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The overwhelming joy experienced by devotees during and after their darshana with Shrila Gurudeva.[25]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) After contemplating upon the worlds as the Paramakasha and freeing thyself from all desires, thou shalt be a Jivanmukta of this accoutered with the panoply of Brahman.[26] (2) A Jnani, though without the visible things or the bliss in and the knowledge of them, will be this itself, emphasizing the nature of spiritual realization.[27] (3) A profound state of happiness attained through the extinction of the mind's distractions.[28]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) Great bliss is what Hayagriva is now enjoying in heaven, which he acquired from the battles he fought, emphasizing the reward of a righteous life.[29] (2) A state of immense happiness or contentment, especially as a reward in heaven.[30]
From: Asvalayana-grihya-sutra
(1) A concept celebrated in a hymn from the Rig-veda that encapsulates happiness and fulfillment, specifically relating to the three.[31]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A state of profound joy that arises upon acquiring true knowledge and understanding, specifically the realization of Mukti.[32]