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, Joy, Elation, Delight, Rapture
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 profound state of joy and tranquility experienced upon realizing one's true nature and the interconnectedness of all existence.[1] (2) Great bliss refers to the profound state of joy and realization that arises from advanced meditation practice.[2] (3) A profound state of happiness and fulfillment resulting from understanding and practicing the Dharma.[3] (4) A profound state of joy and understanding achieved through spiritual practice, associated with enlightenment.[4] (5) A state of ultimate happiness that is considered the highest quality in this context.[5]
From: The Six Yogas of Naropa
(1) A profound state achieved through meditation that allows the yogi to experience ultimate joy and fulfillment, merging into the wisdom of voidness.[6] (2) An extraordinary level of bliss that arises from consciously connecting experiences in meditation.[7] (3) The profound state of joy and enlightenment that is the result of effective meditation practices.[8] (4) A state of profound happiness and realization achieved through advanced practices of yoga, especially in Perfecting Yoga.[9]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) A profound state of joy and contentment that is inseparable from pristine cognition, within the mandala of Buddha-mind.[10] (2) An exceptionally profound and sublime state of happiness and completeness, described in the text as a subtle and difficult concept to comprehend fully.[11] (3) The highest state of joy associated with spiritual enlightenment.[12]
From: Mahayana Mahaparinirvana Sutra
(1) A state of existence devoid of suffering and defilements, marking the essence of Great Nirvana.[13]
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.[14]
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: The Shiva Purana
(1) A profound state of spiritual ecstasy attained through the proper relationship with a knowledgeable preceptor.[15] (2) A state of supreme happiness and fulfillment that results from certain actions or realizations.[16] (3) The overwhelming joy that Mena experienced upon seeing Shiva.[17] (4) The ultimate joy and fulfillment that comes from devotion to Shiva, as mentioned in the narrative.[18] (5) The incarnation of bliss referred to the embodiment named Yatinatha, associated with Shiva, the supreme soul.[19]
From: The Skanda Purana
(1) The state of ultimate happiness and contentment experienced by those who achieve purity of mind and unity with the divine.[20] (2) An intense state of joy and contentment resulting from spiritual enlightenment or divine presence.[21] (3) A state of profound happiness attained by those who visit the excellent spot associated with the goddess.[22] (4) A state of profound happiness and joy associated with Anandavana and the worship of Lingas.[23] (5) An exalted, transcendent state of happiness and contentment achieved through spiritual practice.[24]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A state of immense happiness or contentment, especially as a reward in heaven.[25]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) A profound state of happiness attained through the extinction of the mind's distractions.[26]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The supremely blissful experience of prema-bhakti that resides in the hearts of the devotees.[27] (2) The state of immense joy that taunts the bliss achieved through impersonal liberation.[28] (3) An intense joy or happiness that Shri Gopa-kumara felt as a result of receiving Shankara's mercy.[29] (4) A deep and overwhelming sense of joy and fulfillment experienced by the devotees in response to the divine words spoken.[30] (5) a profound state of happiness and joy, experienced in a spiritual context[31]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) An intense feeling of joy or happiness that one experiences in connection to the divine.[32] (2) The profound joy that arises from the divine connection with Krishna's touch.[33] (3) A profound state of happiness and contentment resulting from spiritual experiences or divine blessings.[34]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The bliss in her body had no end.[35] (2) A profound happiness expected to arise from the marriage between Lord Gaura and Vallabhacarya's daughter.[36]
From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)
(1) The overwhelming joy experienced by devotees during and after their darshana with Shrila Gurudeva.[37]
From: Annadatri-carita (study)
(1) The ultimate emotional experience that a drama aims to deliver to its audience through effective storytelling.[38]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) A state of profound joy that arises upon acquiring true knowledge and understanding, specifically the realization of Mukti.[39]
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.[40]