Significance of Great joy
Great joy is a profound and intense feeling of happiness experienced across various spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, it is characterized by selflessness and arises from the well-being of others. Jainism associates it with significant emotional responses during celebrations and personal milestones. Vaishnavism highlights joy derived from divine interactions and the fulfillment of desires. Mahayana focuses on happiness linked to spiritual insights and compassionate actions. Throughout different contexts, Great joy encapsulates the depth of human emotion, reflecting moments of ecstasy, contentment, and fulfillment.
Synonyms: Great pleasure, Immense happiness, Extreme joy, Deep satisfaction, Happiness, Delight, Elation, Jubilation, Exhilaration
In Dutch: Grote vreugde; In Finnish: Suuri ilo; In Spanish: Gran alegría
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 joy'
Great joy in Buddhism encompasses profound happiness from understanding the Dharma, witnessing others' well-being, and selfless joy, reflecting the interconnectedness of all beings and the fulfillment attained through moral living and spiritual practice.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The citizens of Kapilavastu experienced great joy upon hearing the news of Shakyamuni's enlightenment.[1] (2) The significant happiness that Shakyamuni felt upon receiving support and encouragement.[2] (3) A feeling of profound happiness experienced by those who behold or understand the Buddha.[3] (4) Great joy (mahapriti) is the defining characteristic of the second dhyana, which is not discussed in detail due to its ease of attainment.[4] (5) A state of deep happiness that results from engaging in good deeds and moral conduct.[5]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) An element of the Dharma-sacrifice that encompasses happiness derived from spiritual practice and the attainment of enlightenment.[6] (2) The state of being joyful and without regret in giving, which reflects the bodhisattva's attitude towards altruism.[7]
From: Vimalakirti Sutra
(1) The profound sense of happiness and satisfaction that arises when bodhisattvas understand and accept the teachings of the Dharma.[8]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) An immense feeling of happiness and contentment that arises from understanding and practicing the dharma.[9]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) The profound happiness and fulfillment derived from understanding and practicing the Dharma.[10]
From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)
(1) A significant emotional state accompanying the experience of light ease, resulting in happiness.[11]
From: Buddhacarita
(1) The profound happiness Subhadra felt upon hearing the Buddha's teachings.[12]
From: Akshayamatinirdesha [english]
(1) The great joy of the bodhisattvas is characterized by gladness, harmony, delight, absence of dejection, and a deep connection to the qualities of a Buddha, marking it as imperishable and fundamental to religious experience.[13]
From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6
(1) The profound sense of happiness felt by the forester which contributed to his victory over the robbers.[14] (2) The positive sentiment felt by the inhabitants when the king pacified the frontier after engaging with the robbers.[15] (3) A profound sense of happiness that arises upon recalling positive past associations or memories.[16] (4) The name Nandi-Visala, given to the bull in the story, symbolizes the joy and fulfillment of the bond between the brahmin and the bull.[17]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) The profound happiness experienced by Dhammika as he reflected on his life of virtue and the good deeds he had accomplished.[18]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) Refers to an overwhelming feeling of happiness upon hoping for recognition by the Blessed One.[19]
From: The Great Chariot
(1) An expansive form of joy that arises from the well-being of others and the practice of equanimity.[20] (2) Great joy signifies a state of happiness that arises from the successes and well-being of others, reflecting a selfless form of joy.[21]
Hindu concept of 'Great joy'
In Hinduism, Great joy signifies profound happiness that arises from various sources, including divine connections, celebrations, spiritual fulfillment, and emotional responses to religious events, reflecting a deep sense of contentment and bliss within devotees.
From: Padma Purana
(1) The feeling of happiness and relief experienced by king Subahu after hearing Vijvala's words.[22] (2) The profound happiness that is associated with the highest and most secret places dear to Vishnu.[23] (3) The profound happiness experienced by Shivasharman upon receiving the nectar from his son, indicating a resolution of distress.[24] (4) A profound sense of happiness and fulfillment derived from listening to sacred tales or teachings.[25] (5) An intense and overwhelming feeling of happiness.[26]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) The feeling experienced by Karna's troops following their victory over Ghatotkacha, which stands in contrast to the cheerlessness of Yudhishthira.[27] (2) A significant emotional state experienced by both the citizens and King Nala upon his arrival, reflecting happiness and celebration.[28] (3) The happiness experienced by King Parikshit after marrying the maiden with a pledge.[29] (4) The emotion felt by the enemy forces upon seeing Pradyumna incapacitated.[30] (5) The happiness experienced by Astika upon achieving his objectives.[31]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) The elation associated with performing holy acts, particularly those performed during key religious observances.[32] (2) The elation experienced by Rama upon the successful performance and acceptance of the rituals involving gifts.[33] (3) The profound happiness sought by the Devas and worshippers, which can be attained through proper worship and sacrifices.[34] (4) The emotional state of the boy after experiencing the miraculous cure from his ailment.[35] (5) The happiness experienced by the Devas upon seeing Shri after the conflict concluded.[36]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) Emotional response observed among the gods and Shiva upon reunification with Kumara.[37] (2) The significant happiness and pleasure that is bestowed upon the world by the mothers of the worlds (e.g., Mena and her daughters).[38] (3) The positive feeling Mahananda experienced while performing her devotional practices.[39] (4) The overwhelming happiness experienced by the spectators and participants during significant events in the narrative.[40] (5) The feeling experienced by the gods and Ganas while performing worship for Ganesha.[41]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The happiness experienced by the monkeys upon obtaining information about Sita.[42] (2) The feeling King Dasaratha experienced upon the arrival of Sage Vishvamitra, equated to many blessings.[43] (3) The overwhelming emotion felt by the Celestial Host following Ravana's defeat at the hands of Rama.[44] (4) A profound sense of happiness or fulfillment, attributed to the practice of asceticism in the narrative.[45] (5) The happiness that emerged among the Celestials upon Lavana's defeat.[46]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) Describes the collective happiness experienced by the people upon the king's return.[47] (2) The great joy is described as the perspective of transitioning from one body to another, inviting a positive view of death.[48]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The overwhelming happiness experienced by Yudhishthira and his brothers upon receiving Vidura.[49] (2) Describes the euphoric experience achieved when one connects intimately with Krishna.[50]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The emotional state of the goddess and the Devas at various points during the narratives, suggesting hope and excitement.[51] (2) The state of happiness experienced by the Devas as they witness the Devi's victory in battle.[52]
From: Bhagavad-gita Mahatmya
(1) The immense happiness and satisfaction one experiences from listening to sacred teachings.[53] (2) A state of pure happiness associated with the knowledge of the true self, which is found through the teachings of the Gita.[54]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The emotional state expressed by Devas and sages following the successful completion of the horse sacrifice.[55]
From: Brahmanda Purana
(1) The overwhelming happiness exhibited by Rama's grandparents upon his arrival.[56]
From: Brihaddharma Purana (abridged)
(1) An overwhelming sense of happiness experienced by Jaya and Vijaya upon seeing Ganga.[57]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) The immense pleasure that Balarama experiences from drinking the wine in the company of others.[58]
From: Vishnu Purana (Taylor)
(1) The happiness and celebration spread across the world on the day of Vishnu's birth, likened to the grace of moonlight on the earth.[59]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) An intense feeling of happiness that can significantly impact one's emotional state.[60] (2) A profound happiness experienced by the devotees as a result of their connection with the Lord and His pastimes.[61] (3) a feeling of immense happiness expressed by the brahmana[62] (4) The feeling experienced while engaging in childhood pastimes, highlighting a positive emotional response despite challenges.[63] (5) The overwhelming happiness felt by the speaker when offering obeisances.[64]
From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu
(1) A state of intense happiness or elation experienced by the subject.[65] (2) The overwhelming happiness experienced by Shrutadeva while dancing.[66] (3) A profound feeling of happiness and fulfillment, particularly associated with divine interactions.[67] (4) A profound sense of happiness and delight that inspires actions, such as dancing.[68] (5) The feeling of intense happiness experienced in relation to the auspicious eighth tithi.[69]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) An intense feeling of happiness experienced by everyone, emphasizing the emotional impact of the event.[70] (2) The overwhelming sense of happiness experienced by the residents during the event.[71] (3) A strong feeling of happiness and delight experienced by everyone.[72] (4) A profound sense of happiness and delight experienced by the Vaishnavas during the chanting.[73] (5) An intense feeling of happiness that arises from a significant experience or event.[74]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) A profound happiness experienced by the Alvar in his connection with the Lord, reflecting spiritual fulfillment.[75] (2) An overwhelming feeling of happiness and elation exhibited during the greeting.[76] (3) The profound happiness experienced by those who joyfully engage in singing and dancing in devotion to the Lord.[77] (4) The elation the Alvar experiences when receiving a divine vision, reinforcing his spiritual state.[78] (5) The profound happiness experienced by the Celestials as they assist the devotees on their sacred path.[79]
From: Chaitanya Mangala
(1) The emotional response of Locana dasa as he describes the extraordinary pastimes of Lord Gauranga, reflecting spiritual ecstasy.[80]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) A state of happiness indicated by the adjective 'great' describing the noun 'joy'.[81]
From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana
(1) Praharshana signifies the feeling experienced when desires are exceeded in their fulfillment.[82] (2) The feeling experienced by Hari, Nanda's son, upon hearing the comparison involving Cupid.[83] (3) The immense pleasure or happiness connected with the intelligence and its link to vidhu (Krishna).[84] (4) The outcome of achieving a desired result through genuine effort, as discussed in the context of 'praharshana'.[85] (5) A state of intense happiness which can overshadow certain faults in expression.[86]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The feeling of happiness that one is expected to experience while attending to the cow.[87]
From: Harsha-charita
(1) An overwhelming sense of happiness often arising from significant life changes or reunions.[88]
Jain concept of 'Great joy'
In Jainism, Great joy encapsulates profound happiness derived from significant moments, divine experiences, marital celebrations, and collective festivities, highlighting an emotional response that reflects contentment and positivity within various narratives and characters.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The overwhelming happiness experienced by characters in the narrative, particularly during celebrations.[89] (2) A feeling overwhelming the queen, indicating a moment of divine significance.[90] (3) An intense feeling of happiness experienced by the king and queen due to the prophecy of their child's greatness.[91] (4) An emotional response exhibited by Devaki when approached by her father about her marriage prospects.[92] (5) A deep sense of happiness and contentment experienced during significant occasions or celebrations.[93]
The concept of Great joy in local and regional sources
Great joy encapsulates profound happiness experienced by various individuals in response to devotional music, spiritual events, personal transformations, and the presence of divine elements, illustrating universal emotional connections and spiritual fulfillment.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) An overwhelming feeling of happiness and delight experienced by individuals witnessing a miraculous event.[94] (2) The emotional state experienced by the Vaishnava bhaktas during their pilgrimage.[95] (3) The emotional state experienced by Nagnath upon witnessing the transformation and resulting form.[96] (4) The deep happiness and absorption experienced by the audience, men and women alike, while listening to the verses.[97] (5) The overwhelming happiness felt by the king's subjects upon receiving his command regarding Surdas.[98]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A profound sense of happiness or elation experienced in a moment of celebration.[99] (2) The profound happiness and contentment that Davies derives from nature, which is a central theme in his poetry.[100] (3) Aparajita experienced intense happiness upon learning that Sridhar was writing to her.[101] (4) The anticipated happiness the Captain expects to feel upon reuniting with his wife after years of separation.[102]