Significance of Supreme bliss
Supreme bliss is a term used across various spiritual traditions, representing the ultimate state of happiness, fulfillment, and realization. In Tibetan Buddhism, it signifies an experience free from conceptual elaboration through spiritual practices. Similarly, in Vaishnavism, Supreme bliss is linked to devotion and serving the divine, providing a sense of eternal joy. Other traditions like Vedanta, Yoga, and Mahayana define it as the highest joy achieved through enlightenment and union with the divine, indicating a profound spiritual state sought by practitioners.
Synonyms: Ultimate happiness, Complete contentment, Extreme pleasure, Elation, Ecstasy, Euphoria, Rapture, Joy, Delight
In Dutch: Opperste gelukzaligheid; In German: Höchste Glückseligkeit; In Finnish: Ylin autuus; In Spanish: Felicidad suprema
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Supreme bliss'
In Buddhism, Supreme bliss represents the ultimate state of joy, fulfillment, and contentment achieved through deep meditation, spiritual practices, and realization of Nibbána, embodying the highest spiritual accomplishments and transcendent experiences.
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) The essence of the sacrament of offerings that is directed towards its object, embodying the ultimate bliss of the buddhas.[1] (2) The ultimate state of happiness or satisfaction that is sought after through spiritual practices and offerings.[2] (3) The ultimate feeling of joy achieved through spiritual practices.[3] (4) Another epithet of Samantabhadra, denoting a characteristic of the Transcendent Lord.[4] (5) An ultimate state of joy and fulfillment achieved through spiritual practices and realizations.[5]
From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)
(1) The highest state of happiness and contentment, achieved through spiritual fulfillment and enlightenment.[6] (2) Nibbána, the ultimate state of happiness that one aims to achieve.[7] (3) The ultimate state of happiness and liberation, referred to as Nibbána.[8]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Indicates that attaining Nibbana is considered the highest form of happiness and fulfillment.[9] (2) The ultimate realization of truth as taught by the Buddha.[10]
From: Visuddhimagga (the pah of purification)
(1) A heightened state of pleasure experienced during jhana, often associated with uplifting spiritual experiences.[11]
From: Milindapanha (questions of King Milinda)
(1) A state of profound happiness and peace achieved through deep meditation.[12]
From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara
(1) The highest form of joy, synonymous with unchanging bliss.[13] (2) The ultimate state of happiness that can be attained through the cultivation of bodhicitta.[14]
Hindu concept of 'Supreme bliss'
Supreme bliss in Hinduism embodies the ultimate happiness achieved through devotion, self-knowledge, and union with the divine, leading to liberation from earthly attachments and experiencing profound joy, peace, and spiritual fulfillment.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) A state of extreme happiness and tranquility experienced when one is in a deep meditative state, as described during Rama's trance.[15] (2) The ultimate state of happiness and fulfillment that one can attain by aligning with the essence of the soul.[16] (3) The ultimate state of joy achievable through divine knowledge.[17] (4) An ultimate state of happiness and peace that Rama experiences in his meditative state.[18] (5) The ultimate realization of spiritual fulfillment characterized by unending joy and peace, transcending typical experiences of pleasure.[19]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The perfect realization of blissful nature attributed to the Supreme Lord, highlighting his self-sufficiency and mercy.[20] (2) The ultimate state of happiness and fulfillment sought by spiritual aspirants, often associated with union with the divine.[21] (3) The ultimate happiness and contentment associated with realization of God.[22] (4) The highest state of happiness achieved through devotion and knowledge as described in the Bhagavata.[23] (5) The state of ultimate happiness and joy experienced by the Lord, even while participating in earthly pastimes.[24]
From: Skanda Purana
(1) A description of the divine presence of Shiva, linked to the spiritual traditions of the narrative.[25] (2) The Daughter of the Mountain, who forms half the body of the Supreme Bliss, is mentioned as residing near the temple of Ramanatha.[26] (3) The state of ultimate happiness and contentment experienced by the king in Svarga.[27] (4) A state of ultimate happiness experienced by devotees, particularly in the presence of the temple's divine light.[28] (5) A state of ultimate happiness, often associated with spiritual fulfillment and connection with the divine.[29]
From: Shiva Purana
(1) The ultimate happiness and contentment that Shiva bestows upon his devoted followers.[30] (2) The ultimate state of happiness that can be attained through spiritual contemplation.[31] (3) The ultimate state of happiness achieved by Upamanyu after securing blessings from lord Shiva.[32] (4) The ultimate state of joy and fulfillment, identified with the Goddess and her divine essence.[33] (5) The realization of ultimate happiness that follows the unification through Shivayoga.[34]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The state of ultimate joy related to the Bhagavan's nature beyond worldly suffering.[35] (2) The ultimate state of happiness and contentment attributed to the Devi, highlighting her divine nature.[36] (3) A state associated with the Devi, representing ultimate joy and fulfillment.[37]
From: Markandeya Purana
(1) The ultimate state of joy and fulfillment attained when a yogi transcends material attachments and realizes unity with the Supreme Spirit.[38] (2) The highest state of spiritual fulfillment and happiness that comes from attaining final emancipation.[39]
From: Laghu-yoga-vasistha
(1) The ultimate state of joy achieved through deep spiritual understanding and realization of the self.[40] (2) The ultimate state of happiness achieved through spiritual knowledge and realization.[41]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) The highest form of happiness and contentment derived from devotion to Vishnu.[42] (2) The ultimate state of happiness and contentment achieved through devotion to Vishnu.[43]
From: Markandeya Purana (Study)
(1) The ultimate state of joy and realization achieved through dedicated meditation (dhyana) on the subtle aspects of existence.[44]
From: Harivamsha Purana
(1) The ultimate state of happiness and understanding that arises from experiencing the unmanifest Atman.[45]
From: Gautami Mahatmya
(1) The ultimate state of happiness that can be reached by appeasing anger through perfect knowledge.[46]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad Bhashya Vartika
(1) The highest state of happiness or ultimate joy that surpasses all other forms of pleasure.[47] (2) The infinite and eternal joy that is the true essence of existence, surpassing any temporary pleasure derived from worldly experiences.[48] (3) The ultimate state of happiness or fulfillment that cannot be understood through verbal expression.[49] (4) The highest state of happiness, free from all distinctions and unsurpassable.[50] (5) The ultimate state of happiness that a sannyasin attains, which is considered to be the essence of Brahman and cannot be specifically defined.[51]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) A state of ultimate happiness and peace, associated with the nature of Brahman.[52] (2) The highest state of happiness or joy that is attained through spiritual self-realization.[53] (3) An intense state of happiness and spiritual fulfillment, often associated with enlightenment or divine connection.[54] (4) The ultimate state of happiness and spiritual joy that is considered the highest form of enjoyment.[55] (5) The highest form of happiness that defines the essence of the Self, suggesting a state of ultimate contentment.[56]
From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)
(1) Characterizes Brahman as the ultimate state of joy and fulfillment, free from all forms of suffering or imperfection.[57] (2) The ultimate state of happiness and contentment that is sought after, but is not achievable by those with lesser merit.[58] (3) A state attained through the direct intuition of the Supreme Person's true nature, signifying liberation from worldly suffering.[59] (4) The ultimate state of happiness or contentment enjoyed by the intelligent principle or Brahman.[60] (5) The inherent nature of Brahman, which is associated with the knowledge attained through devout meditation.[61]
From: Prasthanatrayi Swaminarayan Bhashyam (Study)
(1) The ultimate joy and contentment experienced by devotees in the presence of Parabrahman.[62] (2) The ultimate state of joy and fulfillment that muktas experience in Aksharadhama, bestowed by Parabrahman.[63] (3) The ultimate experience attained within Aksharadhama, surpassing any joy in other realms or existence.[64] (4) The liberated muktas who have attained liberation experience the supreme bliss of Parabrahman.[65]
From: Thirty minor Upanishads
(1) The highest state of joy and tranquility that arises from self-realization.[66] (2) The ultimate state of happiness that is pure and unconditioned.[67] (3) Supreme bliss refers to the ultimate state of happiness and fulfillment obtained through the knowledge of self and the universe.[68] (4) The highest state of happiness and fulfillment attained through the realization of true self and union with Brahman.[69]
From: Shiva Gita (study and summary)
(1) The ultimate state of happiness achieved by realizing Brahman-hood.[70] (2) The ultimate state of happiness and fulfillment that one attains by realizing Brahman-hood.[71]
From: Taittiriya Upanishad
(1) The ultimate and infinite bliss that transcends all forms of worldly pleasure and signifies a state of unity with Brahman.[72] (2) A state of deep-seated joy attained by those who have renounced worldly attachments and realized their true nature.[73]
From: Siddhanta Sangraha of Sri Sailacharya
(1) The ultimate state of happiness achieved through the practice of bhakti yoga.[74]
From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)
(1) The state of joy and liberation experienced after achieving Self-knowledge in samadhi.[75]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The ultimate level of happiness that surpasses all other forms of joy.[76] (2) A state of unparalleled joy experienced by the Alvar in union with the Lord.[77] (3) A state of ultimate happiness and communion, sought with the devout.[78] (4) The ultimate state of happiness and fulfillment that one attains through service in Heaven, as a result of devotion to Kannan.[79] (5) The ultimate joy derived from serving the Lord, which is available in the celestial realm.[80]
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The ultimate experience of joy and spiritual ecstasy that transcends ordinary happiness.[81] (2) The state of ultimate happiness attained by the devotees when they follow the moods of the Lord's pastimes.[82] (3) an abundance of happiness that will fulfill the desires of your heart[83] (4) The ultimate form of happiness that is inherent in Bhagavan's eternal forms.[84] (5) The highest state of happiness that fills Shri Hanuman, prompting his joyful leaps and dances.[85]
From: Bhajana-Rahasya
(1) A state of ultimate happiness associated with the divine name, indicating its profound spiritual impact.[86]
From: Sivaprakasam (Study in Bondage and Liberation)
(1) The ultimate state of ecstasy and divine contentment achieved by the jivan mukta through total immersion in Divinity and Grace.[87] (2) The ultimate state of enjoyment that the self experiences in moksha, particularly highlighted in the teachings of Vishistadvaita.[88] (3) The ultimate state of joy that the self has the right to enjoy in moksha.[89] (4) A state of complete contentment and joy experienced by the self when it becomes one with the divine.[90]
From: Shaiva Upanishads (A Critical Study)
(1) The ultimate state of happiness and contentment achieved through meditation and connection with the divine.[91]
From: Shat-cakra-nirupana (the six bodily centres)
(1) A state of ultimate joy associated with the divine presence of Shiva that Devi Kundalini reaches after her journey.[92] (2) The ultimate joy and ecstasy achieved through spiritual realization, which is said to expand Kakini's heart.[93] (3) A state of eternal joy and knowledge, equated with Brahman.[94]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) An ultimate form of joy referenced as being far superior to worldly pleasures or contentments.[95]
From: Parama Samhita (English translation)
(1) A state of ultimate happiness and contentment that men strive for, known as Nirvana.[96] (2) The ultimate state of spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the bonds of karma.[97] (3) The ultimate state of happiness or spiritual realization that Devala is inquiring about, desired through knowledge and understanding.[98]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) A state of ultimate happiness or liberation that is associated with performing one's duties of inheritance and offerings correctly.[99] (2) The ultimate state of happiness and enlightenment that one can achieve by transcending the physical and embodying the spiritual essence of Brahman.[100]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) An ultimate state of happiness and fulfillment that is sought in the context of liberation from the Cycle.[101]
From: Varahi Tantra (English Study)
(1) The state of eternal happiness and ecstasy attained by the yogi, free from worldly desires and emotions.[102]
The concept of Supreme bliss in local and regional sources
Supreme bliss signifies an ultimate state of happiness and contentment, encompassing artistic fulfillment, spiritual joy through divine communion, and the profound joy akin to romantic union, often attained via meditation and self-realization.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The ultimate state of spiritual enlightenment, associated with Adwaitha philosophy.[103] (2) A state sought by the Buddhist Sahajiya cult reflecting a profound realization of happiness and fulfillment.[104] (3) A state of ultimate happiness or spiritual satisfaction achieved through art and aesthetics.[105] (4) The highest state of joy and fulfillment, linked to spiritual experiences and the understanding of beauty.[106] (5) The ultimate state of happiness and peace attained through the practice of Buddhism, represented by Nirvana.[107]