Significance of Supreme joy
Supreme joy encompasses a wide range of profound happiness and fulfillment across various spiritual traditions. In Buddhism, it denotes a state achieved through meditation and enlightenment. Jainism connects it with deep emotional bonds and spiritual enlightenment. Similarly, Vaishnavism and Vedanta highlight the ultimate bliss from divine connection and innately realized joy. Other traditions reference intense happiness linked to personal victories, fulfillment of desires, or significant relationships. Overall, Supreme joy represents the pinnacle of emotional and spiritual experiences across diverse philosophies.
Synonyms: Utmost happiness, Extreme delight, Transcendent pleasure, Overwhelming happiness, Ecstasy, Elation, Rapture
In Dutch: Opperste vreugde; In German: Höchste Freude; In Finnish: Ylin ilo; In Spanish: Alegría 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 joy'
Supreme joy in Buddhism signifies a heightened spiritual state gained through mandala offerings, fostering equanimity and bliss, as well as representing the first bhumi on the enlightenment path, characterized by meditation and a feeling of joy.
From: The Great Chariot
(1) Supreme Joy is the name of the first bhumi in the path of enlightenment, where one meditates on the seven limbs of enlightenment and achieves a state of joy and pliancy.[1]
From: Guhyagarbha Tantra (with Commentary)
(1) An elevation of spiritual experience achieved through offerings made within the mandala that leads to equanimity and bliss.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Supreme joy'
Supreme joy in Hinduism encompasses ultimate bliss beyond liberation, profound happiness linked to divine love and acknowledgment, and deep fulfillment from spiritual connections, transcending ordinary joys experienced by individuals like Nala and Yudhajita.
From: Ramayana of Valmiki
(1) The intense happiness experienced by Yudhajita upon hearing about Bharata's arrival and the forthcoming conflict.[3] (2) A state of utmost happiness and satisfaction, particularly after victory.[4] (3) The intense happiness experienced by King Dasaratha upon realizing his desires for heirs were being fulfilled.[5]
From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation
(1) The profound happiness experienced by the Alvar due to the Lord's love and the transformation of his being.[6] (2) An ultimate or unparalleled state of happiness, often attributed to spiritual fulfillment or divine experience.[7]
From: Ashtavakra Gita
(1) The innate joy and awareness that one truly is, which is often obscured by attachment and false identification.[8]
From: Kathopanishad (Madhva commentary)
(1) The ultimate and ineffable bliss that surpasses the joys of any liberated being.[9]
From: Naishadha-charita of Shriharsha
(1) The overwhelming happiness derived from Damayanti's presence or acknowledgment, influencing Nala's state of being.[10]
From: Gitartha Samgraha (critical Study)
(1) The experience derived from connecting with the power of Paramatman.[11]
Jain concept of 'Supreme joy'
In Jainism, Supreme joy signifies ultimate happiness achieved through spiritual enlightenment and divine connection, as well as the profound emotional fulfillment experienced from strong familial bonds, exemplified by a King’s interaction with his sons.
From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra
(1) The intense happiness experienced by the King as he interacted with his sons, highlighting deep emotional bonds.[12] (2) A state of ultimate happiness and fulfillment derived from spiritual enlightenment and connection with the divine.[13]
The concept of Supreme joy in local and regional sources
Supreme joy epitomizes ultimate happiness derived from spiritual fulfillment, transcending temporary pleasures, and is embodied by profound experiences and connections in devotion, impacting both individuals and their communities during significant spiritual events.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The highest form of happiness experienced through profound spiritual connection and devotion.[14] (2) The intense happiness Ramdas felt when approaching Dwarka, likened to moments of unexpected fortune.[15] (3) An exalted state of bliss that Shri Hari embodies and provides to his bhaktas.[16] (4) A profound sense of happiness experienced by Vithoba and Rukmini upon having a son.[17] (5) A state of ultimate happiness experienced by Namdev after fulfilling his spiritual purpose.[18]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A state of ultimate happiness or bliss that is derived from spiritual awakening, symbolized in the text by the 'milk'.[19] (2) The ultimate happiness or bliss associated with spiritual realization, depicted as the milk produced by the barren cow.[20] (3) An elevated state of happiness, regarded as the ultimate aim of life and a central aspect of divine existence.[21] (4) A state of ultimate happiness that comes from spiritual fulfillment.[22]