Sukha and Ananda (सुखानन्दश्च)

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Ananda (Samskrit: आनन्दः) is a term of great significance in Indian philosophical traditions and in other cultures. Across time and cultures, human beings attached great value to Ananda, roughly translated into happiness, pleasure etc., and have been trying to find it. In this process, philosophies have been developed, books have been written and teachings have been given. The ideas of happiness are closely linked with the larger framework of reality and human nature which one carries in their mind. Conceptualization of the nature of happiness and well-being primarily depend on the worldview one holds that lead to differing assumptions on the nature of reality and of human nature. It has varied across cultures on a spectrum ranging from hedonic to transcendent viewpoints.

परिचयः ॥ Introduction

The mystery of happiness has preoccupied philosophers, psychologists and the whole human race. Fundamentally, everyone is compelled to identify happiness, worldly or transcendent in nature, as a 'virtue' because it is something everyone wants it in a positive way. The pursuit of happiness has been the axiomatic reference of all human endeavors across cultures and timelines. In Indian traditions we quite often hear about सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः। let all be happy and लोकाः समस्ताः सुखिनो भवन्तु। lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu॥ let all the beings in all worlds be happy. Here the reference is to सुखम् in the sense of happiness and some express it as a sense of well-being in life, which is referred to as Svasthya by many others.

The need to seek 'happiness' and be 'happy' through all one's actions is universally acknowledged as the main motivating force in the lives of people.

Currently, the study of well-being (Svasthya) and happiness (ananda, sukha) has acquired central focus in the discipline of psychology and more so in positive psychology as a subject.

At present, there are two dominant approaches to human happiness and well‐being:

• Hedonic perspectives
• Eudaimonic perspectives

The hedonic perspective with its roots in Hedonism – an ancient school of thought which argues that pleasure is the only intrinsic good, seeks to maximize one’s happiness by maximizing one’s pleasure and avoiding displeasures. Subjective Well-being (SWB) has been associated with the hedonistic approach. Wellbeing in itself refers to the optimal psychological experience and functioning of the individual. As it involves people evaluating themselves subjectively, the extent to which they experience a sense of wellness is termed as Subjective Well-being (SWB).

The eudaimonic perspective of happiness is defined as the highest good that one seeks and one ought to seek as the end in itself and not as a means to any other end. It results from a life based on virtuousness and contemplation. Psychological well-being (PWB) is the counterpart of SWB in the eudaimonic tradition.

Etymology

According to Shabdakalpadhruma आनन्दः (ānandaḥ) means आह्लादः which in general means a state of happiness, joy, delight, pleasure. In Taittriya Upanishad, आनन्दं ब्रह्मणो विद्वान्न बिभेति कदाचन, and in Shatapata Brahmana, (10.3.5.13) आनन्द एवास्य विज्ञानमात्माऽऽनन्दात्मानो हैवं सर्वे देवाःananda refers to supreme bliss of felicity. It is used in the sense of God, Supreme Spirit (ब्रह्मन्) (said to be n. also in this sense; cf. विज्ञानमानन्दं ब्रह्म Bṛi. Up.3.9.28.).

The synonyms used for आनन्दः (ānandaḥ) are given as आबन्दथुः (Abandathu), शर्म्म (Sharma), शातं (Shanta), सुखं (Sukha), सुत् (Sut), प्रीतिः (Priti), प्रमोदः (Pramoda), हर्षः (Harsha), प्रमदः (Pramada), आमोदः (Amoda), समदः (Samada) as per Amarakosha.

Importance of happiness

Why does happiness matter?

Offers us meaning and purpose of life. It helps discover new passions, generate curiosity, builds strong coping skill and emotional resources. Tolerate risks and and anxiety, keeps us healthy mentally and physically. Why important to study happiness scientifically?

To develop more insight, awareness and orientation about ourselves.

to get rid of misconceptions about happiness. ridding about misconceptions of life, career, notions of people, stereotypes of people helps us develop resilience.

supports turbulent life experiences and manage failure

to create happiness for others and thus create our happy surroundings

Means of happiness

What are means of happiness?

Social sciences in general, but Neurosciences, Behavioural sciences, and Computational science take advantage of the theory of happiness. Fundamental We share the findings of methodologies of different disciplines.

What makes us happy?

Affluence in bio-psycho-social resource that determine the quality of living and prosperity

Autonomy in freedom to choose or in meaningful physical and mental engagements

Appreciation for life as a whole that determines life satisfaction (subjective wellbeing)

Components and Indian Philosophies of happiness

Life over career, Context (life experience) over content, attitude (creates a mindset to meet someone, face fears, for overcoming troubles and progressing) over aptitude and choice (helps experience the myriad shades of emotions not just happiness) over compulsion.

Most of the research done so far in the field of Psychology has focused on what the reasons are for a person to be happy or the external factors contributing to happiness. Large surveys have come up with the components of happiness factor such as:

1. satisfaction with life
2. balanced and rational view
3. quality of life
4. optimism
5. well-being
6. self esteem

The objectives of Indian texts such as Upanishads, on the other hand, give a suggestion and a way to the seeker to look within. They encourage reaching the state of Ananda through spiritual practices or mental exercises which are within the control of the individual rather than the external forces which are not under his or her control.

Happiness and Psychology

Science or Practice - Both

Genotype or Phenotype - Gene for happiness

Process or outcome - outcome is a target, targets change, process is memory based happiness, outcome is moment based happiness

Thinking or Blinking -

Mind or mindset - primal belief whether world is hostile

Conclusions

Insight (foe self) and awareness (about iothers)

Sustain positve feeling and adapt to stressful experience

Betweenness with interpersonal skill and within-ness

Misconceptions about happiness

Money increases happiness - happiness does not increase after a salary of 75K $ and begins to plateau after a decent salary

Receive a gift - purchasing a gift increases happiness not receiving, biologists and neurologists found a neural link, create happiness for others.