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, 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.[1]
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. The terms sukha and ananda are used interchangeably by some researchers.[2]
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.[3]
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.[1]
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).[3]
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.[3]
Etymology
According to Shabdakalpadhruma[4] 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.[5] 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.).[5]
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.[4]
‘Happy’ as an adjective has three broad meanings: (1) fortunate, lucky; feeling or expressing pleasure, contentment, satisfaction, etc.; (2) (in polite formulas) pleased; (3) (of language, conduct, suggestion) well-suited to the situation. ‘Happiness' is used as a noun to convey the first meaning (Hornby et al. 1948, cited in Lu 2001). While, it is true that the feelings of being fortunate and happy are intimately connected and in some instances synonymous, the term does not cover the various shades of the actual experience itself, nor does it provide any significant insight into the psychological processes that accompany the state of happiness.[2]
Similarly, in Indian languages also, there are many terms used for happiness, like bhoga, sukha, santoṣa, harṣa, ullāsa, ānanda, trpti, tuṣhti, śubha, mangala, kalyāṇa, śreyas, preyas, śānti, ārogya, swāsthya, sthitaprajñatā.[1] Of all these, the word sukha is most commonly used to denote happiness as reflected in the invocations like "lokāḥ samastāḥ sukhino bhavantu."[2]
Sukha Vs Ananda
Happiness is one of the English terms for ananda, and it takes two shades based on materialistic or non-materialistic views. The nearest and approximate equivalent of the term, ananda, in English is bliss, when it is associated with spirituality. This is distinguished from sukha, the happiness of a mundane variety. The opposite of sukha is dukkha (sorrow and suffering). Although meaning in life is often centered in the extrinsic pursuit of sukha, a higher meaning of life needs to be focused intrinsically in ananda.[6] Man instinctively has a natural attraction to sensory gratification, desires and attachment. He strives for pleasure. Pleasure is sense related. It is evanescent and ephemeral. Bliss is more stable and spiritual, because it is anchored in consciousness. One’s pleasure may lead to suffering of others. Bliss spreads happiness all around.[7]
According to Ayurveda, sukha (happiness) is a state without physical and psychical ailments, where a person has energy and strength to perform his duties, and knowledge to know what is right and wrong, is able to use his senses and enjoy from them, and is virtuous (Caraka Saṁhitā, 1.30.23). Useful life (hitāyu) is one where the person attends to well-being of others, controls his passions, shares his knowledge and wealth with others and is virtuous (Caraka Saṁhitā, 1.30.26).[8]
On the other hand, AdvaitaVedānta conceives jiva (person) as a multi-layered entity composed of five nested sheaths, with ananda (blissfulness) at the core (ānandamaya). The Taittiriya Upanishad (2.8) estimates the Bliss of Brahman/Ātman to be 100 quintillion times higher than what a young, well-endowed human being can enjoy.[9]
Several features of Happiness
Though the concepts of happiness in different countries of the world differ from each other, perhaps the quest for happiness is ubiquitous and hence universal. Happiness can be classified based on several features.[10]
- Source of happiness - Is it self driven or driven by others? The source of happiness is often conceived as coming from or due to the actions or support of other people.
- Duration of happiness - Is short-term happiness such as watching a good movie more fulfilling than long term happiness that arises due to say a spiritual reason?
- Location of happiness - Is happiness restricted to the physical body or is happiness a mental state?
- Factors of happiness - Is happiness due to external materialistic and environmental factors (marital status, education, income) or is it due to internal factors (contentment, compassion, personality, contemplation)
- Intensity of Happiness - Happiness has a peak moment (is momentary) and a non-peak state (a memory)
In certain countries enjoyment of desirable goods, entertainment and pleasure in life, in other words physical satisfaction or hedonic approach dominates. In countries like India, it is associated with spirituality and being in the protection of divine, superhuman elements such as Ishvara.
Impact of Environment on Happiness
Like well-being (Svasthya), happiness is also closely linked to environmental changes along with genetic factors.[10] Research undertaken in recent years has shown a shift in happiness from being related to pure psychology to environmental psychology, community environment and spatial governance. According to the authors of this study[11], Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is commonly used in the international community as an important indicator to measure social progress and people’s well-being. Capitalists believed that economic growth would bring us happiness, but a small, poor Buddhist country—Bhutan—has dispelled the myth with the concept of Gross National Happiness. Today, the concept of happiness has evolved from the field of psychology to all disciplines. Many researchers are exploring how environmental psychology/behavioral psychology influences residents' sense of happiness. Their results showed that factors like green area, community layout, aesthetics, transportation service and social service significantly influenced residents' sense of happiness.[11]
Impact of Personality on Happiness
Studies of personality and environmental correlates of happiness indicate that both these factors have a significant impact as happiness indicators.
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 is it 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:[12]
- satisfaction with life
- balanced and rational view
- quality of life
- optimism
- well-being
- 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.[12]
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.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Salagame, Kiran Kumar, "Happiness and well-being in Indian tradition," Psychological Studies 51, no. 2-3, (2006): 105-112.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Choudry, A, and Banavathy, V.K. Understanding Happiness: the Concept of sukha as 'Excellent Space'. Psychol Stud 60, 356–367 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-015-0319-5
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Banavathy, V.K., Choudry, A. Understanding Happiness: A Vedantic Perspective. Psychol Stud 59, 141–152 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12646-013-0230-x
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Shabdakalpadhruma (See आनन्दः)
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Term Ananda in Practical Sanskrit-English Dictionary by V. S. Apte.
- ↑ Salagame, Kiran Kumar, "Meaning and Well-being: Indian Perspectives," Journal of Constructivist Psychology 30:1, 63-68, http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10720537.2015.1119087
- ↑ Paranjpe, Anand. C. and Ramakrishna Rao, K. (2016) Psychology in the Indian Tradition. London: Kluwer Academic Publishers. 305-306
- ↑ Paranjpe, Anand. C. and Ramakrishna Rao, K. (2016) Psychology in the Indian Tradition. London: Kluwer Academic Publishers. 212
- ↑ Paranjpe, Anand. C. and Ramakrishna Rao, K. (2016) Psychology in the Indian Tradition. London: Kluwer Academic Publishers. 64-65
- ↑ 10.0 10.1 The Science of Happiness and Wellbeing. NPTEL Course
- ↑ 11.0 11.1 Chiu-lin Chen and Heng Zhang, Do You Live Happily? Exploring the Impact of Physical Environment on Residents’ Sense of Happiness, 2018 IOP Conf. Ser.: Earth Environ. Sci. 112 012012. DOI 10.1088/1755-1315/112/1/012012
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 Hemachand, Lata. The Concept of Happiness in the Upanishads and its Relevance to Therapy, Indian Journal of Clinical Psychology, 2021, 48, no. 2, 123-130