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Swami, what is the difference between happiness and bliss?

[A question by Ms. Thrylokya]

Swami replied:- Happiness (santosha) is connected to worldly affairs and is never permanent because life is arranged with alternating happiness (fruit of good deed) and misery (fruit of bad deed). This alternating arrangement is made by God so that continuity of any fruit is absent so that boredom of continuous enjoyment of one type of fruits is avoided. Therefore, worldly happiness must follow by worldly misery. Bliss (ananda) is related to God and generally, bliss is called as ‘Divine Bliss’ or ‘Spiritual Bliss’ because bliss is not related to the fruits of worldly actions. Bliss is the fruit of God’s grace on the soul. Theoretical devotion along with practical devotion as proof, generated from true spiritual knowledge preached by Sadguru (contemporary human incarnation of God) is responsible for the grace of God. Bliss is excessive happiness and is permanent. Happiness is enjoyed in Pravrutti (worldly life) and Bliss is enjoyed in Nivrutti (Spiritual life). A true devotee enjoying spiritual bliss is neither happy for worldly benefits nor unhappy for worldly losses in worldly affairs because such a devotee is basically enjoying the permanent divine bliss (Na prahṛṣyet… - Gita).

 

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