Significance of Supreme happiness
Supreme happiness encompasses various interpretations across different philosophical traditions, indicating the highest states of joy achievable through devotion, spirituality, and enlightenment. In Shilpashastra, it is associated with ultimate bliss derived from worship and devotion to God. Vaishnavism describes it as joy stemming from renunciation and deep understanding of spiritual themes. In Yoga, it is linked to contentment, while Buddhism emphasizes selfless acts leading to profound peace. Ultimately, Supreme happiness represents a state of profound fulfillment and joy, transcending ordinary experiences.
Synonyms: Elation, Joy, Ecstasy, Delight, Contentment, Jubilation, Rapture, Fulfillment, Exhilaration, Euphoria
In Dutch: Opperste gelukzaligheid; In Finnish: Ylin onnellisuus; In Spanish: Felicidad suprema; In German: Höchstes Glück; In Malay: Kebahagiaan tertinggi; In Swedish: Suverän lycka; In French: Bonheur suprême
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 happiness'
Supreme happiness in Buddhism, or Nibbana, is the ultimate goal, representing profound peace and contentment achieved through understanding dhamma, selflessness, and practicing the Buddha's teachings, transcending all desires and joys.
From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra
(1) The ultimate goal stated in the story, suggesting that true contentment comes from selfless acts and sacrifices for others.[1] (2) The ultimate state of bliss achieved through the right practice of the Buddha’s teachings.[2]
From: Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra
(1) A state of deep contentment and peace that is questioned by Manjusri in relation to Vimalakirti’s well-being.[3]
From: Dhammapada (Illustrated)
(1) Nibbana is portrayed as the supreme happiness, surpassing all other forms of joy and fulfillment.[4]
From: Vinaya Pitaka (3): Khandhaka
(1) The ultimate state of contentment derived from understanding dhamma and transcending desires.[5]
From: Patipada (path of practice)
(1) The highest state of contentment and fulfillment one achieves by following the Dhamma.[6]
Hindu concept of 'Supreme happiness'
In Hinduism, Supreme happiness encompasses various states of ultimate joy achieved through devotion, spiritual practice, enlightenment, and divine connection, representing a profound fulfillment and bliss beyond ordinary experiences, influenced by deities like Shiva and Krishna.
From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)
(1) The ultimate state of joy experienced by Brahma after hearing about the real nature of bhakti.[7] (2) This term denotes a form of joy that is the highest order, leading to a state of ultimate fulfillment.[8] (3) The highest form of happiness, denoted as paramam, which surpasses ordinary joy and is associated with the ultimate experiences of devotion.[9] (4) The highest state of bliss attained by devotees particularly in the realm of Vaikuntha.[10] (5) The ultimate joy that devotees experience as a result of serving Shri Bhagavan with love.[11]
From: Chaitanya Bhagavata
(1) The highest state of joy that is attained when one is situated in true knowledge and devotion to Krishna.[12] (2) The highest form of joy experienced in the house of Mukunda.[13] (3) The highest state of joy or bliss that one can achieve, which is attainable by understanding the conflicts between Nityananda and Advaita.[14]
From: Garga Samhita (English)
(1) The highest form of joy that comes from a state of renunciation.[15] (2) The state of joy that Nanda experienced upon seeing his son.[16]
From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)
(1) The ultimate joy and contentment that Rama assures Tara she will eventually attain, representing a vision for the future despite current pain.[17] (2) The ultimate joy experienced by Vaidehi (Sita) upon Rama's return and victory.[18]
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The ultimate state of bliss achieved through enlightenment and liberation from pain and pleasure.[19]
From: Bhagavadgita
(1) The ultimate state of joy and contentment achieved through spiritual practice.[20]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) The ultimate joy achieved through understanding and piety.[21]
From: Yoga-sutras (Vedanta Commentaries)
(1) The ultimate state of joy achieved through contentment.[22]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) A state of ultimate fulfillment and joy that is achieved through certain forms of Yoga, although they may be associated with some form of misery.[23]
The concept of Supreme happiness in local and regional sources
Supreme happiness encompasses deep, transcendent joy experienced in various contexts, such as Ramdas's vision, Brahman's realization of parenthood, and Murar's connection with his sadguru, reflecting peak emotional states beyond ordinary experiences.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) A profound sense of joy that Ramdas felt upon seeing the vision from Maruti.[24] (2) An intense joy felt by Murar upon receiving communication from his sadguru during an ordinary activity.[25] (3) The intense joy felt by the Brahman upon the realization of their new son, reflecting a peak emotional state.[26]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) An elevated state of joy that transcends ordinary experiences.[27]