Commentary by Siddha Yoga Meditation Teacher Ben Williams
The Sanskrit word ānanda refers to a deeply fulfilling joyfulness that is unconditional and always available to those who strive to taste its nectar, to touch its form, to hear its melody, to perceive its brilliance, to breathe in its scent, to become immersed in its scintillating beauty. This is the nature of the Self, the goal of the spiritual journey. When we experience the Self, we are filled with waves of ānanda.
The joyfulness that we uncover through Siddha Yoga sadhana is not a fleeting experience; it is not dependent upon the “right” circumstances or everything unfolding according to our design. To cultivate joyfulness as a virtue—to allow this quality to consistently shine through our actions—we can practice discerning the presence of delight in everything around and within us.
In The Yoga of Discipline, Gurumayi writes:
The sunrise of supreme bliss shimmers in every particle of the universe, so why not drink a fresh cup of joy every day and become inspired with new perception?1
This truth is echoed throughout the scriptures of India. The world is permeated by bliss, the sages remind us; everything arises and subsides in bliss; we are each constantly enveloped by the great energy of bliss. What we need to do is learn how to recognize it.
There are times when this sublime perspective can seem foreign to our experience. A sustained sense of joyfulness is often elusive. It is precisely for this reason that Gurumayi encourages us to “drink a fresh cup of joy every day,” to approach the virtue of joyfulness with steady spiritual discipline. Instead of waiting for joyfulness to come to us, we can take the active posture of a yogi; by putting the Siddha Yoga teachings into practice, we can learn how to connect with the subtle delight that pulses in every moment.
In the Vijñāna-bhairava, we find the following practical instruction on how to cultivate joyfulness:
yatra yatra manas tuṣṭir manas tatraiva dhārayet । tatra tatra parānanda-svarūpaṁ sampravartate ॥
Wherever a person’s mind finds deep joy, let it focus on that. In every such case, the nature of the highest bliss will manifest.2
Any spontaneous eruption of joyfulness in our lives can serve as a doorway into bliss. If we notice what makes our heart smile and then intently focus our mind on the source of that delight, we unveil the subtle ānanda that is at the heart of all creation.
As we cultivate greater awareness of the bliss that permeates the outer world, we also become more adept at discerning the source of joyfulness within ourselves. Quieting the mind opens us to an inner contentment. This natural delight of the inner Self is free of outward demands or conditions because, as Gurumayi teaches, this bliss is not just a state of consciousness, it is who we are.
1Swami Chidvilasananda, The Yoga of Discipline (South Fallsburg, NY: SYDA Foundation, 1996), p. xix. 2Vijñāna Bhairava, 74; Swami Chidvilasananda, Inner Treasures (South Fallsburg, NY: SYDA Foundation, 1995), pp. 28-29.
I was sitting looking out at a lake, observing the water lapping up against the land, the various shades of green, and the puffy white clouds dancing across the sky. I could smell the freshness in the air.
As I read the commentary on the virtue of joyfulness, a strong wind kicked up. The leaves began dancing on the trees, and the chimes seemingly sent out a song of joy. To me, joy is the very theme of nature, and to “drink a fresh cup of joy every day” means uniting that outer joy with my own inner joy.
What a brilliant reminder this has given me of the accessibility of joy, which I can experience just by opening my eyes to the world of nature around me.
Maine, United States
Several days ago I was standing in my living room when suddenly I felt exquisite joy and centeredness in my being. I knew that this was a glimpse of the joy of the Self, which I’ve read so much about in Gurumayi’s and Baba’s books.
There was no outer reason for this joy to appear; it was simply, suddenly there. Now, as I compare this experience to my everyday happiness, I see that what I normally experience as happiness is but a pale reflection of this rich, full joy that is inside me.
New York, United States
From studying this commentary, I realized that when I recognize bliss, both within and without, I am staying connected to my beloved Guru. I am exchanging my love with her. I remember that I am with the Siddhas, and they are with me.
Winlaw, Canada
The line “Wherever a person’s mind finds deep joy, let it focus on that” from the Vijnana Bhairava reminded me of Gurumayi’s teachings about joy. Although I have sometimes not treated my mind well, as soon as I read the phrase deep joy, my mind shook out its wings and took joyful flight. Today I have found joy in watching the glorious clouds from inside my car, and in sitting outside bundled up against the wind, just as I did as a child.
New York, United States
Joyfulness has been a core focus of my sadhana for the last few months. While I was contemplating this virtue one day, it occurred to me, “Why have I been thinking ‘I want to be happy’? That implies I am not happy in the present moment. But if joyfulness is at the core of my existence, it exists in every moment, here and now.”
So I made a correction in my thought process, and chose the affirmation “I am happy here and now.” The moment I chose this affirmation, I felt subtle vibrations in between my eyebrows. I was instantly filled with a joy that surged up from within and was not dependent on anything outside.
While reading the commentary on joyfulness, I not only reconnected with that experience but also felt very reassured. Yes, I am indeed joyful, and I just have to bring my mind back to an awareness of it, again and again.
Pune, India
It is so refreshing to be reminded by this commentary that joyfulness is not something whose arrival we have to wait around for. It is a virtue I can actively attract, call upon, invite, and cultivate in my life through my thoughts, actions, and my spiritual practices.
The words “We can take the active posture of a yogi” reminded me that even my physical posture can be a pillar in which ananda can move freely.
California, United States
What a powerful commentary on joyfulness! I read it out loud soon after learning of a challenging medical diagnosis. I made a strong commitment to meet this challenge with equipoise, the support of the practices, and with the affirmation “I am filled with waves of ananda.”
Joyfulness—my very own essence!
Virginia, United States
This is an awesome commentary!
While focusing on the virtue joyfulness, and seeing in the background design, this beautiful, elegant, colorful, embroidered silk fabric with little birds, flowers, and golden thread, I can only think of how filled I am “with waves of ananda”!
It took my own joyfulness for me to see the white heart shining through all the images appearing with the virtues. And it is this joy I take with me on my walk on the beach as I chant out loud, “What a joy-filled day!”
Florida, United States
This commentary on joyfulness uplifted my spirits. Naturally, as a seeker I long to experience this virtue in my life, and the commentary gives me hope that this is within my reach.
I realized that regardless of how my life unfolds, with all its peaks and valleys, the way I tread them is entirely in my hands. So how do I walk the path with joyfulness? This commentary provides the answer: by following Gurumayi’s teaching “to drink a fresh cup of joy every day” and by doing so “with steady spiritual discipline.”
It was liberating to realize that by putting this teaching into practice, I am not bringing joyfulness into my life from somewhere outside it, but am realizing my very nature as joyfulness.
Hosur, India
Coming upon the bright colors of Joyfulness, my heart jumped for joy and there was a big “Yes!”—yes to joy, yes to this path of bliss, love, and grace.
