The Path to Bliss and Peace
Bliss and peace are not just fleeting emotions; they are our natural state of being. In the hustle and bustle of daily life, we often forget that beneath all the responsibilities, limitations, and worries, there is a deep and unshakable peace within us. By understanding the nature of bliss and how we experience it, we can learn to align ourselves with this state more often and more effortlessly.
What is Bliss?
Bliss is the natural quality of awareness when it is not contracted by conditions, responsibilities, or limiting beliefs. It is the essence of our being, an all-pervasive energy that emerges when we connect with our true selves. In many spiritual traditions, bliss is seen as the state of being in harmony with the Creator or the Source. It is not something we acquire but something we uncover.
Many people confuse bliss with excitement or euphoria. While these emotions can be pleasurable, they are often temporary reactions to freedom from a previously perceived limitation. True bliss, however, is steady, deep, and peaceful. It is not something we chase but something we allow to unfold naturally.
Accessing Bliss in Everyday Life
There are countless ways to access bliss. Meditation, nature walks, music, art, and deep conversations can all bring us into a state of peace and joy. However, the key is to distinguish between fleeting moments of pleasure and true bliss.
Here are some ways to cultivate genuine bliss in your life:
- Mindfulness and Presence – When we become fully present, we let go of worries about the past and future. Bliss arises naturally when we are in the moment.
- Meditation and Stillness – Quieting the mind allows us to connect with the deep peace that is always within us.
- Self-Inquiry – Asking ourselves, “Who am I beyond my thoughts and emotions?” can reveal the boundless nature of our being.
- Letting Go of Resistance – Often, we block bliss by holding onto negative thoughts and resistance. Releasing these allows our natural state of peace to surface.
- Acts of Love and Kindness – Helping others and acting with compassion align us with the love and joy that are part of our true nature.
- Gratitude and Appreciation – Focusing on what we are grateful for shifts our awareness to a higher state, allowing more bliss to flow into our lives.
Bliss vs. Hyper-Bliss: Understanding the Difference
It is important to recognize the difference between deep bliss and what we might call “hyper-bliss.” Hyper-bliss is an ecstatic reaction to newfound freedom. It often happens when we experience a major breakthrough in consciousness, when we suddenly realize that we are not bound by what we previously believed.
While hyper-bliss can be exciting and exhilarating, it is not sustainable as a permanent state. If we chase after these highs, we can end up feeling frustrated when they fade. Instead, we should focus on cultivating a stable, peaceful bliss that is always accessible.
The Transition to Peaceful Bliss
As we continue our spiritual journey, we begin to shift from experiencing bliss as an ecstatic high to experiencing it as a deep and abiding peace. This transition is natural. The more we move into alignment with our true self, the more bliss and peace become our baseline state.
Rather than seeking bliss as an escape or an extreme sensation, we can embrace it as a quiet, radiant presence within us. When we do this, we no longer depend on external circumstances for happiness. We become anchored in the unwavering peace that is our birthright.
Thoughts to Reflect On
“Continue the practice of self-inquiry so that you do not get lost in states of beauty and bliss. Do not seek to experience bliss—become the bliss.” — Swami Annamalai
“Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is, rather than as you think it should be.” – Wayne Dyer
“Bliss is not just a state to be pursued; it’s a deep well of peace, perfection, and completion that we naturally embody. When we align our views with our true being, we open ourselves to the ecstasy of existence.” – Bentinho Massaro
A Spiritual Reference
“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” – Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)
Diving Deeper to Understanding Bliss: A Journey Beyond the Surface
Have you ever wondered what bliss really is? Is it something you should chase, or is it naturally within you? Bentinho offers a profound insight into the nature of bliss and how we can access it.
Bliss is more than just a fleeting feeling; it’s the natural quality of our awareness when free from constraints and limitations. It’s the essence of the Creator, a state of oneness and the initial energy that emerges from self-awareness. However, accessing this state can vary and sometimes be partial or distorted.
Should you pursue bliss? Well, Bentinho suggests that the desire for bliss is a natural longing for our source, our true nature. It’s not about the active pursuit but an inner desire that guides us toward it. Think of it as ‘bliss checking’ your thoughts and aligning them with your true perspective.
There’s a distinction between the bliss we experience as a reaction to freedom and the deeper, more constant state of bliss that is akin to peace. Excitement often accompanies the initial moments of liberation from a bound state, but this is more a reaction of the personality rather than true bliss. True bliss remains with us as a deep, peaceful presence.
But, how do we engage with this bliss? It’s not about pursuing it externally but about aligning our desires and intentions with it. Bliss is more than an emotional state; it’s a transformative experience that aligns us more closely with our source.
Drawing from the teachings of Shri Anamal Swami, a student of Raman Maharshi, Bentinho emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry. It’s not just about experiencing peace and bliss but becoming them. By continuously inquiring into who experiences these states, we move closer to being the embodiment of peace and bliss, transcending temporary experiences and personal narratives.
In closing, bliss is a journey of deep alignment with our true nature, beyond the excitement and reactions of our personalities. It’s a state of peace and completeness that we naturally are, waiting for us to rediscover and embody it fully.
Summary Points:
- Bliss is our natural state of being, a state of pure awareness free from limitations.
- Ecstasy and bliss are distinct but related experiences. Ecstasy is a temporary surge of joy and energy, while bliss is a deeper, more lasting state of peace and contentment.
- We can experience bliss through a sudden release from worry or stress, but this type of bliss is often temporary.
- A deeper, more lasting bliss comes from cultivating inner stillness and observing our thoughts and emotions without judgment.
- This deeper bliss is not dependent on external circumstances and can be accessed at any time.
Actions:
- Practice mindfulness: Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions without judgment. Notice how they come and go like clouds in the sky.
- Meditate: Even a few minutes of daily meditation can help you cultivate inner stillness and connect with your true nature.
- Spend time in nature: Being in nature can help us to feel more grounded and connected to the present moment.
- Engage in activities that bring you joy: Make time for activities that make you feel happy and alive.
- Let go of expectations: Don’t attach your happiness to external circumstances or achievements.
- Practice gratitude: Focus on the good things in your life and appreciate the simple pleasures.
- Be kind to yourself: Treat yourself with compassion and understanding.
- Connect with your spiritual side: Explore your spirituality through prayer, reading, or attending religious services.