Begin at the end
What DO we really want? What SHOULD we really want?
In Sanskrit, ‘ãnand’ is a state of bliss and happiness.
But first there is pleasure: There is pleasure in enjoying a bowl of ice cream. But keep eating more, and pleasure eventually turns to pain.
Pleasure is flawed.
Then there is joy: There is joy in listening to beautiful music. But sit next to someone with whom you have a grudge, and the joy fades away.
Joy is conditional.
Then there is serenity: A few moments of deep breathing and meditative mindfulness does indeed bring serenity. But open your eyes, and you are back to the day-to-day struggles of life.
Serenity can be fleeting.
Ãnand transcends pleasure, joy and serenity. It is a state of bliss and happiness.
Then there is Param-ãnand — ultimate and eternal ãnand. Param-ãnandis not momentary — it is forever. It is a far-reaching, all-encompassing stability even in moments of turmoil. Param-ãnand is not conditional. Rain or shine, fame or shame, win or lose, eyes open or shut, param-ãnand is a steady, constant, continuous life of contentment and composure — total equilibrium.
This state is not a concept or a mere dream; nor is it an experience only for the afterlife. The teachings of Bhagwan Swaminarayan (1781CE to 1830CE) show a clear and straight path to reach param-ãnand. After his earthly passing, he left behind him a lineage of Satpurush (the perfect guru), who became living proof that such a state can be felt and lived — here and now.
Gunatitanand Swami (1784 — 1867).
Bhagatji Maharaj (1829 — 1897).
Shastriji Maharaj (1865 — 1951).
Yogiji Maharaj (1892 — 1971).
Pramukh Swami Maharaj (1921 — 2016).
And today, Mahant Swami Maharaj (1933— present) continues the legacy.
The path is long and laborious. To reach Param-ãnand we will have to live within limits; we will have to learn to let go; we will have to untangle our ego; we will have to tame the mind; we will have to give more and take less. But we are sure to get there. Because in reality, all we have to do is trust God and follow the guru.
“The best path is the path taken by the great.”
- Yudhishthir to Yaksha in The Mahabharat
