Difference between revisions of "Sukha"
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− | '''[[Sukha]]''' is a [[Sanskrit]] and [[Pāli]] word that is often translated as “[[happiness]]" or "[[ease]]" or "[[pleasure]]" or "[[bliss]]." In [[Buddhism]]'s [[Pali literature]], the term is used in the context of describing laic pursuits, [[meditative]] absorptions and intra-[[psychic]] [[phenomena]]. | + | '''[[Sukha]]''' is a [[Sanskrit]] and [[Pāli]] [[word]] that is often translated as “[[happiness]]" or "[[ease]]" or "[[pleasure]]" or "[[bliss]]." In [[Buddhism]]'s [[Pali literature]], the term is used in the context of describing laic pursuits, [[meditative]] absorptions and intra-[[psychic]] [[phenomena]]. |
== {{Wiki|Etymology}} == | == {{Wiki|Etymology}} == | ||
Line 8: | Line 8: | ||
== [[Pali literature]] == | == [[Pali literature]] == | ||
− | In [[Buddhism]]'s [[Pali canon]] and related {{Wiki|literature}}, the term is used in a general [[sense]] to refer to "well-being and [[happiness]]" ([[hita-sukha]]) in either this present [[life]] or future [[lives]]. In addition, it is a technical term associated with describing a factor of [[meditative]] absorption ([[Jhāna]]) and a sensory-derived [[feeling]] ([[vedanā]]). | + | In [[Buddhism]]'s [[Pali canon]] and related {{Wiki|literature}}, the term is used in a general [[sense]] to refer to "well-being and [[happiness]]" ([[hita-sukha]]) in either this {{Wiki|present}} [[life]] or {{Wiki|future}} [[lives]]. In addition, it is a technical term associated with describing a factor of [[meditative]] [[absorption]] ([[Jhāna]]) and a sensory-derived [[feeling]] ([[vedanā]]). |
=== General [[life]] pursuit === | === General [[life]] pursuit === | ||
[[File:Meditate.reflect2.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:Meditate.reflect2.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
− | In the [[Pali Canon]], The [[Buddha]] discusses with different lay persons "well-being and [[happiness]]" ([[hita-sukha]]) "[[visible]] in this present [[life]]" ([[diṭṭha-Dhamma]]) and "pertaining to the future [[life]]" ([[samparāyika]]), as exemplified by the following {{Wiki|canonical}} discourses ([[Sutta]]). | + | In the [[Pali Canon]], The [[Buddha]] discusses with different lay persons "well-being and [[happiness]]" ([[hita-sukha]]) "[[visible]] in this {{Wiki|present}} [[life]]" ([[diṭṭha-Dhamma]]) and "pertaining to the {{Wiki|future}} [[life]]" ([[samparāyika]]), as exemplified by the following {{Wiki|canonical}} [[discourses]] ([[Sutta]]). |
==== [[Anana Sutta]] ==== | ==== [[Anana Sutta]] ==== | ||
− | In the [[Anaṇa Sutta]] (AN 4.62), The [[Buddha]] describes four types of [[happiness]] for a "[[Householder]] partaking of sensuality" ([[gihinā kāma-bhoginā]]): | + | In the [[Anaṇa Sutta]] (AN 4.62), The [[Buddha]] describes four types of [[happiness]] for a "[[Householder]] partaking of [[sensuality]]" ([[gihinā kāma-bhoginā]]): |
* the [[happiness]] of earning ([[atthi-sukha]]) [[wealth]] by just and righteous means | * the [[happiness]] of earning ([[atthi-sukha]]) [[wealth]] by just and righteous means | ||
* the [[happiness]] of using ([[bhoga-sukha]]) [[wealth]] liberally on family, friends, & on [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] | * the [[happiness]] of using ([[bhoga-sukha]]) [[wealth]] liberally on family, friends, & on [[meritorious]] [[deeds]] | ||
* the [[happiness]] of debtlessness ([[anaṇa-sukha]]) be free from debts | * the [[happiness]] of debtlessness ([[anaṇa-sukha]]) be free from debts | ||
− | * the [[happiness]] of blamelessness ([[anavajja-sukha]]), to [[live]] a faultless and [[pure]] [[life]] without committing [[evil]] in [[thought]], word, and [[deed]] | + | * the [[happiness]] of blamelessness ([[anavajja-sukha]]), to [[live]] a faultless and [[pure]] [[life]] without committing [[evil]] in [[thought]], [[word]], and [[deed]] |
− | Of these, the [[wise]] ([[sumedhaso]]) [[know]] that the [[happiness]] of blamelessness is by far the greatest [[Householder]] [[happiness]]. economic and material [[happiness]] is not worth one sixteenth part of the [[spiritual]] [[happiness]] arising out of a faultless and good [[life]]. | + | Of these, the [[wise]] ([[sumedhaso]]) [[know]] that the [[happiness]] of blamelessness is by far the greatest [[Householder]] [[happiness]]. economic and material [[happiness]] is not worth one sixteenth part of the [[spiritual]] [[happiness]] [[arising]] out of a faultless and good [[life]]. |
[[File:5 793320.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | [[File:5 793320.jpg|thumb|250px|]] | ||
==== [[Kalama Sutta]] ==== | ==== [[Kalama Sutta]] ==== | ||
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* [[blameless]] ([[anavajjā]]), | * [[blameless]] ([[anavajjā]]), | ||
* praised by the [[wise]] ([[viññuppasatthā]]), and | * praised by the [[wise]] ([[viññuppasatthā]]), and | ||
− | * when put into practice, are conducive to well-being and [[happiness]] (samattā samādinnā hitāya sukhāya saṃvattantī) | + | * when put into practice, are conducive to well-being and [[happiness]] (samattā samādinnā [[hitāya]] sukhāya saṃvattantī) |
− | Using the latter criterion, The [[Buddha]] then asks the townspeople to assess [[greed]] ([[Lobha]]), [[hate]] ([[dosa]]) and [[delusion]] ([[Moha]]) whereby it is agreed that entering and dwelling in non-[[greed]], non-[[hate]] and [[non-delusion]] lead to well-being and [[happiness]]. The [[Buddha]] states that, given this understanding, a [[noble]] [[disciple]] ([[ariyasāvako]]) pervades all [[directions]] with [[lovingkindness]], [[compassion]], sympathetic [[joy]] and [[equanimity]] (see the [[four brahmaviharas]]); and, by doing so, one purifies oneself, avoids [[evil]]-induced consequences, [[lives]] a [[happy]] present [[life]] and, if there is a future [[karmic]] [[Rebirth]], one will be born in a [[heavenly]] [[world]]. | + | Using the [[latter]] criterion, The [[Buddha]] then asks the townspeople to assess [[greed]] ([[Lobha]]), [[hate]] ([[dosa]]) and [[delusion]] ([[Moha]]) whereby it is agreed that entering and dwelling in non-[[greed]], non-[[hate]] and [[non-delusion]] lead to well-being and [[happiness]]. The [[Buddha]] states that, given this [[understanding]], a [[noble]] [[disciple]] ([[ariyasāvako]]) pervades all [[directions]] with [[lovingkindness]], [[compassion]], sympathetic [[joy]] and [[equanimity]] (see the [[four brahmaviharas]]); and, by doing so, one purifies oneself, avoids [[evil]]-induced {{Wiki|consequences}}, [[lives]] a [[happy]] {{Wiki|present}} [[life]] and, if there is a {{Wiki|future}} [[karmic]] [[Rebirth]], one will be born in a [[heavenly]] [[world]]. |
==== [[Dighajanu Sutta]] ==== | ==== [[Dighajanu Sutta]] ==== | ||
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In the [[Dighajānu Sutta]] (AN 8.54), [[Dighajānu]] approaches The [[Buddha]] and states: | In the [[Dighajānu Sutta]] (AN 8.54), [[Dighajānu]] approaches The [[Buddha]] and states: | ||
− | : "We are [[lay people]] enjoying sensuality; living crowded with spouses & children; using [[Kasi]] fabrics & {{Wiki|sandalwood}}; wearing garlands, scents, & creams; handling {{Wiki|gold}} & silver. May the [[Blessed One]] teach the [[Dhamma]] for those like us, for our [[happiness]] & well-being in this [[life]], for our [[happiness]] & well-being in [[lives]] to come." | + | : "We are [[lay people]] enjoying [[sensuality]]; living crowded with spouses & children; using [[Kasi]] fabrics & {{Wiki|sandalwood}}; wearing garlands, {{Wiki|scents}}, & creams; handling {{Wiki|gold}} & {{Wiki|silver}}. May the [[Blessed One]] teach the [[Dhamma]] for those like us, for our [[happiness]] & well-being in this [[life]], for our [[happiness]] & well-being in [[lives]] to come." |
− | In a manner somewhat similar to his exposition in the aforementioned [[Anaṇa Sutta]], The [[Buddha]] identifies four sources that lead to well-being and [[happiness]] in the current [[life]]: | + | In a [[manner]] somewhat similar to his [[exposition]] in the aforementioned [[Anaṇa Sutta]], The [[Buddha]] identifies four sources that lead to well-being and [[happiness]] in the current [[life]]: |
− | * productive efforts ([[uṭṭhāna-sampadā]]) in one's [[livelihood]], | + | * {{Wiki|productive}} efforts ([[uṭṭhāna-sampadā]]) in one's [[livelihood]], |
− | * protective efforts ([[ārakkha-sampadā]]) regarding ones [[wealth]] in terms of possible theft or disaster, | + | * protective efforts ([[ārakkha-sampadā]]) regarding ones [[wealth]] in terms of possible theft or {{Wiki|disaster}}, |
* [[virtuous]] [[friendship]] ([[kalyāṇa-mittatā]]), and | * [[virtuous]] [[friendship]] ([[kalyāṇa-mittatā]]), and | ||
* even-headed living ([[sama-jīvikatā]]), abstaining from womanizing, drunkenness, [[gambling]] and [[evil]] friendships. | * even-headed living ([[sama-jīvikatā]]), abstaining from womanizing, drunkenness, [[gambling]] and [[evil]] friendships. | ||
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* [[faith]] ([[saddhā]]) in the fully [[enlightened]] [[Buddha]]; | * [[faith]] ([[saddhā]]) in the fully [[enlightened]] [[Buddha]]; | ||
* [[virtue]] ([[Sīla]]), as exemplified by the [[Five Precepts]]; | * [[virtue]] ([[Sīla]]), as exemplified by the [[Five Precepts]]; | ||
− | * [[generosity]] ([[cāga]]), giving charity and [[alms]]; and, | + | * [[generosity]] ([[cāga]]), giving [[charity]] and [[alms]]; and, |
− | * [[Wisdom]] ([[paññā]]), having [[insight]] into the arising and passing of things. | + | * [[Wisdom]] ([[paññā]]), having [[insight]] into the [[arising]] and passing of things. |
==== [[Mettā]] practice ==== | ==== [[Mettā]] practice ==== | ||
− | As indicated above, in the ''[[Kālāmā Sutta]]'', The [[Buddha]] identifies the practice of the [[four divine abodes]] (''[[Brahmavihara]]'') as [[being]] conducive to ''one's own'' well-being and [[happiness]]. The first of these abodes is [[lovingkindness]] (''[[mettā]]'') which is, for instance, classically expressed in the [[Pali canon]]'s ''[[Karaniya Mettā Sutta]]'' ([[Suttanipata|Sn 1.8]]) by the pithy wish (in English and [[Pali]]): | + | As indicated above, in the ''[[Kālāmā Sutta]]'', The [[Buddha]] identifies the practice of the [[four divine abodes]] (''[[Brahmavihara]]'') as [[being]] conducive to ''one's [[own]]'' well-being and [[happiness]]. The first of these [[abodes]] is [[lovingkindness]] (''[[mettā]]'') which is, for instance, classically expressed in the [[Pali canon]]'s ''[[Karaniya Mettā Sutta]]'' ([[Suttanipata|Sn 1.8]]) by the pithy wish (in English and [[Pali]]): |
<center><table cellspacing=10 style="text-align:left"> | <center><table cellspacing=10 style="text-align:left"> | ||
<tr><td>May all [[beings]] be at ease! | <tr><td>May all [[beings]] be at ease! | ||
− | </td><td>''Sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā.'' | + | </td><td>''[[Sabbe sattā]] bhavantu sukhitattā.'' |
</td></tr></table></center> | </td></tr></table></center> | ||
− | Similarly, the [[Pali commentaries]] ([[Suttanipata|SN]]-[[Atthakatha|A]] 128) explicitly define ''[[mettā]]'' as "the [[desire]] to bring about the well-being and [[happiness]] [of others]" (''[[hita-sukha-upanaya-kāmatā]]'') [[Thus]], in [[Buddhism]], to dwell wishing for others' general [[happiness]] is conducive to the development of one's own [[happiness]]. | + | Similarly, the [[Pali commentaries]] ([[Suttanipata|SN]]-[[Atthakatha|A]] 128) explicitly define ''[[mettā]]'' as "the [[desire]] to bring about the well-being and [[happiness]] [of others]" (''[[hita-sukha-upanaya-kāmatā]]'') [[Thus]], in [[Buddhism]], to dwell wishing for others' general [[happiness]] is conducive to the [[development]] of one's [[own]] [[happiness]]. |
− | ===Absorption factor=== | + | ===[[Absorption]] factor=== |
{{JhanaFactors|tabno=1|expanded=1|nobiblio=1}} | {{JhanaFactors|tabno=1|expanded=1|nobiblio=1}} | ||
− | In [[Buddhist]] [[meditation]], the development of concentrative absorption ([[Sanskrit]]: ''[[Dhyāna]]''; [[Pali]]: ''[[Jhāna]]'') is canonically described in terms of the following five factors: | + | In [[Buddhist]] [[meditation]], the [[development]] of concentrative [[absorption]] ([[Sanskrit]]: ''[[Dhyāna]]''; [[Pali]]: ''[[Jhāna]]'') is canonically described in terms of the following five factors: |
* applied [[thought]] (''[[Vitakka]]'') | * applied [[thought]] (''[[Vitakka]]'') | ||
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* [[equanimity]] (''[[upekkhā]]'') | * [[equanimity]] (''[[upekkhā]]'') | ||
− | As illustrated in Table 1, both [[Pīti]] and [[sukha]] are born of [[bodily]] {{Wiki|seclusion}} and [[mental]] quietude. The 5th c. CE [[Visuddhimagga]] distinguishes between [[Pīti]] and [[sukha]] in the following experiential manner: | + | As illustrated in Table 1, both [[Pīti]] and [[sukha]] are born of [[bodily]] {{Wiki|seclusion}} and [[mental]] quietude. The 5th c. CE [[Visuddhimagga]] distinguishes between [[Pīti]] and [[sukha]] in the following experiential [[manner]]: |
− | : And wherever the two are associated, [[happiness]] [here, Ñāṇamoli's translation of [[pīti]] | + | : And wherever the two are associated, [[happiness]] [here, Ñāṇamoli's translation of [[pīti]]) is the contentedness at getting a desirable [[object]], and [[bliss]] ([[sukha]]) is the actual experiencing of it when got. Where there is [[happiness]] ([[pīti]]) there is [[bliss]] ([[pleasure]]) ([[sukha]]); but where there is [[bliss]] ([[sukha]]) there is not necessarily [[happiness]] ([[pīti]]). [[Happiness]] is included in the [[formations]] [[aggregate]]; [[bliss]] is included in the [[feeling]] [[aggregate]]. If a man exhausted in a desert saw or [[heard]] about a pond on the edge of a [[wood]], he would have [[happiness]]; if he went into the wood's shade and used the [[water]], he would have [[bliss]].... |
− | Providing a bare-bones conditional chain of events that overlaps the above more {{Wiki|narrative}} exposition, the [[Upanisa Sutta]] (SN 12.23) states that [[sukha]] arises from [[tranquillity]] ([[Passaddhi]]) of the [[body]] and [[mind]], and in turn gives rise to [[concentration]] ([[Samādhi]]). Citing [[traditional]] post-{{Wiki|canonical}} [[Pali literature]] related to this {{Wiki|discourse}}, [[Bodhi]] (1980) adds the following functional definition of [[sukha]]: | + | Providing a bare-bones [[conditional]] chain of events that overlaps the above more {{Wiki|narrative}} [[exposition]], the [[Upanisa Sutta]] (SN 12.23) states that [[sukha]] arises from [[tranquillity]] ([[Passaddhi]]) of the [[body]] and [[mind]], and in turn gives rise to [[concentration]] ([[Samādhi]]). Citing [[traditional]] post-{{Wiki|canonical}} [[Pali literature]] related to this {{Wiki|discourse}}, [[Bodhi]] (1980) adds the following functional [[definition]] of [[sukha]]: |
− | : The subcommentary to the [[Upanisa Sutta]] explains [[sukha]] as the [[happiness]] of the access to absorption. The term 'access' ([[upacara]]) denotes the stage in the cultivation of [[serenity]] immediately preceding full absorption, the intended goal of [[serenity]] [[meditation]]. Access is characterized by the [[abandonment]] of the [[five hindrances]] and the arising of the 'counterpart sign,' the [[self]]-luminous [[object]] of interior [[perception]] which is the focal point for the higher stages of [[concentration]]. | + | : The subcommentary to the [[Upanisa Sutta]] explains [[sukha]] as the [[happiness]] of the access to [[absorption]]. The term 'access' ([[upacara]]) denotes the stage in the [[cultivation]] of [[serenity]] immediately preceding full [[absorption]], the intended goal of [[serenity]] [[meditation]]. Access is characterized by the [[abandonment]] of the [[five hindrances]] and the [[arising]] of the 'counterpart sign,' the [[self]]-{{Wiki|luminous}} [[object]] of interior [[perception]] which is the focal point for the higher stages of [[concentration]]. |
=== [[Feeling]] attribute === | === [[Feeling]] attribute === | ||
− | In the [[Buddhist]] frameworks of the [[five aggregates]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Skandha]]; [[Pali]]: [[khandha]]) and [[Dependent origination]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Pratītyasamutpāda]]; [[Pali]]: [[Paticcasamuppāda]]), "[[feelings]]" or "[[sensations]]" ([[vedanā]]) arise from the [[contact]] of an external [[object]] (such as a [[visual]] [[object]] or [[sound]]) with a sensory organ (such as the [[eye]] or {{Wiki|ear}}) and [[consciousness]]. In the [[Pali Canon]], such [[feelings]] are generally described to be of one of three types: [[pleasant]] ([[sukha]]), [[unpleasant]] ([[Dukkha]]), or neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant ([[adukkha-asukha]]). | + | In the [[Buddhist]] frameworks of the [[five aggregates]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Skandha]]; [[Pali]]: [[khandha]]) and [[Dependent origination]] ([[Sanskrit]]: [[Pratītyasamutpāda]]; [[Pali]]: [[Paticcasamuppāda]]), "[[feelings]]" or "[[sensations]]" ([[vedanā]]) arise from the [[contact]] of an external [[object]] (such as a [[visual]] [[object]] or [[sound]]) with a sensory {{Wiki|organ}} (such as the [[eye]] or {{Wiki|ear}}) and [[consciousness]]. In the [[Pali Canon]], such [[feelings]] are generally described to be of one of three types: [[pleasant]] ([[sukha]]), [[unpleasant]] ([[Dukkha]]), or neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant ([[adukkha-asukha]]). |
=={{Wiki|Neuroscientific}} bases== | =={{Wiki|Neuroscientific}} bases== | ||
− | Some researchers believe that a "shift" in the [[activity]] of the {{Wiki|medial prefrontal cortex}} is what supports a state of inner fulfilment and [[equanimity]]. | + | Some researchers believe that a "shift" in the [[activity]] of the {{Wiki|medial prefrontal cortex}} is what supports a [[state]] of inner fulfilment and [[equanimity]]. |
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[[Category:Buddhist psychology]] | [[Category:Buddhist psychology]] | ||
[[Category:Theravada Buddhism]] | [[Category:Theravada Buddhism]] | ||
− | + | {{PaliTerminology}} | |
− | + | {{SanskritTerminology}} |
Latest revision as of 03:38, 5 April 2016
Sukha is a Sanskrit and Pāli word that is often translated as “happiness" or "ease" or "pleasure" or "bliss." In Buddhism's Pali literature, the term is used in the context of describing laic pursuits, meditative absorptions and intra-psychic phenomena.
Etymology
According to Monier-Williams (1964), the etymology of sukha is "said to be su ['good'] + kha ['aperture'] and to mean originally 'having a good axle-hole'...." Thus, for instance, in the Rig Veda sukha denotes "running swiftly or easily" (applied, e.g., to chariots). Sukha is juxtaposed with duḥkha (Sanskrit; Pali: Dukkha; often translated as "Suffering"), the elimination of which is the raison d'être of early Buddhism.
Pali literature
In Buddhism's Pali canon and related literature, the term is used in a general sense to refer to "well-being and happiness" (hita-sukha) in either this present life or future lives. In addition, it is a technical term associated with describing a factor of meditative absorption (Jhāna) and a sensory-derived feeling (vedanā).
General life pursuit
In the Pali Canon, The Buddha discusses with different lay persons "well-being and happiness" (hita-sukha) "visible in this present life" (diṭṭha-Dhamma) and "pertaining to the future life" (samparāyika), as exemplified by the following canonical discourses (Sutta).
Anana Sutta
In the Anaṇa Sutta (AN 4.62), The Buddha describes four types of happiness for a "Householder partaking of sensuality" (gihinā kāma-bhoginā):
- the happiness of earning (atthi-sukha) wealth by just and righteous means
- the happiness of using (bhoga-sukha) wealth liberally on family, friends, & on meritorious deeds
- the happiness of debtlessness (anaṇa-sukha) be free from debts
- the happiness of blamelessness (anavajja-sukha), to live a faultless and pure life without committing evil in thought, word, and deed
Of these, the wise (sumedhaso) know that the happiness of blamelessness is by far the greatest Householder happiness. economic and material happiness is not worth one sixteenth part of the spiritual happiness arising out of a faultless and good life.
Kalama Sutta
In the Kālāmā Sutta (AN 3.65), townspeople ask The Buddha how they are to ascertain which spiritual teaching is true. The Buddha counsels that one should "enter and dwell" (upasampajja vihareyyātha) in "things" or "qualities" (dhammā) that are:
- skillful (kusalā),
- blameless (anavajjā),
- praised by the wise (viññuppasatthā), and
- when put into practice, are conducive to well-being and happiness (samattā samādinnā hitāya sukhāya saṃvattantī)
Using the latter criterion, The Buddha then asks the townspeople to assess greed (Lobha), hate (dosa) and delusion (Moha) whereby it is agreed that entering and dwelling in non-greed, non-hate and non-delusion lead to well-being and happiness. The Buddha states that, given this understanding, a noble disciple (ariyasāvako) pervades all directions with lovingkindness, compassion, sympathetic joy and equanimity (see the four brahmaviharas); and, by doing so, one purifies oneself, avoids evil-induced consequences, lives a happy present life and, if there is a future karmic Rebirth, one will be born in a heavenly world.
Dighajanu Sutta
In the Dighajānu Sutta (AN 8.54), Dighajānu approaches The Buddha and states:
- "We are lay people enjoying sensuality; living crowded with spouses & children; using Kasi fabrics & sandalwood; wearing garlands, scents, & creams; handling gold & silver. May the Blessed One teach the Dhamma for those like us, for our happiness & well-being in this life, for our happiness & well-being in lives to come."
In a manner somewhat similar to his exposition in the aforementioned Anaṇa Sutta, The Buddha identifies four sources that lead to well-being and happiness in the current life:
- productive efforts (uṭṭhāna-sampadā) in one's livelihood,
- protective efforts (ārakkha-sampadā) regarding ones wealth in terms of possible theft or disaster,
- virtuous friendship (kalyāṇa-mittatā), and
- even-headed living (sama-jīvikatā), abstaining from womanizing, drunkenness, gambling and evil friendships.
In terms of well-being and happiness in the next life, The Buddha identifies the following sources:
- faith (saddhā) in the fully enlightened Buddha;
- virtue (Sīla), as exemplified by the Five Precepts;
- generosity (cāga), giving charity and alms; and,
- Wisdom (paññā), having insight into the arising and passing of things.
Mettā practice
As indicated above, in the Kālāmā Sutta, The Buddha identifies the practice of the four divine abodes (Brahmavihara) as being conducive to one's own well-being and happiness. The first of these abodes is lovingkindness (mettā) which is, for instance, classically expressed in the Pali canon's Karaniya Mettā Sutta (Sn 1.8) by the pithy wish (in English and Pali):
May all beings be at ease! | Sabbe sattā bhavantu sukhitattā. |
Similarly, the Pali commentaries (SN-A 128) explicitly define mettā as "the desire to bring about the well-being and happiness [of others]" (hita-sukha-upanaya-kāmatā) Thus, in Buddhism, to dwell wishing for others' general happiness is conducive to the development of one's own happiness.
Absorption factor
Table 1: Jhāna-related factors.
| ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
first jhāna |
second jhāna |
third jhāna |
fourth jhāna |
|
sensuality (kāma), unskillful qualities (akusala dhamma) |
secluded from, withdrawn |
|||
applied thought (vitakka) |
accom- panies jhāna |
stilled | ||
sustained thought (vicāra) |
||||
rapture (pīti) |
seclusion- born; pervades body |
samādhi- born; pervades body |
fades away (as does distress) |
|
pleasure (sukha) |
pervades physical body |
aban- doned (as is pain) |
||
pure, mindful equanimity (upekkhā- sati- pārisuddhi) |
[internal confidence, mental unification] |
equani- mous, mindful |
neither pleasure nor pain; permeates body with pure mind |
|
Source: AN 5.28 (Thanissaro, 1997) * diagram details |
In Buddhist meditation, the development of concentrative absorption (Sanskrit: Dhyāna; Pali: Jhāna) is canonically described in terms of the following five factors:
- applied thought (Vitakka)
- sustained thought (Vicāra)
- joy/rapture/happiness (Pīti)
- happiness/pleasure/bliss (sukha)
- equanimity (upekkhā)
As illustrated in Table 1, both Pīti and sukha are born of bodily seclusion and mental quietude. The 5th c. CE Visuddhimagga distinguishes between Pīti and sukha in the following experiential manner:
- And wherever the two are associated, happiness [here, Ñāṇamoli's translation of pīti) is the contentedness at getting a desirable object, and bliss (sukha) is the actual experiencing of it when got. Where there is happiness (pīti) there is bliss (pleasure) (sukha); but where there is bliss (sukha) there is not necessarily happiness (pīti). Happiness is included in the formations aggregate; bliss is included in the feeling aggregate. If a man exhausted in a desert saw or heard about a pond on the edge of a wood, he would have happiness; if he went into the wood's shade and used the water, he would have bliss....
Providing a bare-bones conditional chain of events that overlaps the above more narrative exposition, the Upanisa Sutta (SN 12.23) states that sukha arises from tranquillity (Passaddhi) of the body and mind, and in turn gives rise to concentration (Samādhi). Citing traditional post-canonical Pali literature related to this discourse, Bodhi (1980) adds the following functional definition of sukha:
- The subcommentary to the Upanisa Sutta explains sukha as the happiness of the access to absorption. The term 'access' (upacara) denotes the stage in the cultivation of serenity immediately preceding full absorption, the intended goal of serenity meditation. Access is characterized by the abandonment of the five hindrances and the arising of the 'counterpart sign,' the self-luminous object of interior perception which is the focal point for the higher stages of concentration.
Feeling attribute
In the Buddhist frameworks of the five aggregates (Sanskrit: Skandha; Pali: khandha) and Dependent origination (Sanskrit: Pratītyasamutpāda; Pali: Paticcasamuppāda), "feelings" or "sensations" (vedanā) arise from the contact of an external object (such as a visual object or sound) with a sensory organ (such as the eye or ear) and consciousness. In the Pali Canon, such feelings are generally described to be of one of three types: pleasant (sukha), unpleasant (Dukkha), or neither-unpleasant-nor-pleasant (adukkha-asukha).
Neuroscientific bases
Some researchers believe that a "shift" in the activity of the medial prefrontal cortex is what supports a state of inner fulfilment and equanimity.