A Universal Pursuit
Constant happiness, or a state of bliss, is a universal pursuit. Many solutions are proposed: some treat only the symptoms, while others aim to address the root cause of unhappiness—the human mind. Those who seek temporary respite from worldly stress and worries focus on achieving ecstasy through controlled biological responses of the body. Meanwhile, others advocate for controlling the mind and the whirlpool of thoughts through spirituality and meditative techniques. Yet, as with other aspects of life, there seems to be no universal solution to transform a stressed human mind into a state of perpetual bliss.
Continuing this quest for permanent happiness or bliss, it’s no surprise that in a world increasingly focused on well-being, the role of hormones in shaping mood and mental state has garnered considerable attention. It is sometimes argued that the relief provided by hormone administration is akin to achieving lasting happiness. From articles by endocrinologists urging us to “go beyond biology” to wellness advocates touting meditation as the pathway to inner peace, the narrative often implies a one-size-fits-all solution to attain bliss. But can such an approach truly offer universal value, or is it merely a simplified remedy for a complex, deeply personal state of mind?
When in doubt, I seek guidance from the Bhagavad Gita:
Temporary Nature of Sensory Pleasure
To explain the temporary nature of sensory pleasure, It is relevant to quote 5.22 from the Bhagavad Geeta:
ये हि संस्पर्शजा भोगा दुःखयोनय एव ते |
आद्यन्तवन्तः कौन्तेय न तेषु रमते बुधः ||
Translation:
“The pleasures that arise from contact with the senses are indeed the wombs of pain. They have a beginning and an end, O Arjuna, and the wise do not delight in them.”
This verse highlights that sense pleasures are inherently fleeting and ultimately lead to dissatisfaction and suffering. Thus, the truly wise do not seek lasting happiness in them.
A Personal Journey
Reflecting on the journey of my ninety-year-old mother, who has been suffering from dementia for the past few years, I am reminded of the difference between her initial treatment with medications to calm her agitated mind and her later treatment, which focused on preserving her memory in a supportive environment. The latter approach has had a more positive impact on her state of mind. Initially, she felt stressed and agitated, likely due to the loss of her social life and a sense of loneliness, leading to seemingly violent behaviour. However, in her current environment, where she receives professional care and companionship from others her age, she seems calmer and better adjusted. Her confused state may also have relieved her of certain worldly worries, removing some sources of stress.
In this blog, we will explore the quest for bliss, not only for dementia and Alzheimer’s patients but also for those who seek respite from everyday stress.
The Hormonal Shortcut: A Double-Edged Sword
The medical and wellness industries have increasingly explored the use of hormones — such as serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and endorphins — as tools for regulating mood and mental well-being. These so-called “happiness hormones” play significant roles in our experience of pleasure, social bonding, and stress relief. Pharmaceutical interventions, such as antidepressants or hormone replacement therapies, aim to adjust these chemicals within the body, with the hope of triggering a positive emotional response.
While this approach has its merits, particularly in cases of clinical depression or hormonal imbalances, it raises critical questions: Can manipulating our biology universally guarantee a state of bliss?
In many instances, manipulating hormone levels may offer temporary relief, yet it doesn’t necessarily resolve the underlying issues driving a person’s dissatisfaction or distress. A surge of dopamine might bring short-term pleasure, but it can also create dependency, diminishing the body’s natural ability to regulate these levels. Similarly, oxytocin may foster feelings of connection, but its effects can be fleeting if not backed by genuine, meaningful relationships. Thus, while the biological route may provide a quick fix, it cannot substitute for the deeper, intrinsic elements of human well-being.
Mind Over Matter: Meditation and the Pursuit of Inner Peace
On the other end of the spectrum, practices like meditation, mindfulness, and yoga are often heralded as holistic methods to achieve a state of bliss. These techniques aim to calm the mind, reduce stress, and foster a deeper connection with one’s inner self. Proponents argue that by training the mind to focus, breathe deeply, and remain present, we can override the body’s stress responses and cultivate a sense of contentment.
However, even these techniques, despite their proven benefits, are not universal solutions. Meditation might offer tranquillity to one person but could be a source of frustration for another. In fact, the expectation of achieving bliss through meditation can sometimes create anxiety, as individuals struggle with intrusive thoughts or impatience. The effectiveness of these practices also hinges on the practitioner’s mindset, lifestyle, and cultural context, making it difficult to prescribe them as a blanket solution for everyone.
The Bhagavata Geeta: Multiple Paths to the State of Bliss
Recognising the need of different individuals, the Bhagavat Geeta offers four alternative paths to bliss. We shall discuss each of them and attempt to understand it in the context of our objective-attainment of permanent bliss.
1. Karma Yoga (The Path of Selfless Action)
In Chapter 3, Verse 19, Krishna advises:
Sanskrit:
तस्मादसक्तः सततं कार्यं कर्म समाचर |
असक्तो ह्याचरन्कर्म परमाप्नोति पूरुषः ||
Translation:
“Therefore, without attachment, perform your obligatory duty, for by working without attachment one attains the Supreme.”
Karma Yoga emphasizes selfless action without attachment to the outcomes. It suits those who find fulfilment in work and wish to transcend ego by dedicating their actions to a higher cause. By acting selflessly, individuals can gradually dissolve their sense of “I” and “mine,” moving closer to a state of inner peace.
Karma Yoga: The Practical Path for Daily Life
Reflecting on the path pursued by my father, myself, my colleagues, my children, and others who earn their livelihood through intellectual effort, Karma Yoga seems closest to the form of yoga that suits them best. In an earlier post, I wrote about a challenging period in my life when I chose to set aside discomfort from swollen feet, temporary loss of voice, and the need to walk with a stick to focus solely on my work. I described it as a state of meditation. Performing one’s work with full dedication, regardless of the expectation of rewards, is Karma Yoga. It brings a feeling of bliss when it results in smiles on your face and on the faces of loved ones.
This is also why Grihastha Ashram, the phase of life where a person earns resources for themselves and their family while also contributing to society through service and paying taxes, is considered a high form of service to the divine.
For those in this life stage, I would say, “Kudos to all Karmayogis!”
2. Jnana Yoga (The Path of Knowledge)
In Chapter 4, Verse 38, Krishna speaks to the power of knowledge:
Sanskrit:
न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते |
तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति ||
Translation:
“Indeed, there is no purifier in this world like knowledge. He who is perfected in yoga finds it within himself in due course of time.”
Jnana Yoga, or the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom, is ideal for those who seek to understand the nature of reality. It involves studying sacred texts, reflecting on the nature of the self, and discerning truth from illusion. This path appeals to intellectual seekers who find peace in understanding the higher truths of existence, ultimately realizing the unity of the individual self with the universal self.
Jnana Yoga: The Path of Knowledge and Mystique
In my opinion, Jnana Yoga remains a mystery for many of us. Not only do we lack the knowledge of Sanskrit, but historically, it was also kept as proprietary knowledge by those entrusted with the duty to learn and spread the light of wisdom. This exclusivity led to the rise of blind faith and dubious practices, which sometimes gave a distorted impression of one of the world’s most logical and ancient philosophies—one that has flourished for over 5,000 years.
The complex interpretations and metaphors within this path often go beyond the intellect of the average person. Coupled with centuries of foreign rule and misinformation, this ancient wisdom has suffered—but it has never been fully extinguished.
Jnana Yoga-More Suitable for Sanyasis and Yogis
As I have previously written, I only summoned the courage to explore the profound knowledge of the Bhagavad Gita at the age of 45, after a captivating three-hour conversation with an enlightened professor from Thapar University. However, it was only after my active professional life that I could more deeply delve into this wisdom.
Yet, I consider myself a novice—curious about Jnana but still unversed in this branch of yoga. Perhaps this knowledge will fully unfold in future lifetimes. Jnana Yoga is said to open the chakras of human awareness, leading to enlightenment akin to that of great yogis. I am curious to know more about it, though I have yet to fully venture into its depths. I am certain most of us are in the same boat. Since this requires, a total dedication in pursuit of Jnana, it is often attainable for Sanyasis and Yogis not for worldy people like us.
3. Bhakti Yoga (The Path of Devotion)
In Chapter 9, Verse 22, Krishna explains:
Sanskrit:
अनन्याश्चिन्तयन्तो मां ये जनाः पर्युपासते |
तेषां नित्याभियुक्तानां योगक्षेमं वहाम्यहम् ||
Translation:
“To those who are constantly devoted to me and who worship me with love, I give what they lack and preserve what they have.”
Bhakti Yoga is the path of devotion and surrender to the divine, suited for those with an emotional or loving disposition. This practice emphasizes love, surrender, and the dissolution of ego through devotional practices. Those on this path find joy in connecting with the divine through love, seeing all creation as an expression of the divine and transcending individual concerns in the warmth of devotion.
Bhakti Yoga-Doable
My life experience has taught me that often, divine plans differ from human intentions, and in such conflicts, it seems wise to surrender to the divine will and pray. It usually takes experience to learn this lesson. Throughout my life, I have lived for the present, with full faith in the divine. Leaving my position as a Class I gazetted officer—what many might consider a risky decision—was based on my immediate needs and the well-being of my family. My transition from public service to a public sector role and later to Danida might have resulted in a substantial decrease in my pension earnings after retirement, yet I was compensated in other ways. This path gave my family a better quality of life, leading one child to clear IIT and the other to obtain a doctorate from Harvard University—all according to divine preference.
During the most challenging times of my illness, I drew strength from my deep faith that the divine would guide me out of trouble—and so far, my experiences have affirmed this belief. In my transition from active professional life to independent consultancy, I now have time for daily puja, which helps me start each day with positive guidance. Practicing Bhakti Yoga has thus become a source of resilience and optimism for me.
So, help me God!
4. Raja Yoga (The Path of Meditation and Self-Discipline)
In Chapter 6, Verse 6, Krishna highlights self-mastery:
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् |
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ||
Translation:
“One must elevate oneself by one’s own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind is both the friend and the enemy of the self.”
Raja Yoga, which includes practices like meditation and self-discipline, is directed at those inclined toward introspection and self-mastery. This path involves meditation, breath control, and the discipline of mind and body to attain inner peace and union with the self. However, Krishna’s advice also implies that meditation requires patience and perseverance, as the mind can often resist control, becoming a source of frustration for some.
Raja Yoga-Fascinating yet difficult for the Ordinary
Although, I have been a fan of the speeches and writings of Swami Vivekananda, the master of Raj Yoga, since my student life, I haven’t had the inclination to learn it myself-because I lack the confidence that my mind will adapt to the discipline that is a pre-requisite to start learning it. Yet, it is intriguing to learn about the amazing power of this branch of Yoga.
During Swami Vivekananda’s travels in Europe, he stayed with a German professor,Professor Paul Deussen, who was very proud of a scholarly book he had written. This professor, deeply impressed by his own work, showed it to Swami Vivekananda, expecting admiration and acknowledgment of its value. However, Vivekananda did not know German and had not read the book. Nonetheless, he took the book in his hands, closed his eyes, and remained silent for a few moments.
After this brief meditation, Vivekananda astonished the professor by making specific comments on the book, citing various passages and offering deep insights as if he had studied it in detail. He spoke about the central themes, pointed out some minor errors, and even elaborated on certain complex points within the text.
The professor was utterly stunned and couldn’t believe what he was hearing. Vivekananda, without reading a single word, could offer insights on the contents of the book as though he had fully absorbed it. This incident highlights Vivekananda’s extraordinary intuitive powers, which he attributed to the practice of Raja Yoga and deep meditation. According to Vivekananda, through deep concentration and meditation, one could tap into universal knowledge and access insights beyond ordinary intellectual grasp.
This episode not only humbled the German professor but also served as a powerful reminder of the depth of knowledge accessible through spiritual practices. Vivekananda often used such experiences to inspire others to explore their inner potential and to show that knowledge isn’t limited to the intellect but can be accessed through a deep connection with the universal consciousness. Such is the power of Rajayoga-it fascinates me but mystery and unknown around it caution me as a remedy of bliss for the ordinary.
For us ordinary humans, Karm Yoga and Bhakti Yoga only seem to be useful.
Bhagwat Gita’s Holistic Approach to Bliss
The Bhagavad Gita recognizes the individuality of each seeker and offers these diverse paths to cater to different personalities and life situations. Rather than prescribing a single approach, Krishna encourages each individual to follow the path most aligned with their nature, as all paths ultimately lead to self-realization and bliss.
In Chapter 4, Verse 11, Krishna emphasizes this inclusivity:
ये यथा मां प्रपद्यन्ते तांस्तथैव भजाम्यहम् |
मम वर्त्मानुवर्तन्ते मनुष्याः पार्थ सर्वशः ||
Translation:
“In whatever way people approach me, I reciprocate accordingly. Everyone follows my path in all respects, O Arjuna.”
This verse reassures seekers that all sincere spiritual practices are valid paths to the divine. Whether through action, knowledge, devotion, or meditation, each individual can achieve a state of bliss suited to their unique nature and circumstances. This holistic approach reflects the wisdom of the Gita, allowing each person to choose their path to inner peace and lasting contentment.
The Individual Nature of Bliss: No One-Size-Fits-All Approach
What becomes evident when examining both the biological and meditative approaches is that the pursuit of bliss is highly individualized. Factors such as personality, life experiences, genetic predispositions, social environment and spiritual beliefs play a significant role in shaping what happiness or contentment looks like for each person. Attempting to fit everyone into the same mould — whether through hormonal adjustments or meditation — disregards the unique tapestry of human experience.
Furthermore, the concept of bliss itself is subjective and elusive. For some, it may mean moments of intense joy and ecstasy, while for others, it could simply be a state of calm acceptance or inner peace. In some cases, the search for bliss may even be counterproductive, leading to disappointment or anxiety when the desired state of mind isn’t achieved.
Rethinking the Pursuit of Bliss: Embrace the Journey, Not the Destination
Given the complexities involved, it’s worth considering a different approach: one that acknowledges the diverse pathways to well-being rather than seeking a universal formula. Instead of prescribing specific meditative techniques or hormonal interventions, we could focus on cultivating a mindset of curiosity and openness. My experience has taught me that embracing the ups and downs of life as part of the human experience, rather than constantly striving for an ideal state of bliss, may paradoxically bring us closer to contentment. It also depends on individual’s personality-some may find solace in quality family time and others in community service and yet others in creative pursuits!
Key strategies to state of perpetual happiness or bliss or inner peace could involve:
1. Personalized Wellness: Tailoring approaches to mental and physical health based on individual needs and preferences. This often includes a mix of medical interventions, lifestyle changes, and holistic practices, guided by a nuanced understanding of each person’s unique context. Had there been no hope because of medical intervention in my case, it wouldn’t have been possible to retain the calm posture of ignoring the discomforts that I went through.
2. Building Meaningful Connections: Fostering genuine relationships and community ties that provide emotional support, as opposed to relying solely on quick-fix solutions like hormonal therapies or brief meditation sessions.
3. Practicing Acceptance: Embracing the idea that not every moment needs to be blissful. Accepting life’s ebbs and flows can alleviate the pressure of constantly seeking a perfect state of mind, allowing for a more balanced perspective.
4. Exploring Diverse Techniques: Encouraging a flexible approach to well-being that allows individuals to explore various practices — whether it’s exercise, creativity, nature walks, spirituality, or social engagement — or a mix of all these!
Conclusion: Beyond Hormones and Meditation — A Call for Individual Exploration
From the above description, we infer that the journey to finding bliss is as diverse as humanity itself. We are at a crossroads where biological sciences offer promising insights into the mechanics of our emotions, while ancient wisdom traditions provide time-tested practices for nurturing the mind. Yet, both paths have their limitations and cannot be expected to serve as universal panaceas.
The way forward may lie in a hybrid approach, one that integrates scientific advancements with holistic practices, all while respecting individual differences. Instead of viewing bliss as a static goal, we might do better to see it as a dynamic process — a state that can ebb and flow based on our circumstances, mindset, and actions.
In the end, the pursuit of bliss is less about finding a universal remedy and more about understanding our own unique needs, experimenting with what brings us joy, and cultivating a deeper awareness of the present moment. This personalized, exploratory journey, rather than a rigid, one-size-fits-all solution, may hold the key to experiencing true, lasting contentment.
While managing hormones and practicing meditation can contribute to our well-being, they are not definitive answers to the quest for bliss. We are complex beings shaped by biology, experiences, and emotions, and our paths to happiness are equally complex. It’s time to go beyond standardized solutions and embrace the richness of individualized exploration.
Perhaps, in the end, the secret to bliss isn’t about conquering our biology or mastering our minds — it’s about learning to dance with the rhythm of life, in all its unpredictability and imperfection.
Inspire Positivity 