June 20, 2026
There is a state where dualism comes to an end, a state which transcends the dualistic notions of happiness and unhappiness. The yogis call that state bliss or ananda, a state of pure awareness which is not aware of the other.
Ordinary happiness depends upon something else - the other - and the other will inevitably go away. If I say, "I am happy, " it implies that yesterday I was unhappy and I fear that my happiness may not last till tomorrow. Happiness that depends upon the other is an escape, but if I am happiness itself, that happiness is forever. It is my nature and because it has not arisen, it will never set.
The one who is able to 'enjoy life' is also able to create his own unhappiness. The mind which creates happiness will also create unhappiness. It is the yogi's endeavor to retain pure inner awareness which is not aware of another. This does not allow dualism to arise. Pure awareness does not need to confirm that it is aware. When confirmation is demanded, I create the other. Fire does not look for a hot water bottle; confirmation of warmth is not necessary. That confirmation creates the other and the whole dualistic experience arises. Thought arises, and bliss is reduced to happiness or pleasure.
It is at this point that the yogi steps in and cautions, "Beware, that happiness will go away!" The moment I become aware of this, the outward flow is reversed. Awareness which was flowing towards the other, flows back towards me. Awareness that was externalizing itself, flows within, towards the centre. When I loved 'you', I was happy, but when I find that love within, I am supremely happy. It is not the other whom I love, but I am love itself. It is when I project this love on another that selfishness, expectation and sorrow arise.
The heart in which love shines, which is aware of itself without being aware of the other, with no necessity for that love to flow towards another in a dualistic relationship, that heart is unselfish and divine. There is nothing in that heart but love, love which does not project but radiates to everything in the universe.
A child opens the fountain of bliss within me, and then I close my eyes! The happiness we seek in external agents comes from within; the agents provide the fountain of bliss which comes from within.