ANAND (Skt. Anand, from nand meaning “to rejoice” or “to delight”) denotes mystical experience, spiritual bliss or a state of consciousness such as that ofaJi`van mukta, i.e. one released while still in body. Anand in the Upanisadic texts istaken to be one of the three inherent attributes of atman or Brahman, the other two being sat and chit. In the Taittiriya Upanisad (II. 15), it acquried this meaning of pure bliss. The self at the lowest or first stage of its evolution is defined as the annamaya kosa (the matter) which evolves successively into prana (life), man (mind or perceptual consciousness), vijnana (self consciousness) and ananda, nondual bliss.
In Sikh theology too, anand is one of the attributes of the Supreme Self; so it can be the state of the individual soul as well.Guru Amar Das`s composition Anandu, in the measure Ramkali, gives an exposition of the experience of anand, of the union with the immaculate Hari attained through absorption in nam, i.e. repetition of Divine Name. Guru Arjan attests that he has seen with his own eyesnain aJoia that the Supreme Self is anand rupu, i.e. bliss itself is anandamay, full of bliss (GG, 387). Guru Arjan further declares that the Lord of Nanak, the Supreme Being, who is the Cause of causes and is antaryami (the inner guide), experiences blissanand karai (GG, 387).
Guru Amar Das prefaces his poem Anandu with the affirmation that the experience of anand comes only through meeting with the true Guru and fully imbibing his instruction.He says that the longing for experiencing anand is inherent in men and is universal anandu anandu sabhu ko kahai (GG. 917), but it actually falls to the lot of the very few, for it cannot be had without the grace of the Guru which destroys sins, touches one`s eye with the collyrium of true knowledge (gian anjanu saria), cuts asunder the knot of attachment (mohu) and bestows a sublime way of living, sabadu savaria. These are essential conditions to experiencing anand. In the concluding stanza.
Guru Amar Das says that anand is liberation from all suffering. It brings one complete fulfilment, and is realized by listening to the Divine word. Then all sorrow, sickness and pain end.Anand is not an intermediate state in the journey of the individual self towards the Supreme Self, but the unitive one. The Guru is the sole guide and remembrance of the Name is the sole discipline or sadhna. Grace of the lord acts as the initial inspiration as well as the final arbiter.
Guru Nanak, mjapu, has signified anand as the state of being m`haJ or fulfilled; Guru Arjan, in Sukhmani, as the state of sukh or peace; Guru Tegh Bahadur, in his slokas, as the state of the giani, the enlightened one who has achieved sahaJ or equipoise and Guru Gobind Singh, in his verse, as the state of the heroic and dedicated one whose joy or anand is in philanthropic action and sacrifice. Guru Nanak summing up the entire theme of the Japu says in the last stanza that the glance of grace of the Lord makes one nihal, fulfilled or blessed.
References :
1. Kohli, Surindar Singh, A Critical Study of Adi Granth. Delhi, 1961
2. Taran Singh, Sahij te Anandu. Amritsar, n.d.
3. Caveeshar, Sardul Singh, Sikh Dharam Darshan. Patiala, 1969
Anand: The Bliss of Spiritual Awakening in Sikhism
Introduction
Anand, meaning bliss or supreme joy, is a profound concept in Sikhism that signifies the ultimate state of spiritual fulfillment and union with the Divine. Rooted in the teachings of Guru Nanak and other Sikh Gurus, Anand represents the inner peace and contentment experienced when an individual aligns their life with divine will and truth.
The Essence of Anand
In Sikhism, Anand is not merely an emotional or transient happiness—it is a deep, enduring joy that arises from spiritual awakening. This bliss transcends worldly pleasures and sorrows and is achieved through devotion, meditation, and living in harmony with Hukam (Divine Order). Anand is described as the culmination of a Sikh’s spiritual journey, where the individual’s ego (haumai) dissolves, and they merge with the infinite Creator.
Anand Sahib: The Song of Bliss
The concept of Anand is beautifully elaborated in the sacred hymn Anand Sahib, composed by Guru Amar Das. This bani (sacred composition) is recited during Sikh ceremonies and emphasizes the spiritual path to achieving bliss. Guru Amar Das explains that true Anand comes when the mind is attuned to the Shabad (Divine Word) and when one fully accepts and surrenders to the Divine Will.
One of the pivotal lines from Anand Sahib expresses the joy of this union:
“Anand bha-i-aa meri maa-ay Satguru mai paa-i-aa” (O my mother, I am in bliss, for I have attained the True Guru).
This illustrates that true bliss is attained through the guidance of the Guru, who illuminates the path to the Divine.
The Path to Anand
To achieve Anand, Sikhism prescribes a disciplined and spiritual way of life. This includes:
- Naam Simran: Meditating on God’s Name and maintaining constant remembrance of the Divine.
- Seva: Selfless service to others, which helps in shedding ego and fostering humility.
- Seva: Selfless service to others, which helps in shedding ego and fostering humility.
- Living in Hukam: Embracing God’s will with gratitude and grace, regardless of life’s challenges.
Anand is accessible to every seeker who dedicates themselves to the principles of Sikhism. It is not confined to rituals or material wealth but is a spiritual state achieved through inner transformation.
Anand in Daily Life
Anand is not an isolated experience but a way of living. It inspires Sikhs to approach life with optimism, resilience, and unwavering faith, even amidst trials. By experiencing Anand, individuals gain the strength to navigate challenges with equanimity, finding purpose and joy in every moment.
Conclusion
The concept of Anand in Sikhism encapsulates the blissful state of being that arises from spiritual enlightenment and unity with the Divine. It is both the goal and the reward of a life guided by devotion, humility, and selfless service. Anand serves as a reminder that true joy is found not in external achievements but in the eternal connection with the Creator.
