Joy

Writers distinguish between joy as a pleasant state achieved on satisfaction of some aim or desire, and spiritual joy or bliss experienced in knowledge or union with God. This latter joy is independent of external circumstances and various writers speak of their joy even in misfortune, rejection and pain. There is joy in the acceptance of every experience in life as useful in development of the self. The Taittinya Upanishad speaks of joy (ananda) as freedom from fear; and Sadi as being joyful because God is the source of joy.