Written by Morgan O. Smith, Spiritual Teacher
Morgan O. Smith is an author, meditation facilitator, and spiritual teacher with over two decades of experience. His teachings emphasize nonduality, spiritual awakening, and sound technology integration through his Yinnergy Meditation system, which promotes emotional, mental and spiritual growth.
Many years ago, back in 2010, I woke up in a state of pure bliss. The day before, I had completed my one-hour morning meditation and followed it with a 45-minute acupuncture session with Dr. Saiera Alam at the Corrective Healthcare & Rehabilitation Centre. This blissful state wasn’t triggered by any external event or achievement; it simply arose, filling my entire being with an unshakable sense of peace and joy. Outside of a spiritual awakening, it was the greatest experience I’ve ever had. I was so blissed out that I had to call in sick, though I was far from unwell. This incredible state lasted for eight hours, and during that time, I realized something profound: this was far beyond the highest state of happiness I had ever known.
Later, I discovered that this state is known as Satchitananda, a Sanskrit term that translates to truth (sat), consciousness (chit), and bliss (ananda). It represents the ultimate experience of being, a state where one feels deeply connected to the essence of existence itself. That experience forever changed my understanding of happiness and opened my eyes to the deeper, more enduring state of bliss. This article explores why happiness, as we commonly understand it, is fleeting and how bliss in this unshakable inner state offers a path to true fulfillment.
1. The fragile nature of happiness: Why it’s always fleeting
Happiness is often tied to external circumstances, making it inherently unstable. A promotion, a vacation, or a celebration can spark joy, but these moments are fleeting by nature. As soon as the event passes or the novelty fades, the happiness it brought tends to disappear. This transitory quality of happiness can leave individuals chasing one high after another, hoping to recapture that feeling. Unfortunately, this cycle often leads to disillusionment when life doesn’t constantly deliver pleasant outcomes. By its very design, happiness is reactive, dependent on specific outcomes aligning with our desires. Understanding this impermanence is the first step in exploring more lasting states of fulfillment. It opens the door to seeking a deeper, more enduring state of bliss.
2. Happiness vs. bliss: Understanding the core difference
Happiness is a conditional emotion, often triggered by external achievements or pleasures, whereas bliss is an unconditional state of being. Bliss doesn’t rely on external factors; it arises from an inner sense of peace and alignment with the present moment. While happiness is subject to fluctuations in life, bliss remains steady regardless of circumstances. Think of happiness as a wave that comes and goes, while bliss is the ocean itself, vast and unshakable. This distinction is crucial for those seeking deeper fulfillment because it shifts the focus from chasing outcomes to cultivating inner stillness. Bliss is not something to be achieved; it is something to be realized within. By understanding this fundamental difference, we can stop striving and start experiencing life more profoundly.
3. Why chasing happiness can leave you feeling empty
The pursuit of happiness often feels like a race with no finish line. People pin their hopes on the next big thing, a new job, relationship, or milestone, believing it will bring lasting joy. But as soon as the goal is achieved, the satisfaction is short-lived, and the quest begins again. This relentless cycle can lead to burnout, disappointment, and a sense of emptiness. Happiness that depends on "more" is a trap; it perpetuates the illusion that fulfillment lies outside of us. Chasing happiness also prevents us from being fully present, as we’re always looking to the future for fulfillment. True contentment doesn’t come from achieving; it comes from embracing what already is. This is why shifting from the pursuit of happiness to the realization of bliss is so transformative.
4. The power of bliss: A state beyond circumstance
Bliss is a state that transcends the highs and lows of life. Unlike happiness, which is often tied to fleeting pleasures, bliss emerges from a profound connection to the present moment. It is a state of harmony where inner peace is undisturbed by external chaos. Even in challenging situations, a person rooted in bliss can remain centered and content. This is because bliss is not about avoiding difficulties but about embracing life as it is, with acceptance and grace. It arises from within through practices like mindfulness, meditation, and self-awareness. Experiencing bliss allows individuals to navigate life with clarity, resilience, and joy. It offers a fulfillment that no external achievement can replicate.
Related article: Kundalini – A Journey of Ecstasy and Bliss
5. How to recognize the limits of happiness in your life
Recognizing the limits of happiness starts with observing its patterns in your own life. Reflect on the moments that brought you joy; how long did that joy last before you started seeking the next source? Notice how often happiness is tied to specific outcomes or achievements and how quickly it fades when circumstances change. This realization is not meant to discourage but to reveal the truth about happiness’s impermanence. Once you see its limitations, you can begin exploring deeper sources of fulfillment. Ask yourself: What remains when the excitement fades? This question can guide you toward uncovering bliss, a state that doesn’t depend on the transient ups and downs of life. By becoming aware of these patterns, you empower yourself to seek something more enduring.
6. The key to bliss: Cultivating inner stillness and awareness
Bliss arises when we cultivate inner stillness and a heightened awareness of the present moment. Unlike happiness, which often requires external triggers, bliss emerges naturally from within. Practices such as meditation, breathwork, and mindfulness are powerful tools for accessing this state. Inner stillness allows the mind to quiet down, revealing a deeper connection to the essence of being. Through awareness, we begin to see the beauty in every moment, no matter how ordinary. This practice of presence helps us detach from the incessant pursuit of pleasure and instead embrace a steady, enduring peace. Bliss is not about escaping life’s challenges but about meeting them with equanimity and grace. With consistent practice, this state becomes more accessible, leading to profound fulfillment.
Related article: Embracing Bliss – The Transformative Power of Blisswork Practices
Yinnergy meditation: Transcending happiness & awakening to bliss
Yinnergy Meditation offers a profound framework for moving beyond the fleeting nature of happiness, guiding individuals toward a deeper, more enduring state of bliss. This practice cultivates the awareness needed to transcend dualistic thinking, allowing you to align with your highest potential while unveiling the timeless truths of spiritual realization. For those seeking to understand the difference between temporary joy and lasting bliss, Yinnergy Meditation provides a transformative approach to dissolving illusions of separation and revealing the unity underlying all existence.
Incorporating this meditation into your daily life creates space for clarity, presence, and balance, bridging the gap between momentary happiness and the steady state of bliss that arises from within. It’s an invitation to explore the middle path, where practical spirituality meets profound insight, enriching your life with an integrated approach to inner peace and fulfillment. Through this journey, bliss becomes more than a fleeting emotion; it becomes your natural state of being.
Explore the path further
For a deeper exploration of the connection between bliss, spiritual awakening, and brainwave entrainment, check out my book, Bodhi in the Brain, available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. This essential guide delves into the intersection of neuroscience and spirituality, offering tools to cultivate lasting bliss and presence, moment by moment.
Additionally, our group sonic entrainment mindfulness workshops are designed to enhance collective awareness and presence in both personal and professional settings. These sessions provide a practical and experiential way to access the state of bliss and integrate it into your daily life. Learn more about these transformative opportunities here.
Stay connected for regular insights into cultivating bliss and deepening self-realization by following me on Instagram and YouTube. Visit my blog for updates, reflections, and resources to support your journey toward blissful living. Together, let’s illuminate the path to lasting inner peace and fulfillment.
Read more from Morgan O. Smith
Morgan O. Smith, Spiritual Teacher
Morgan O. Smith is a spiritual teacher, author, and meditation facilitator with over two decades of experience in mindfulness and nonduality teachings. Known for his pioneering Yinnergy Meditation system, he blends sound technology with traditional spiritual practices to promote deep personal and spiritual growth. His work emphasizes direct spiritual experiences, self-realization, and the clearing of emotional and mental blocks. Morgan's teachings are rooted in nonduality, and he encourages seekers to explore deeper states of consciousness through meditation and self-inquiry.
