Swami Sivananda

ANANDA

Every human being has desires, but the desires vary from person to person and from time to time for the same person. Some desire wealth, some fame, some power; one who has no children wants children, a bachelor wants to get married, and so on. 

But if these persons are asked why they desire all these, the answer will invariably be that they expect to get happiness by the fulfillment of their desires. 

Thus it is happiness alone that is desired for its own sake, and everything else is desired only for the sake of happiness. In Vedanta all objects of desire are denoted by the word 'Vishaya'. 

This noun is derived from the verbal root 'si' with prefix 'vi' which means 'to bind'. 

This very derivation indicates that it is these objects of desire that bind a human being firmly to transmigratory existence characterized by repeated births and deaths. The happiness experienced on the attainment of any object of desire is known as 'Vishayananda'. 

'Brahmananda' is the bliss which is the very nature of the person who has realized that he is Brahman (CONSCIOUSNESS). 

This realization is the consequence of the removal of the wrong identification with the body, and mind, which is natural to every living creature. 

Brahman being Bliss itself, one who has realized that he is Brahman remains as that very Bliss. 

Though Bliss is the real nature of every human being, it is only the realized soul who is aware of it. 

- Swami Sivananda