8) Joy

The search for happiness is basic to human life, and to the religious quest as well. Union with Ultimate Reality can bring transcendental joy. It is a state variously characterized as bliss (ananda) Nirvana, or even the mystic marriage with the divine Lover. In the monotheistic faiths, God created human beings for joy. The unity of God and His creatures makes that joy complete.

The section opens with passages that describe heavenly joy, when the human heart and God’s heart beat in unison. Second are passages that contrast the greatness of heavenly joy with the paltry pleasures of the senses. This insight should not be overlooked in discussions of ethics; George Washington once asserted that there is “an indissoluble union between virtue and happiness.” We conclude with passages describing the synergy between a joyous life and heavenly joy. A cheerful and optimistic attitude, accompanied by efforts to spread happiness to others, can attract the joy of the Holy Spirit. This can be experienced in the mystic connection between conjugal love and divine love. (See Chapter 19: Conjugal Love).