This final kosha in our Kosha Countdown to Earth Day conversation is so subtle, experience rather than words bring most powerful for understanding.

Included among the words that illuminate the concept of bliss are unity, cosmic consciousness, non-duality, santosha (contentment), joy, and acceptance of things as they are.

Practices can lead us toward bliss, but bliss is not something to attain or that we can give to ourselves – it can’t be taught, but practice can prepare the ground for bliss to arise. Like wisdom, it is the result of experience, mindset, presence, and acceptance.

“Enlightenment is an accident, but some activities make you accident-prone.” - J. Krishnamurti (Correction: In the episode this quote was attributed to Krishnamacharya, but it was said by Krishnamurti)

Ways we can learn to live in bliss from Mother Earth are clear. Here are some of her reminders:

• Slow down and take in the world
• Be in gratitude for her abundance and diverse resources
• Respect all living beings (flora and fauna) 
• Importance of balance and stability
• Embrace change and be adaptable to impermanence
• Collective and individual need to take care of ourselves 
• Resilience and perseverance through inevitable changes
• Harmony with the diversity of all beings

How we witness the earth as she lives in bliss:

• Abundance of diverse plant and animal life (blissful existence)
• Beautiful landscapes – mountains, beaches, forests, deserts (innate joy)
• Atmosphere is conducive for life – clean air (sign of good health)
• Cycles – seasons, water, carbon (demonstrates balance and harmony)
• Natural resources – fresh water, fertile soil (sustenance and growth)
• Interconnectedness – all life – ecosystems from neighborhoods to global communities (interdependence)
• Ability to heal and regenerate – reforestation and after natural (and human-made) disasters (resilience, vitality)
• Existence of diverse cultures and societies with unique traditions and customs (evidence of joy found in human community and connection)
• Wonder and awe – natural phenomena like the Northern Lights and eclipses (magic and beauty in surrounding world)
• Creativity – art, music – natural and human-made (joy & creativity)

Sources:

“Bliss may arise from human or divine love and may also come from spiritual knowledge and mystical union. It is a state of joy, and a sign that the person's experience is true and legitimate.”

Bliss refers to a state of ecstatic happiness, a perfect and exalted state of joy and love. It also refers to a state of contentment oblivious to any problems or suffering.

Samadhi is the highest state of consciousness one can achieve through meditation. It consists of a yoga practitioner reaching spiritual enlightenment where the self, the mind, and the object of meditation merge together into one. Jun 7, 2021

Samadhi Meditation: A Guide to the Eighth Limb of Yoga - 2023

In the wilderness, my soul strums to the rhythm of pure bliss.

Angie Weiland-Crosby

Our Amazing Team:

Judith George - Editor (video & audio)

Keith Kenny - Music

Cindy Fatsis - Photography