What is Sachchidananda?
The word sachchidananda is a Sanskrit compound that are made up of three words; existence (Sat), consciousness (Chit), bliss (Ananda) and refers to the sublimely blissful experience of divine consciousness. It is often used to describe the nature of Brahman, the absolute reality in Hinduism. Brahman is often described as being both immanent and transcendent, and sachchidananda is one of the ways in which this can be expressed. Existence, consciousness, and bliss are all qualities that are inherent in Brahman, and they are also qualities that we experience as human beings. When we experience these qualities to their fullest extent, we are said to be in a state of sachchidananda.
One of the great sage Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras says that “bliss (Ananda) is the nature of the Self (Atman).” This means that our true nature is one of bliss, and that we can experience this bliss when we connect with our Atman, or true self. The state of sachchidananda is often described as a state of complete unity with Brahman.
In this state, there is no longer any distinction between the individual self and the absolute reality. We are said to be in a state of pure consciousness, and all dualities are dissolved.
The experience of sachchidananda is said to be beyond words, and it is something that must be experienced directly in order to be understood. However, there are some who have described the state of sachchidananda in terms that we can understand. One such description comes from the 20th-century spiritual teacher Ramana Maharshi, who said that “the bliss of sachchidananda is the natural state of the Self. It is not something to be attained. It is merely the removal of avidya (ignorance) which covers up the Self.” In other words, sachchidananda is our natural state, and it is only our ignorance that prevents us from experiencing it fully.
How to Experience Sachchidananda
There are many paths that lead to the experience of sachchidananda, and each individual will find their own path to follow. There is no one right or wrong way to achieve this state, and it is ultimately up to the individual to find their own way. However, some of the more common methods include meditation, yoga, and self-inquiry. These methods can help us to quiet the mind, connect with our true nature, and experience the bliss of sachchidananda.
