The Notion of Bliss (Ānanda) in Hindu Tantric Philosophy: Essentials of Tantric Ānandavāda

Abstract

The interest of Tantric schools to the theme of bliss (ānanda) was due to historical and religious reasons. With the development of Tantrism, it was considered that bliss is an integral part of the nature of the Deity itself. Tantric authors constantly mention the word ānanda, it is often included in the titles of various Tantric texts. The Tantric “ānandavāda” (“the doctrine of bliss”) can be derived on the basis of primary sources that have come down to us. Tantrism borrows the notion of bliss from the Indian tradition, but gives it its own features. The notion of ānanda is manifested in various areas of the Tantric worldview. From the ontological point of view, ānanda is integrated into the transcendent reality. In this case, bliss can be understood in three ways. First, ānanda is a part of the absolute; secondly, it is a union of two divine principles forming the absolute; thirdly, it is the dynamic aspect of the absolute, its Śakti (ānanda-śakti). Tantra also knows various types of bliss per se, building them into a kind of “ladder”. In Tantrism, liberation is often associated with bliss. The soteriological bliss is essentially the same as cognitive bliss, since spiritual knowledge is the source of liberation in Tantra. In the course of practical activity, the adept tries to experience the bliss, which becomes for him the guarantee of the future permanent blissful state.