Ananda (m) Anandi (f)

means completely and totally joyful. It is also one of the names of Lord Vishnu as written in the thousand names, the Vishnu Sahasranama. The great saints of all religions say that the true nature of the Self is bliss and perfect happiness. Ananda is a full bliss and inner ecstasy that is beyond all senses. Outer gratification and sensual satisfaction gives only temporary fulfillment, whilst one who is immersed in ananda and has attained spiritual realization enjoys the permanent experience of true joy. Ananda is our intrinsic nature. From time to time, when the clouds of maya (illusion) are cast aside, we catch a glimpse of ananda and may undergo a brief taste of spiritual happiness. With the grace of the spiritual master, one can experience ananda. Thereafter the aspirant must strive to attain the blissful state and transcend the material world by his or her own effort. Swami Premananda's name means divine love and bliss. Swamiji is constantly in sahaja-ananda (limitless, transcendantal bliss). His is the unqualified, inborn delight relating to His direct knowledge of the Absolute. His experience of ananda is expressed in His magnetic attraction for thousands of spiritual seekers. He is the knower of the Self, like a lotus brimming with nectar and dispersing a divine and attractive fragrance. Swamiji is verily the embodiment of ananda !