1. In Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, a state of perfect bliss, joy, or spiritual happiness; often considered the highest form of consciousness or enlightenment.
Usage: Sanskrit origin; used in religious and philosophical contexts; often capitalized when referring to the concept in formal texts

Examples

• The meditation teacher explained that ananda is the ultimate goal in many Eastern spiritual traditions.
• In Vedantic philosophy, ananda represents the innermost nature of the self.
• Practitioners seek ananda through years of dedicated yoga and mindfulness practice.
• The concept of ananda differs from ordinary happiness because it is permanent and unconditional.
• Many Hindu texts describe ananda as the bliss experienced when the individual soul merges with the universal consciousness.