Eastern Spirituality

Glossary Contents: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

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Satcitānanda, Satchidānanda, or Sat-cit-ānanda "Existence, Consciousness, and Bliss", is a description of the subjective experience of Brahman. This sublimely blissful experience of the boundless, pure consciousness is a glimpse of ultimate reality.

The description saccidānanda comprises the three Sanskrit words sat-chit-ananda:

  • sat सत् (present participle); [Sanskrit root as, "to be"]: "Truth", "Absolute Being", "a palpable force of virtue and truth". Sat describes an essence that is pure and timeless, that never changes.
  • cit चित् (noun): "consciousness","true consciousness", "to be consciousness of", "to understand","to comprehend".
  • ānanda आनन्द (noun): "bliss","true bliss", "happiness","joy","delight", "pleasure"

"Sat-Chit-Ananda" or "Saccidānanda" is the Sanskrit compound form of the word,which can be translated in various ways:

  • "Eternal Consciousness Bliss"
  • "Absolute Consciousness Bliss"
  • "Consisting of existence and thought and joy"

Example via www.ramdass.org: Letting it All Go

Glossary Contents: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z