Joy

Joy (pãti) is a feeling of subtle and refined happiness. In Buddhist psychology joy is seen as the result of virtuous living, a sign of successful meditation and as an indication of growing spiritual maturity. Many different types of joy are identified in Buddhism. Vicarious joy for example, is the ability to be able to rejoice in the success and happiness of others. Buddhàlambana pãti is the calm joy one can feel while contemplating a statue of the Buddha. In the Visuddhimagga, joy is categorized according to its intensity and the effect it can have on the body; thus there is minor joy, momentary joy, showering joy, uplifting joy and pervading joy (Vis.IV,94). Some people are cautious of joy thinking that it might lead to attachment, but Buddhaghosa made the interesting comment on this matter, ‘It is called joy because it is meant to be enjoyed’ (Vis.IV,94). Joy is one of the seven factors that lead to enlightenment (D.II,79).

References

• http://www.BuddhismA2Z.com/ Buddhism A to Z. Ven. Dhammika, 2007.