Achieving Greater Felicity

What is Felicity? Is it one emotion or a composite of several feelings? Is there a progression in the levels of Felicity attained or is it an ‘all or nothing’ proposition? Let us examine the Progression of Felicity.

Broadly, there are three stages or levels in the progression of increasing Felicity.

  1. Personally Fulfilled
    At this level, while still experiencing life as an individual, one feels more-or-less fulfilled. The constant, restless seeking of self-gratification has subsided and so have most anxieties. The person is increasingly peaceful and feels comfortable with their self. They have no need for validation from others and experience three dominant feelings.

a. Contented
Feeling fulfilled. Overall, satisfied with life. Calmly and cheerfully dealing with adversity. Accepting, i.e., not complaining, about difficult people or circumstances.

b. Grateful
Feeling grateful for what one has rather than pining for what one doesn’t have. Counting one’s blessings every day.

c. Reverent and Devoted/Committed
Feeling intense appreciation of, and reverence for, the stunning power, creativity, benevolence, beauty, diversity and bountiful magnificence of Nature; and, devotion/commitment to understanding and protecting it.

  1. Other-Centered vs. Self-Centered
    At this stage, one is far more oriented towards contributing to the ‘Greater Good’ rather than seeking self-gratification. The person experiences the greatest satisfaction when working to enhance the well-being of other people. Three feelings are dominant.

a. Loving
Unconditional, unilateral dedication to the happiness and well-being of all people and Nature.

b. Compassionate
Sensitivity to all suffering and injustice; and some concrete actions to provide relief.

c. Equanimous
Non-judgmental, i.e., benevolently equal to all. Without prejudice.

  1. Nirvana
    In this final stage, one transcends all forms of suffering and experiences an ever blissful existence

a. Fearless
No fear of adversity of any kind, including death.

b. Peaceful
Serene and calm in all situations. Neither agitated by people or circumstances, nor disturbing other people or nature.

c. Boundless
Experience of infinitude, i.e., fullness, timelessness, spaciousness, complete freedom

d. Immortal
Firm conviction of being deathless.

e. Blissful
Overflowing with Joy, untainted by unhappiness

Neuroscience Evidence
From the front lines of Neuroscience labs, comes compelling evidence of the efficacy of these practices for producing Felicity. A book that extensively documents these results is “Altered Traits” by Daniel Goleman & Richard J. Davidson (2017). Dr. Richardson’s brain lab at the University of Wisconsin – Madison has been studying the brains of Yogis – Tibetan Buddhist monks who are long-term practitioners of these disciplines, for decades. One such measurement involves EEG waves produced by brains as a result of neural activity. They focused on Gamma waves – the highest frequency waves produced by the brain during moments when different brain regions fire in harmony. Ordinarily, the brain emits these waves for less than a second when it experiences a mental pleasure like solving a puzzle or a sensual pleasure like biting into a ripe, juicy peach. The pleasure experienced is accompanied by the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine in the brain. 

The contrast between Yogis and ordinary people on Gamma intensity was immense: on average, the Yogis had 25 times greater amplitude! This pattern, observed during normal ‘resting’ states, became even more intense during meditation. Astonishingly, this sustained, brain-entraining Gamma pattern goes on even while seasoned practitioners are asleep!

The evidence that these practices result in a permanent, felicity-enhancing neural transformation is now clear and compelling. In addition to the Gamma wave finding, we now have extensive proof of numerous other benefits – lower reactivity to stress and lessened inflammation, a strengthening of the pre-frontal neural circuits for managing distress, a greater ability to focus and sustain attention, less mind-wandering, fewer self-obsessed thoughts and a weakening of the circuitry for attachment.