Catching the Bolt of Bliss: Shiva Sutra 3.38
This Sutra teaches that there is a shining sun of Bliss radiating from our hearts constantly called Turya, and many times throughout our day the light of this radiant source of joy breaks through the clouds of samskaras that surround it and illuminates our life with its joy. In these moments of joy, we have the incredible opportunity to retrace that ray of light to its source in the heart in order to turn that joy into Bliss, but more often than not we choose to focus on the external object that appears to have given us this joy instead. Eventually the song fades, the drink ends, the sun sets, and we realize we have traded in a rare opportunity for bliss for a token t-shirt, a snapshot, that merely says “I was here”. We gazed upon the external reflection of bliss till it faded away, rather than gaze in to the source of that bliss in our hearts. That’s alright, though, that’s where we all start. But through this Sutra we are given another possibility, to trade up a small taste of joy for an immersion in Bliss. The Sutra gives us numerous ways to do so, all that’s left is our own effort, and a little bit of preparation.
So take a moment, wherever you are, and consider the bigger message here-- joy is inevitable— its gonna strike. Our work, according to the Sutra, isn't to spend our energy trying to produce joy, but rather, trying to receive and sustain it. So what happens when prepare to receive joy? Try this thought experiment and see for yourself-- imagine joy is being delivered to you right now, its on its way to your door, guaranteed or your energy back.... Just sit back and feel this possibility. Be with it, and ask yourself— ‘how do this make me feel?’ I bet you feel a tinge of contentment— I know I do. The hidden miracle in this Sutra is that only can we sustain our joy by turning inwards when it flashes through us, but we can actually cultivate this joy by simply preparing to receive it. The realization that joy is inevitable, and the feeling of waiting for it to arrive, is itself a joyous experience.
So rest assured, joy is on the way-- the real question is, will you be ready to catch that lightning bolt of Bliss when it arrives at your door?
[Click the link below, Pocket Sutra, for the accompanying text]
This Week’s Pocket Sutra
When You Carry the Sutras, the Sutras Carry You. A pocket sized edition of this weeks class text to promote deeper reflection within the context of your daily life and practice.