According to the wisdom in chapter 17, a person who achieves supreme happiness transitions into a state of cessation (Nivrutti), which fundamentally alters their perception. In this state, the individual sees only the Self everywhere, causing the dualistic concepts of 'enemies and friends' to dissolve completely. Worldly happiness becomes miserable in comparison, and even immense suffering cannot shake them. As chapter 17 powerfully illustrates, 'Let mountains of worldly sorrow collapse upon him, but he does not move even a bit, like a mountain of courage.' This demonstrates a profound equanimity and detachment from the highs and lows of worldly existence, as they are anchored in a much greater, unshakable bliss.
What is the mindset of a person who has attained supreme happiness, and how do they perceive worldly sorrows and relationships?
📖 Chapter 17