Ask The Master: 19 Oct 2007

Q. You say that the dropping of pain can bring bliss -- but bliss too leads to pain when it ceases. How do I make the move from pain to bliss?

What you first need to understand is that pain and bliss are not opposites. Bliss has nothing to do with pain. Pleasure is the opposite of pain -- and like all opposites, they have no existence without each other. You are right, you cannot enjoy pleasure without suffering pain. It is significant that ancient Indian scriptures used the same word, Pain, to imply both pleasure and pain -- because pain is the ultimate result of both. Bliss is that which arises when you drop the ideas of both pleasure and pain. And you have to drop them both together -- there is no other way. Bliss is what floods you when both pain and pleasure have ceased to disturb you. Bliss is beyond pain and pleasure both. It is perfect harmony, complete inner silence, total peace.

Can you understand me?

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This excerpt has been taken from the book: Uncommon Answers to Common Questions