Ataraxia

Juan Manuel Ferrera Diaz October 27, 2024
Philosophy

All traditions considered spiritual tranquility as a key component for achieving happiness.

nasti buddhir ayuktasya  
na cayuktasya bhavana  
na cabhavayatah santir  
asantasya kutah sukham

SYNONYMS

na asti—there cannot be; buddhih—transcendental intelligence; ayuktasya—of one who is not connected (with God consciousness); na—neither; ca—and; ayuktasya—of one devoid of God consciousness; bhavana—mind fixed in happiness; na—neither; ca—and; abhavayatah—one who is not fixed; santih—peace; asantasya—of the unpeaceful; kutah—where is; sukham—happiness.

TRANSLATION 

One who is not in transcendental consciousness can have neither a controlled mind nor steady intelligence, without which there is no possibility of peace. And how can there be any happiness without peace?  

Both ataraxia and the Vedic concept of inner peace (Shanti) highlight the importance of a serene and controlled state of mind: ataraxia seeks the absence of emotional disturbance, while the Vedas emphasize that true peace and happiness can only be achieved through a connection with transcendental consciousness.