Four Foundations of Mindfulness Practice Q&A 36

Question: Recently, I have been able to focus on my breath during daily life. Sometimes while walking, I concentrate on my breathing, and an inexplicable sense of joy arises within me. I experienced this feeling three years ago as well. Back then, after sitting meditation, I felt every cell in my body was joyful; I could accept others scolding me no matter what. However, it only lasted for a little over a month, and after that, this feeling never returned—until recently, when it reappeared. Why does this joy arise?

Answer: One of the merits of meditative concentration (dhyāna) is that it causes the mind to give rise to joy, leading to inner delight. When mental focus becomes unified, it can transform the Four Great Elements (earth, water, fire, wind). The body becomes healthy, light, tranquil, and comfortable, and thus the mind is affected, giving rise to joy, mental ease, and freedom from afflictions. Mental joy (prīti) is one of the Thirty-seven Aids to Enlightenment (Bodhipakkhiyādhammā), specifically the Enlightenment Factor of Joy (prīti-sambojjhaṅga). Following the Enlightenment Factor of Joy arises the Enlightenment Factor of Tranquility (prasrabdhi-sambojjhaṅga), characterized by physical and mental lightness and ease. After the Enlightenment Factor of Tranquility arises the Enlightenment Factor of Concentration (samādhi-sambojjhaṅga). Once physical lightness and ease are attained, the Enlightenment Factor of Concentration appears. Following the Enlightenment Factor of Concentration arises the Enlightenment Factor of Equanimity (upekṣā-sambojjhaṅga). The Enlightenment Factor of Joy can subdue afflictions and reduce their intensity.

When a person is happy and joyful, they become kind and free from anger towards others, more tolerant and magnanimous; their temperament changes. Mental joy enables goodness; it is the goodness born of meritorious karma (puṇya). Therefore, the Thirty-seven Aids to Enlightenment are the essential path for practice in both the Mahāyāna and Hīnayāna traditions. Without cultivating the Thirty-seven Aids to Enlightenment, the mind's nature cannot be transformed, afflictions cannot be eradicated, and one cannot attain the fruits of realization or clarity of mind. Why is it that after the mind becomes focused, one feels every cell in the body is joyful? It is because the transformation of the Four Great Elements begins with the most fundamental particles of the cells. Once the Four Great Elements of the cells are transformed, the mind feels comfort, ease, and joy.