Enlightened Joy and Love, Selflessness and Beyond
IntechOpen eBooks December 13, 2024 Amir Freimann, Aviva Berkovich-Ohana
Enlightened joy and love are described as stable, constant features of a spiritual “high plateau” state called “Living Transcendence,” which differs from transient mystical “peak” experiences. Drawing from a phenomenological study of 32 “spiritual exemplars” from various traditions, the research identifies these qualities as subtle and integrated into daily life rather than intense emotional peaks. They are intertwined with noetic awareness, embodied presence, and relational interbeing. Two Buddhism-inspired models—the Self-Based Psychological Functioning model and the Pattern Theory of Selflessness—suggest that selflessness is related to enlightened joy and love. The findings indicate that enlightened joy and love offer a sustained sense of well-being and connectedness beyond ordinary fluctuating emotions.