7 Treasures of Awakening: The Benefits of Mindfulness

by Joseph Goldstein

In order to clarify our understanding of this factor of awakening, it’s helpful to distinguish pīti from a state often associated with it—a state that, in Pali, is called sukha. Sukha is also often translated as “joy” or “happiness,” which can be confusing. As our practice deepens, the distinctions between these two states of mind become clearer, but for now, I’ll mention just a couple of features of each. On the conceptual level, sukha belongs to the second aggregate of feelings—namely, pleasant ones—while pīti belongs to the fourth aggregate of mental formations. Rapture usually has an intense energetic quality of arousal and excited anticipation. It’s the anticipation that arises when we’re crossing a hot desert and suddenly see a cool and refreshing oasis. Sometimes, though, the energy of pīti can be so intense that if our bodies are not sufficiently open, it can become uncomfortable. Sukha, or happiness, on the other hand, is a softer