Getting Better At Pleasure! A Taxonomy of the Many Buddhist Joys with Ajahn Kovilo

Many of us chase happiness in ways that leave us restless, empty, or even burned out. Buddhism recognizes this struggle and offers a clear path forward. In this talk with guest teacher Ajahn Kovilo, you’ll explore the five types of happiness — from the fleeting pleasures of the senses to the deep peace of space, water, and earth-like joy. Learn why some pleasures never truly satisfy, how generosity and integrity bring a “fresh air” kind of well-being, and how meditation opens the door to profound inner freedom. If you’ve ever felt stuck on the hedonic treadmill or wondered whether lasting happiness is possible, this framework offers both clarity and hope.

What You’ll Learn:

00:05 - Fire Pleasure – Why sensual pleasures feel good but never truly satisfy (the “hedonic treadmill”).
00:08 - Fresh Air Pleasure – The happiness of generosity, integrity, and good friendship.
00:10 - Space Pleasure – Freedom and equanimity that comes from clear seeing and letting go.
00:17 - Water Pleasure – The rapture and joy of deep meditation (jhāna).
00:24 - Earth Pleasure – The solid, unshakable happiness of enlightenment and release.

This framework helps answer the question: What kind of happiness are you chasing — and is it really bringing you peace?

You can see the meditation that went along with this talk, here: https://rickhanson.com/talk-meditatio...

If you would like to join the free, online Wednesday Meditations, sign up here: https://rickhanson.com/wednesday-medi...

If you would like to donate to the weekly Wednesday Talk + Meditations, you can do that here: https://rickhanson.com/wednesday-medi...

#pleasure #happiness #buddhistwisdom #buddhism #Mindfulness #RickHanson #AjahnKovilo #Joy #Presence #Meditation #Breathing Meditation