Talk + Meditation: Getting Better At Pleasure! A Taxonomy of the Many Buddhist Joys

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.

Click here to join the free Wednesday Meditations – which are open to everyone!

Talk: Getting Better At Pleasure! A Taxonomy of the Many Buddhist Joys

Timecodes & main topics:

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?

A Meditation: Breathing Body in Three Smiles

Ajahn Kovilo is an American-born Theravāda monk who, having encountered Buddhism through Goenka meditation courses in his early twenties, has been living and training in Thai Forest Tradition monasteries (especially Abhayagiri Monastery) in the U.S. and Thailand since 2006. Ajahn Kovilo has also practiced in the Pa Auk lineage, has studied at the Dharma Realm Buddhist University, has edited and translated several books, and has now settled down in Seattle where he is dedicated to founding Clear Mountain Monastery with his brother monk, Ajahn Nisabho.