Why Ānanda Matters on the Path to Enlightenment

If you’re new to Buddhism, you might have heard that it’s all about ending suffering and finding peace. At its core, Buddhist philosophy teaches that life is full of challenges, but there is a way to break free from suffering through inner understanding and spiritual practice. Along this path, there are certain key ideas that help guide your journey—and one of them is Ānanda.

Ānanda means spiritual joy or inner bliss. It’s a deep and peaceful feeling that arises from within when your mind becomes calm, clear, and free from craving. But don’t confuse it with ordinary pleasure. Ānanda isn’t about chasing happiness through things like money, success, or comfort. It’s not excitement or thrill. Instead, it’s a quiet joy that grows as you let go of attachments and find balance within yourself.

In this article, you’ll learn why Ānanda matters on the path to enlightenment. We’ll explore what it really means, how it shows up in meditation and daily life, and why it plays such an important role in your spiritual growth. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide will help you see how Ānanda can support you every step of the way.

1. What is Ānanda? – A Basic Definition

Let’s start by understanding what Ānanda really means.

The word “Ānanda” comes from ancient languages used in Buddhist texts—Sanskrit and Pāli. In both, it can be translated as bliss, spiritual joy, or deep inner contentment. It describes a feeling that goes beyond ordinary happiness. This kind of joy doesn’t come from outside things—it comes from within you.

You might think of happiness as something you feel when you get something you want, like a new phone, a delicious meal, or praise from others. But that kind of happiness is short-lived and often tied to your senses. In Buddhism, Ānanda is something very different. It is not about pleasure, excitement, or fun. Those things come and go. Ānanda stays, even when life gets tough.

Think of Ānanda like a peaceful smile in your heart. It doesn’t shout or shine brightly like excitement. Instead, it’s calm, steady, and full of peace. It’s what you feel when your mind is free from stress, when you’re deeply present, and when you’re not clinging to anything.

In short, Ānanda is a spiritual quality, not an emotional high. It’s not about feeling “happy” all the time—it’s about a quiet, lasting joy that grows as you let go of attachments and connect more deeply with the present moment.

2. Ānanda in the Context of Buddhist Teachings

To understand where Ānanda fits in Buddhism, it helps to look at the bigger picture of the Buddha’s teachings. One of the first things the Buddha taught was the Four Noble Truths, which explain that:

1. Life involves suffering (dukkha).
   
2. Suffering has a cause—mainly craving and attachment.
   
3. There is an end to suffering.
   
4. There is a path that leads to the end of suffering.
   

Now, you might wonder—how does Ānanda, or spiritual joy, fit into this?

Ānanda is the opposite of dukkha. While dukkha feels heavy, stressful, and unsatisfying, Ānanda feels light, peaceful, and deeply fulfilling. When you start to follow the Buddhist path—through mindfulness, meditation, and ethical living—you begin to let go of the causes of suffering. And as you do, Ānanda naturally starts to appear.

Think of Ānanda as a sign that you’re moving in the right direction. It’s not the final goal, but it’s a clear signpost that your mind is becoming more free and balanced.

Buddhism also talks about Nibbāna (or Nirvana), which is the complete freedom from suffering. Nibbāna is the end of all craving, attachment, and ignorance. While Ānanda is not the same as Nibbāna, it gives you a taste or glimpse of what that freedom might feel like—a moment of stillness, clarity, and joy that isn’t tied to anything outside of you.

In this way, Ānanda is not only part of Buddhist practice—it’s also a natural result of walking the path. As you learn to let go and live more mindfully, you’ll find that Ānanda is already within you, just waiting to be uncovered.

3. The Role of Ānanda on the Path to Enlightenment

As you walk the Buddhist path, you’ll find that Ānanda isn’t something you have to force—it naturally arises as your mind becomes calmer, clearer, and more balanced. It’s like a quiet light that starts to shine when you let go of stress, anger, and craving. This kind of spiritual joy grows as you make progress on your journey toward enlightenment.

One of the best ways to experience Ānanda is through meditation and mindfulness. When you sit in stillness and gently focus your attention—whether on your breath, a mantra, or simply being aware—you begin to calm the busy thoughts in your mind. Over time, this peaceful state gives rise to a deep inner joy. It’s not loud or exciting, but soft and steady. You don’t need anything special to feel it—it’s already inside you.

Ānanda also plays an important role in something called the jhanas, or meditative absorptions. These are deep levels of concentration that you can experience during meditation. In the early stages of the jhanas, Ānanda is one of the key mental qualities that supports and strengthens your focus. It helps your mind stay joyful and light, so you can go deeper into stillness without getting distracted or tired.

In this way, Ānanda is both a result of your practice and a tool that helps you move further along the path. It gives you the energy and confidence to keep going, even when things get challenging. And the more you practice with mindfulness and kindness, the more often this spiritual joy will arise—showing you that true peace doesn’t come from the outside, but from within.

4. The Different Types of Joy in Buddhism

In Buddhism, not all joy is the same. There are different types of joyful feelings that can arise during your spiritual practice, especially in meditation. Understanding the difference between these types of joy can help you recognize what you’re experiencing and deepen your journey.

Let’s look at three important kinds of joy: Pīti, Sukha, and Ānanda.

1. Pīti – Rapture or Excitement

Pīti is a strong, uplifting feeling—sometimes called rapture or spiritual excitement. It often shows up early in meditation practice when your mind begins to calm down. You might feel waves of energy, goosebumps, or a sense of lightness or being lifted.

This joy can feel very intense at first, and that’s okay. It means your mind is starting to break free from restlessness. But it’s also easy to get carried away by Pīti if you’re not careful. Think of it as a burst of joy that helps wake you up, but not something to cling to.

2. Sukha – Pleasantness or Ease

Sukha is a gentle and steady kind of happiness. It’s not as exciting as Pīti, but it’s more comfortable and lasting. Sukha feels like ease in the body and peace in the mind. When you settle into a good rhythm during meditation or feel deeply relaxed and content, that’s Sukha.

You may notice Sukha more clearly once the excitement of Pīti starts to fade. It gives you a sense of being at home in the present moment—safe, open, and at peace.

3. Ānanda – Deep, Peaceful Bliss

Ānanda is even deeper than Pīti or Sukha. It is a kind of inner bliss that feels calm, quiet, and full. It doesn’t depend on anything happening outside of you. Ānanda comes from within, as your mind becomes free from craving, fear, and tension.

Unlike Pīti, which feels energetic, or Sukha, which feels pleasant, Ānanda feels like a peaceful glow inside your heart. It’s a sign of true spiritual joy and often appears as your meditation deepens and your mind becomes more still.

Each of these types of joy has its place in your meditation and practice:

• Pīti helps to energize you and build interest in meditation.
  
• Sukha helps to keep you calm, focused, and comfortable.
  
• Ānanda supports deep insight and lasting peace.
  

When you understand the difference between them, you can enjoy each one for what it is—without clinging to it or getting confused. They are stepping stones that help carry you forward on the path to awakening.

5. Ānanda in the Jhana States (Meditative Absorptions)

As you go deeper into meditation, your mind can enter special states of stillness and clarity called jhanas (pronounced jah-nahs). These are meditative absorptions—deep levels of concentration where your mind becomes very calm, focused, and peaceful. There are eight jhana states, and each one brings a different level of joy, peace, and awareness.

Let’s take a quick look at all eight jhanas, and then focus on where Ānanda fits in.

The Eight Jhana States – A Simple Overview:

1. First Jhana – You feel strong joy (pīti) and happiness (sukha) as your mind becomes free from distractions.
   
2. Second Jhana – Joy and happiness deepen, and thinking fades away. Your mind is more centered and peaceful.
   
3. Third Jhana – Joy becomes calmer. You feel deep contentment and balance, with less excitement.
   
4. Fourth Jhana – Even happiness and discomfort fade. You feel pure equanimity—calm, clear, and steady.
   5-8. Fifth to Eighth Jhana – These are more advanced states where the focus shifts away from joy and toward formless awareness, like infinite space, nothingness, and deep stillness.
   

Ānanda in the First Four Jhanas

Now, where does Ānanda, or spiritual bliss, appear in all of this?

Ānanda is especially noticeable in the first three jhanas. In the first jhana, you may feel waves of joy and lightness—this includes both pīti (excitement) and sukha (pleasantness), but Ānanda is present too. It’s the inner sense of bliss that comes from letting go of distractions and resting in the peace of the present moment.

In the second jhana, Ānanda becomes stronger and clearer as your mind becomes more still. You’re not thinking anymore—just fully absorbed in the joy of being.

By the third jhana, the energetic excitement (pīti) fades away, and what’s left is a more refined Ānanda—a deep, peaceful joy that feels like contentment in its purest form.

In the fourth jhana, even that sense of pleasure softens. You move into a state of equanimity—calm and stable. Ānanda becomes so subtle that it blends into the stillness. It’s not gone, but it’s no longer something you “feel” strongly. It becomes part of the quiet space inside you.

How Ānanda Becomes More Subtle in Deeper States

As you move deeper into the jhanas, Ānanda gradually changes. In the beginning, it may feel joyful and bright. But as your mind goes deeper, that joy becomes gentler, quieter, and harder to notice—like a soft breeze instead of a strong wind. It’s still there, but you no longer focus on it.

In the highest jhanas (the formless states), the focus shifts from joy to pure awareness. By that point, you’ve gone beyond feelings—even bliss. But the peace of Ānanda has helped carry you there. It gave you energy, confidence, and clarity along the way.

So, Ānanda plays a key role in your meditative journey. It shows you that you’re on the right path. And as your mind grows quieter, Ānanda grows with you—becoming more refined, more peaceful, and more lasting.

6. Ānanda as a Support for Liberation

Walking the spiritual path isn’t always easy. There can be times when you feel tired, doubtful, restless, or even discouraged. That’s where Ānanda, or spiritual joy, becomes a powerful support. It’s not just a pleasant feeling—it’s something that can help keep you going when things get tough.

Ānanda helps calm the mind and heart

During your practice, you might sometimes feel restless, unable to sit still or focus. Other times, doubt can sneak in—wondering if you’re doing things right or if the path even works. You might also feel ill will—frustration, anger, or resentment toward yourself or others.

Ānanda works as a kind of medicine for the heart in these moments. When this deep joy arises, it softens your mind. It gives you a sense of peace and confidence, helping you settle down and let go of negativity. With Ānanda present, restlessness fades, doubt quiets down, and harsh thoughts lose their power.

Joy prevents burnout and dryness in practice

If your spiritual practice starts to feel dry, dull, or like a chore, it’s easy to lose motivation. You may start to go through the motions without much heart behind them. But when you experience even a small taste of Ānanda, it reminds you why you’re on this path in the first place.

This kind of joy refreshes your energy. It lifts your spirit and brings your practice back to life. Instead of forcing yourself to meditate or study, you begin to feel naturally drawn to it—because it feels good, peaceful, and meaningful.

Ānanda gives strength to keep going

The journey to awakening takes time, and there will be ups and downs. Ānanda helps you stay steady and motivated. It gives you a sense of joy that doesn’t depend on outside success, approval, or material things. This inner joy becomes your fuel, helping you move forward with patience and trust.

When you experience Ānanda, you start to see that liberation isn’t just an idea—it’s something you can begin to taste right now. It may be small at first, but that peaceful joy tells you, “You’re on the right path.”

So, whenever you feel tired, lost, or unsure, remember that Ānanda is more than just a feeling—it’s a guiding light that helps you walk the path to freedom with confidence, clarity, and an open heart.

7. Misconceptions about Ānanda

When you hear that Ānanda means “bliss” or “spiritual joy,” it’s easy to get the wrong idea. You might think it’s something you have to chase or hold onto. But in Buddhism, Ānanda is not about seeking pleasure or excitement—it’s something much deeper and more peaceful.

It’s not about chasing pleasant experiences

You might be used to thinking that happiness comes from getting what you want—like a good meal, a nice vacation, or praise from others. But Ānanda isn’t that kind of happiness. It doesn’t come from outside things or temporary pleasures.

If you try to chase bliss in meditation—hoping to feel something amazing—you might actually make your mind more restless. The harder you try to force joy, the further away it feels. True Ānanda comes when you stop chasing and simply rest in the present moment with awareness and kindness.

Don’t confuse Ānanda with clinging to happiness

Some people fall into what’s called “spiritual materialism.” This means using spiritual practices to try to feel good all the time—treating meditation or mindfulness like a way to collect pleasant experiences.

But clinging to joy is still clinging. Just like chasing money or fame, trying to hold on to bliss can create more suffering in the long run. Real spiritual joy is about letting go, not grabbing on. Ānanda shows up when your mind is relaxed and open—not when it’s holding tightly to anything, even good feelings.

Even bliss can become a trap

It might surprise you, but in Buddhism, even attachment to blissful states can become a trap. If you fall in love with the feeling of joy during meditation, you might start to depend on it or feel upset when it fades. But like everything else, joy comes and goes. That’s part of its nature.

The goal of the Buddhist path isn’t to feel joyful all the time. It’s to find freedom from clinging—freedom from needing anything to be a certain way. Ānanda is a beautiful part of the journey, but it’s not the end. The deeper peace comes when you can enjoy joy without needing to keep it.

So remember: Ānanda isn’t something you get—it’s something you uncover when your mind is free. It’s not about chasing or clinging, but about letting go and finding joy in that freedom.

8. The Relationship Between Ānanda and Detachment

At first, it might seem strange to connect joy with detachment. You might think that letting go of things means giving up happiness. But in Buddhism, the truth is just the opposite: real joy—Ānanda—grows as you let go, not as you hold on.

True Ānanda arises only when craving is released

Craving is the feeling of always wanting more—more comfort, more praise, more success, more control. But no matter how much you get, it never feels like enough. That’s because craving creates stress. You’re always reaching, always chasing, and never fully at peace.

Ānanda appears when craving fades away. When you stop needing everything to go your way, your heart starts to open. You feel lighter, calmer, and more present. That’s when a deep, quiet joy can arise—not from getting something, but from being free of needing anything.

Finding joy in renunciation and simplicity

In Buddhism, renunciation doesn’t mean becoming miserable or denying yourself for no reason. It means letting go of what causes suffering. When you give up harmful habits, endless distractions, or the pressure to always achieve more, something beautiful happens: your mind becomes clear, and your heart becomes light.

You begin to discover the joy of simplicity—the peacefulness of a quiet moment, the ease of not needing to impress anyone, the freedom of being content with what you have. Ānanda naturally flows from this way of living. It’s not loud or flashy—it’s soft, deep, and steady.

The paradox: Joy increases as attachment decreases

Here’s the surprising part: the less you cling, the more joy you feel. This is one of the great paradoxes of the spiritual path. Most people think that happiness comes from holding on tightly to the things they love. But in truth, clinging creates fear and stress—the fear of losing what you have or not getting what you want.

When you start to let go, even little by little, you begin to feel a freedom you never knew was possible. That freedom brings Ānanda—a joy that isn’t tied to anything, so it can’t be taken away.

So if you want to discover true happiness, don’t chase more. Instead, try letting go. Trust that real joy begins where attachment ends. The more you release, the more room there is in your heart for peace, clarity, and a joy that lasts.

9. Historical Figure: Ānanda the Disciple of the Buddha

When you hear the word Ānanda, it’s important to know that it doesn’t always mean spiritual joy. In Buddhism, Ānanda is also the name of a real person—one of the Buddha’s closest and most important disciples. So let’s take a moment to understand the difference between the concept of Ānanda (inner joy) and the monk named Ānanda.

Two Meanings of Ānanda

• The concept of Ānanda refers to spiritual bliss or deep inner joy. It’s a peaceful feeling that comes from letting go and being fully present in the moment.
  
• Ānanda the monk was a real historical person who lived during the time of the Buddha. His name means “bliss,” but in this case, it refers to him as an individual—not the feeling itself.
  

Knowing the difference helps you avoid confusion when reading Buddhist texts or learning about meditation.

Ānanda: The Buddha’s Cousin and Attendant

Ānanda was born into the same noble clan as Siddhartha Gautama, who later became the Buddha. In fact, Ānanda was the Buddha’s cousin and grew up around him. As a young man, he decided to follow the Buddha and became a monk.

Over time, Ānanda became the Buddha’s personal attendant. He served the Buddha faithfully for over 25 years. He was known for his kindness, patience, and sharp memory. He was always respectful, gentle in speech, and deeply devoted to the Buddha’s teachings.

Preserving the Buddha’s Teachings

One of the most important things Ānanda did was help preserve the Buddha’s words. During the Buddha’s lifetime, nothing was written down. The teachings were passed on through memory and recitation.

Ānanda had an extraordinary memory. Because he was present for so many of the Buddha’s talks, he remembered them word for word. After the Buddha passed away, a large gathering of monks met to collect and recite his teachings. Ānanda played a key role. He began many of the teachings by saying, “Thus have I heard…”, followed by what the Buddha had said.

Thanks to Ānanda, much of the Buddha’s wisdom was preserved and later written down in what we now call the Pāli Canon—a major collection of Buddhist scriptures.

So while Ānanda the monk and Ānanda the joyful feeling are not the same, both are deeply important in Buddhism. The monk Ānanda helped make sure you could hear the Buddha’s teachings today. And the joy of Ānanda—spiritual bliss—can help you experience the truth of those teachings for yourself.

10. Modern Relevance: Experiencing Ānanda Today

You don’t have to be a monk or spend hours in deep meditation to experience Ānanda. Even in today’s busy, fast-paced world, you can still find moments of deep inner joy through simple practices. Ānanda is not something far away or reserved for advanced spiritual masters—it’s something you can discover in your own daily life.

How You Can Experience Ānanda Through Mindfulness

One of the easiest ways to begin feeling Ānanda is through mindfulness—being fully present in the moment. You don’t need to sit in silence for hours. Just pay attention to what you’re doing right now, whether you’re drinking tea, walking, washing dishes, or listening to someone speak.

When your mind is not racing ahead or stuck in the past, you create space inside yourself. That space allows you to feel a gentle, peaceful joy—this is the beginning of Ānanda. It comes when you’re not rushing, not craving, not judging—just being present with openness and calm.

Finding Joy in Presence, Gratitude, and Compassion

Ānanda also grows when you live with gratitude and compassion. Take time to notice the simple things: a warm breeze, a kind word, a quiet morning. When you stop and truly appreciate life as it is, you’ll begin to feel a quiet contentment that runs deeper than everyday pleasure.

Acts of kindness and compassion—whether helping a friend, forgiving someone, or showing patience—also give rise to Ānanda. When you let go of anger, selfishness, or stress, your heart opens, and joy flows in naturally.

Even just taking a few mindful breaths or saying thank you with sincerity can bring you closer to this inner bliss.

Why Ānanda Matters in Today’s World

We live in a world full of noise, pressure, and distractions. You’re often told to chase more—more money, more success, more things. But even after getting what you want, the feeling doesn’t last. That’s because these things can’t give you real peace.

Ānanda offers something different. It’s a kind of joy that doesn’t depend on anything outside of you. You don’t have to buy it or earn it. It comes when you slow down, let go, and reconnect with what truly matters.

In a materialistic world, Ānanda reminds you that lasting joy comes from within. It teaches you that you don’t need more to be happy—you just need to be more present, more grateful, and more kind.

So no matter where you are in life, you can begin to touch Ānanda. It’s always there, waiting quietly beneath the surface—ready to shine through when you pause, breathe, and return to the moment.

11. Ānanda Beyond Buddhism

While Ānanda is an important concept in Buddhism, the experience of deep, inner joy isn’t limited to just one tradition. Many spiritual paths around the world talk about a similar kind of joy—one that comes from within, not from material things. No matter where you come from or what you believe, you can find this peaceful happiness at the heart of many teachings.

Spiritual Joy in Other Traditions

In Hinduism, the word Ānanda is also used, often alongside terms like Sat (truth) and Chit (consciousness) in the phrase Sat-Chit-Ānanda—meaning “truth, awareness, and bliss.” Here, Ānanda is described as the natural state of the soul when it’s free from illusion and fully aware of its connection with the divine.

In Christianity, you’ll often hear about the “peace of God” or “joy in the Spirit.” This isn’t just ordinary happiness—it’s a calm and unshakable joy that comes from trusting in God and living with love and faith. It’s a peace that stays even in difficult times, much like the quiet bliss of Ānanda.

In Sufism, the mystical branch of Islam, spiritual seekers talk about ecstasy, or wajd—a deep, overflowing joy that comes from feeling close to God. Through music, poetry, prayer, and meditation, Sufis experience moments of union with the divine, often described as a powerful kind of love and bliss.

These examples show that spiritual joy is a shared human experience, not limited by culture or religion.

Why Inner Joy Is Universally Valued

No matter the tradition, deep joy is seen as a sign of spiritual truth. It’s a feeling that tells you, “This is real, this is right.” Unlike worldly pleasures, which fade quickly and leave you wanting more, spiritual joy is lasting and peaceful. It’s not about excitement or pleasure—it’s about feeling whole, connected, and free.

That’s why so many spiritual teachings encourage letting go of attachment, living with love, and being present. These practices help uncover the same joy that Buddhism calls Ānanda—a joy that lives in your heart, beneath all the noise and stress of daily life.

So even if you don’t identify as Buddhist, you can still relate to Ānanda. Whether through prayer, meditation, music, nature, or silence, you’ve likely had moments when everything felt right, and a peaceful joy filled your being. That’s Ānanda—and it’s a part of your true nature, waiting to be remembered.

12. Cultivating Ānanda in Your Practice

You don’t have to wait for a perfect moment to feel Ānanda—that deep, peaceful joy within. You can cultivate it step by step through your daily spiritual practice. The more you live with awareness, kindness, and simplicity, the more often this quiet joy will naturally arise. Here are a few simple, practical ways you can begin to grow Ānanda in your life.

Loving-Kindness Meditation (Mettā Bhāvanā)

One of the most powerful ways to bring up Ānanda is through loving-kindness meditation, or mettā bhāvanā. This practice involves silently repeating phrases like:

• “May I be happy.”
  
• “May I be safe.”
  
• “May I live with ease.”
  

Then, you extend those wishes to others: your loved ones, strangers, and even people you find difficult.

As you do this, your heart begins to soften. You feel more warmth, care, and connection with others. This open-hearted feeling often leads to a gentle, joyful energy—the beginnings of Ānanda.

Breath Meditation

Another simple method is breath meditation. All you do is sit quietly and pay attention to your breathing—in and out, moment by moment. You’re not trying to change anything, just being present with the breath.

As your mind becomes more still, your thoughts begin to settle. This calmness creates space for joy to arise naturally. Even a few minutes a day can make a difference.

Over time, you may notice a peaceful happiness bubbling up from within—a joy that doesn’t depend on anything outside of you.

Acts of Generosity and Service

Giving is another powerful way to awaken Ānanda. When you help someone without expecting anything in return, it creates a feeling of connection and warmth in your heart.

This can be as simple as:

• Sharing your time or energy with someone in need
  
• Donating to a good cause
  
• Offering a kind word or helping hand
  

These small acts of generosity bring a deep sense of joy and meaning, because they come from a place of love and care. That joy is a form of Ānanda.

Ethical Conduct and Wholesome Living

Finally, how you live your everyday life plays a big role in whether Ānanda can grow. When you live honestly, avoid harming others, and act with kindness, your mind becomes lighter and more peaceful.

Ethical living means:

• Speaking truthfully
  
• Not taking what isn’t freely given
  
• Treating others with respect and compassion
  
• Avoiding harmful actions
  

When your actions are clean and your conscience is clear, you don’t carry guilt or regret. This inner peace becomes the foundation for joy. You feel good inside—not because of outside success, but because you’re living in harmony with your values.

Bringing It All Together

Ānanda doesn’t come from trying hard to feel joyful. It comes from living mindfully, kindly, and simply. When your heart is open and your mind is clear, Ānanda arises naturally—like a flower blooming in the right conditions.

So whether you’re sitting in meditation, offering kindness, or just breathing with awareness, remember that every small effort matters. Bit by bit, you are planting the seeds of joy—and with time, Ānanda will blossom in your life.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned about Ānanda, you can see that it’s not just a feeling—it’s a deep, spiritual joy that comes from inner peace, not from outer pleasures. Unlike the happiness you might feel from buying something or getting praise, Ānanda doesn’t depend on anything outside of you. It arises when your mind is calm, your heart is open, and you’re fully present in the moment.

Ānanda plays a special role in your spiritual journey. It is both a fruit of your practice—a sign that you are growing—and a support that helps you stay on the path. When you feel this quiet joy, it gives you strength, clarity, and confidence to keep going, even when things are hard.

You don’t need to be perfect to feel Ānanda. With simple practices like mindfulness, loving-kindness, and everyday kindness, you can begin to touch this joy little by little. So take your time, be gentle with yourself, and keep exploring. Ānanda is already within you, waiting to be discovered—one peaceful breath at a time.