(Sat-Chit-Ānanda) A Sanskrit compound word frequently used in Vedanta philosophy. The word “cit” is sometimes written “chit,” since it is pronounced that way. Sometimes the three are combined into a single word as saccidananda. Note that Sanskrit rules of sandhi (euphonic combination) require the t in sat to change to a c before the c in cit, just as they require the t in cit to change to a d before the a in ananda.

Sat is “absolute be-ness”; pure being; reality.

Cit is “pure thought”; intelligence; consciousness.

Ananda is “bliss”; the highest state of happiness.

The combination is used to describe the state of Brahman, the highest Being of our universe. Any individual who has achieved Moksa, or is at one with the highest state of consciousness is said to enjoy Sat-Chit-Ananda.

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