Pleasure = stimulation of sense organs – BODY.
Happiness = stimulation of the lower mind. – MIND.
Joy = external manifestation of the higher mind – MIND.
Bliss = internal state of perpetual bliss – SOUL.
Pleasures we seek all the time so that we can experience happiness at the mind level.
This is typical Sansar.
Everyone is running for happiness.
But running is effortful.
It requires time and resources. And after long efforts, we get happiness ( maybe ).
But there are two problems with happiness –
JOY is above pleasure and happiness. For example, you helped a blind man cross the street. You did not want anything for yourself, but it made you feel good. That is JOY.
Joy is good, of course; it reflects your higher mind, holder of your goodness.
But JOY still needs Sansar to express itself to someone or something else.
So, the final state is BLISS.
This is a highly elevated spiritual state where consciousness settles down in itself.
This state leads to total satisfaction and contentment, removing any desires or needs from Sansar.
This brings TOTAL FREEDOM into your life.