*Real peace and Ananda (bliss) manifest only when the Vasanas (subtle desires) are thinned out and Sankalpas (thoughts) get extinguished.* 

When you fix the mind either on Sri Krishna or Shiva or Atman even for five minutes, Vasanas are thinned out and thoughts become less and less, You will feel peace and bliss during the five minutes. 

You can compare this Bliss from meditation with the transitory sensual pleasures. You will find that this Ananda from meditation is a million times superior to sensual pleasure. Meditate and feel this Ananda. Then you will know its real value.

These are the benefits that are derived by the Yogic students who practise meditation systematically. They are Santi (peace), Santosha (contentment), Abhaya (fearlessness), peculiar spiritual Ananda (bliss), unruffled state of mind in worldly difficulties, Nischala Sthiti (steadiness), inspiration, intuitive perception, Sattvic qualities and absence of anger (Akrodha), egoism and Raga-Dvesha (like and dislike).

~ Swami Shivananda Saraswati.