I have lived in a culture where any mention of pleasure is sure to raise suspicious eyebrows. Any engagement with pleasure is at least suspicious and probably should be avoided anyhow. Pleasure and hedonism seem like second cousins and, for good measure, I have learned to be wary of each.
It is quite a surprise to learn that pleasure is the topic of the third module of my deep consciousness class. A deep absorption in pleasures is in fact inherent in jhanas, and the pleasures of jhanas are an essential element of liberating insight.
While the absorption in pleasure is part of the meditation practice, any sensory delight can be a source of pleasure when done with mindfulness. Throughout the day, normal daily experiences of sensory delight can be an echo of the deep pleasure experienced in the concentration methods. The pleasurable moments spent sitting on my pillow can follow me through the day.
Pleasure is a good thing and not to be avoided, but is a problem if it becomes a source of attachment. That works out well because most sensory pleasures are brief and transitory, but the pleasures that come from absorption and deep concentration are lasting. Mindfulness can create a state that prevails beyond the transitory experience of sensory delight.
It is a state that can stay with me during much of the day. It is a pleasure that can infuse itself into many sensory experiences. I am aware that distractions and disturbances can remove mindfulness and interfere with concentration. When this happens, the pleasure, joy and rapture fades.
However, when mindfulness prevails, even the smallest sensory delight can be accompanied with intense and lasting pleasure.