MAGADI RANGANATHA

Namasthe: What is the purpose of our life? What do we want to achieve? What is it that we crave? It is happiness. We may be keen on performing certain actions and indulging in certain activities because those, we think, will make us happy. But, are we aware of the true meaning of happiness? We often associate happiness with a number of external factors. We often spend all our effort on the gratification of our senses. However, the happiness that is derived in this manner is only temporary happiness and becomes intertwined with cycles of sorrow. True happiness can only emanate from a peaceful mind that is not dependent on any external matter and remains unperturbed in every situation. Sri Krishna enlightens us about happiness through his conversation with Arjun in Bhagavad Gita. LORD KRISHNA SAYS THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF HAPPINESS: 1. Satvik or Pure happiness: It is the happiness that arises from the elevation of the soul. It is not easy to attain this. One pursuing pure happiness has to practice a lot of devotion and discipline. It is generated by the pure intellect that is situated in self-knowledge. 2. Rajasik or result-oriented happiness: This is the materialistic pleasure that is derived when the senses come in contact with external objects that create a feeling of gratification but this happiness is temporary in nature. 3. Tamasic or slothful happiness: This is the lowest form of happiness and is derived from sleeping or being lazy. The soul is never nurtured through these practices, since there is a tiny sense of pleasure associated with it, people wrongfully consider it to be a state of happiness. One can derive true happiness only by achieving a peaceful state of mind. If a person wishes to be happy, he or she should be free from negative thoughts like fear, anger, lust, greed, and dishonesty, etc. Positive emotions – such as honest, enjoyment, and hope –help the reader to connect with others and build their capacity to cope when things go wrong. I am confident that any person how is suffering from unhappiness if he or she reads this book written by Mrs. Anuradha and Ms. Astha would be able to understand what is the meaning of Happiness and he or she can achieve to enjoy a happy life. Both have attempted to bring all features and significance of happiness in a simplified text to understand better. I appreciate them and wish them to author some more topics to uplifting mankind who are suffering from negative emotions and thoughts. I request the readers can also send their feedback on this book.