Everyone is looking for contentment in life. Whether we study, work or earn, our actions are aimed at achieving happiness. The desire for eternal happiness and peace is deeply rooted in human nature. “Ananda Samhita” by Ghanashyam Khadka explores this universal quest: what happiness and sadness mean. She examines how people pursue happiness and suggests alternative approaches that could lead to fulfillment and inner peace.

This book guides us to find peace and happiness within ourselves, independent of external or superficial influences. The author explains that people often pursue happiness in ways that lead to disappointment. If happiness depends on fleeting moments, it is not true happiness. Instead, joy should be sustainable and accessible by reason – if one can be happy for no reason, nothing can take that joy away from you. Happiness and peace are continuous states that come from within.

The author suggests that sadness often arises from a lack of self-awareness. Happiness and sadness, he argues, are not the result of events, but rather our attitudes towards them. A positive approach to life can turn difficulties into opportunities, turning darkness into light and challenges into growth. Staying calm is an art; it does not come by birth and can be achieved by training.

The author explains everything in detail, helping readers understand the content quickly. He uses relatable examples to bring depth to ideas, encouraging readers to apply them to everyday life. This book contains questions and reflection activities that make us contemplate our lives. Khadka writes, “In the universe, we are very small; so stressing over the smallest things and being sad is not worth it.”

The book unfolds over 18 interconnected chapters, each guiding the reader to self-discovery and inner peace. Each chapter introduces a new concept and topic, which is also the theme of the chapter, building on the last and adding new layers. The author explains how the presence and absence of particular qualities or perspectives can shape our pursuit of peace, making each chapter a stepping stone to a deeper sense of contentment.

The author has included different stories to bring the concepts to life, keeping the readers engaged. These stories serve as storytelling examples, making ideas more memorable. For example, he shares the story of a famous scientist, Albert Einstein, and his driver to illustrate how we naturally adopt the traits of those we spend time with. This leads to his advice: surround yourself with people who inspire you, are intellectually curious, and are self-aware.

While reading the book, I applied many suggested mindfulness practices and self-help tips. While philosophical books like this may not appeal to everyone, “Ananda Samhita” engages readers with reflective activities at the end of each chapter, making them more interactive and applicable to everyday life.

Each activity encourages us to reflect on the chapter’s insights and integrate them into our daily lives. As I read the activity guides and tried a few, it felt like I was meditating while listening to Prawachan. However, I struggled to focus and follow the instructions carefully. This experience made me realize that a calm and focused mindset is essential to truly absorb the wisdom of this book and put its teachings into practice. While achieving this level of immersion might seem unrealistic in our busy lives, this is exactly why the book was written.

All activities focus on positive conversations and affirmations, which calm the mind and heart, bring calm and build self-confidence. As the saying goes, “You become what you feed your mind.” We can move towards a positive life by practicing positive affirmations and cultivating an optimistic inner dialogue.

The writer advises us to rule our hearts rather than be ruled by them. He explains that true happiness and salvation remain within reach if our hearts control us. By embracing our inevitable death, we can learn to cherish each moment, allowing us to live more fully in the present. This acceptance, he argues, leads to a profound awakening to the true value of life.

The author is based on the story of Siddhartha Gautam, who left the comfort of his palace when he realized the inevitability of death. Gautam’s choice to let go of superficial pursuits underscores the importance of focusing on meaningful goals rather than letting mundane distractions divert us. Life is uncertain, and by keeping this in mind, we can better appreciate its value and avoid wasting time on distractions that take us away from our ultimate goal, salvation.

Furthermore, the author supports the text with data, statistics, and insights from psychological theories of figures such as Sigmund Freud, Carl Rogers, and Abraham Maslow, as well as scientific principles. He also incorporates Nepali cultural proverbs and proverbs to ground complex ideas in language that fits. Khadka also talks about the Buddha’s teachings and uses them as a reference. This blend of psychology, science, and spirituality creates a well-rounded and accessible framework for readers, making deep ideas easier to understand.

That being said, this book may not resonate with everyone. As someone who doesn’t usually gravitate towards philosophical texts, I found the “Ananda Samhita” both challenging and challenging. The author delves into philosophical, spiritual, and idealistic ideas that sometimes seem abstract or impractical, but have deep meanings. While I respect the message of fighting for peace and ending suffering once and for all, I find it difficult to agree. In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive world, such ideals can feel unattainable and perhaps impractical for many.

In addition, the book introduces complex terms and concepts that, despite explanations, may still seem elusive to some readers.

“Ananda Samhita” is a carefully studied book that offers valuable insights into understanding our inner self – something that many overlook. The author’s engaging writing style captivates readers. The book also challenges our attachment to worldly possessions and questions the way we perceive life, happiness and sadness. New perspectives in the text invite readers to reflect on their lives and guide them to peace and happiness.

Ananda Samhita

Author: Ghanashyam Khadka

The year: 2024

Publisher: Alchemy Publication

Pages: 231