Most of us yearn for fame and fortune because they are our parameters for success. After all, money enables us to purchase comforts and luxuries. It allows us to live a materially prosperous life. But does money buy happiness? No! That is the paradox the world faces today. Though economic growth has provided greater prosperity, we are not fulfilled from within–we feel inner emptiness. Why?



Once you are above the poverty line, you have clothing, food, and a roof over your head. Then, an extra bonus from work does not radically change your joy. At this stage, the relationship between wealth and happiness becomes smaller. Comforts such as larger homes, more cars, and gadgets become the norm of life. The happiness from money reaches a peak at one point. Hence, money secures our present and future needs, but cannot buy long-lasting fulfilment. So, what can bring us real happiness?

Swamiji answers this question in his latest book, The Art and Science of Happiness. It has been officially released and is available to order on Amazon. It has been published by Penguin Random House, India. 

Reader, living for a higher purpose is probably the most satisfying feeling. Where money and power fail to bring contentment, a sense of purpose exhilarates us with euphoric fulfilment. The uncommonly known secret is that humans willingly bear the severest hardships when they find it in sync with a purpose they firmly believe in. For example, when Olympic athletes prepare, they exert themselves until every muscle in their body is aching. But that pain does not make them sad. It exhilarates them with rapturous fulfilment of exerting themselves to the utmost for a higher objective they are convinced is valuable.

On the other hand, there are people who live in luxury—a life devoid of discomfort—and yet they are depressed. These are the people who have enough to live by but nothing to live for. Their unhappiness proves the adage that ‘man does not live by bread alone.’ So, how do we find purpose in life? 

The higher purpose you determine for yourself should be so inspiring that pursuing it brings out your best qualities. It should exemplify who you are and what you believe. Pointers to your purpose can come by pondering over the following questions: ‘Why am I here?’ ‘What is the goal of human life?’ and ‘How can I contribute my talents to society and make a difference?’ Let the answers to these questions serve as a compass to lead you in the direction of growth and fulfilment.

Reader, The Art and Science of Happiness is available for order on Amazon India and Amazon USA. For other inquiries, please email [email protected]. Make sure to order your copy today!

Best wishes,

-Swami Mukundananda’s Team