The Billionaire and the monk
By Vibhor Kumar Singh
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My Rating 4.5/5
Synopsis
The greatest wisdom is often found in the simplest knowledge.
What if you learn that everything you have been taught about happiness is false? What if you realize that happiness is not a goal and therefore it cannot be achieved? What if you discover that it is the ordinary path that leads to extraordinary treasure?
This is a story about how two men from different walks of life learn that neither robes of honor nor the total renunciation of worldly life is required to enjoy the most fundamental human desire – happiness.
It is a story about understanding that happiness is not a philosophical enigma but an attainable state of the mind and how one can cherish the greatest joys through the simplest and smallest acts of daily life.
Let us uncomplicate happiness and find the extraordinary answer to the ordinary question: Are you happy?
My Thoughts
I have a loving family, good friends, interesting job and a nice life. Yet I find myself yearning for that elusive happiness. So this coming new year I was delighted to find amazing ideas through thought provoking story of a monk and a billionaire in the book ‘The Billionaire and the monk’, for including a ‘happiness’ related resolution.
In this book Vibhor Kumar Singh, brings to us the key to ever lasting happiness in life. As professionals this is relevant to us because given the pressures and challenges of today’s everyday life we must not only focus on developing ‘work skills’ but also ‘life skills’ to be effective.
The book begins with the assertion that “the true purpose of life is to seek happiness… A state of happiness that remains despite life’s ups and downs…” It discusses the true sources of happiness like inner feeling of contentment, a sense of self worth etc., while illustrating the harmful effects of a comparing mind.
Surprisingly rather than just recommending a spiritual path to attain happiness, Author Vibhor takes a rational approach by emphasizing learning and extensive practice ie., happiness by cultivating positive mental states such as forgiveness, by discovering new perspectives, developing flexible thinking, finding meaning in pain and suffering etc.
As the apparently simplistic story unfold in the book you realize they are not that simple and slowly but surely a coherent and profound philosophy of living takes shape - having ethical discipline, reaching out to others, understanding and cultivating what gives meaning to our life, basically being a good human being. Different aspects like family, work, relationships, pursuit of wealth etc are discussed. After reading this masterpiece you will realise the usefulness of compassion.
May you find happiness after reading this gem of a book.
Kudos to the author for writing this masterpiece.
Highly Recommended!
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