"OVER OBSESSION WITH HAPPINESS IS MISERY"

Gaur Gopal Das, the Indian monk, lifestyle coach, motivational speaker, in an exclusive conversation with BW Businessworld Editor-in-Chief, Annurag Batra, held recently, spoke about the pursuit of happiness, his life and times, and his book. He also spoke about the inspiration behind his app, Monkify, that provides affirmations, therapy/guided meditation sessions that help people relax and unwind themselves. Excerpts:

The world sees you as a monk who advises people to live a better life. How do you see yourself? 

I see myself as a servant to this world. I am here to serve in whichever way, and in whatever capacity I can. I am here to see if I can help someone, and add value to their lives.

What is in your book ‘Energise Your Mind’ that will help a person live a better life? Why should one have the app and the book? 

‘Energise Your Mind’ is a book that has four sections. The first section called ‘Me and My Mind’ is about how choices affect the mind. The second section, ‘Others and My Mind’ dwells on how the behaviour of others, criticism, and toxic behaviour affect the mind. The third section, ‘Me and Others Mind’ is about how one can affect the minds of other people. And, the fourth section called the ‘Universe and the Mind’ talks about the way universal forces affect the mind.

So, the idea behind writing this book was to help people process guilt, criticism, different feelings and emotions. Having the app along with the book will help. The book is probably more philosophy and thought processes though it has some interactive exercises. Whereas, the app is like a tool that can be used. One can practise an activity, listen to an affirmation, etc.

What do you have to say about the pursuit of happiness? Is it healthy or just a normal thing for a human being?