Seeking happiness in an unsatisfied world

Nipuni Wimalapala

Living intellectually with a broader understanding of life is somewhat difficult to achieve. But once you have achieved, it would lead you to live a happy and complete life with no worries.

Swami Parthasarathy

It is the teaching of Vedanta, an ancient philosophy originated in India. Swami Parthasarathy, an internationally eminent philosopher, is the one who had inspired much by the teachings of Vedanta and has studied and contributed its outcome to the world via many ways.

He is the greatest exponent of Vedanta, the ancient philosophy of India. He has dedicated over sixty years to the study, research and propagation of Vedanta and has been declared as the living saint of India in several publications. Swamiji has authored nine books presenting ancient wisdom in contemporary thought and language.

He comments on the current living system which is not that successful. People basically rely on modern technology and they have no connection with the nature. They keep on collecting money and all the materialistic things which make them happy. They have no spiritual values and real understanding of life. They believe that being educated, having a recognized profession; getting married and having children are the greatest achievements of a human being’s life. They do not worry to understand simplicity, kindness, compassionate and self realization of life. Therefore however much they earn, however much they have achieved, they are still not happy, because they seek more.

Speaking to the Daily News he stressed that, “the entire education is based on teaching and giving information on so many things. It develops intelligence but it does not develop intellect. The education bodies must understand that just feeding students with different theories and information is not the perfect way to educate youth. They should understand the difference between intelligence and intellect since the intellect has to be developed to achieve the spiritual values of life.”

He further said that, “Early childhood is very important and can develop mind very well during that period. They should not encourage accepting everything which is granted to them by the society. But they should learn to question and understand the reality of everything. Following the already set up system does not exactly give what you really seek. To apply your intelligence on what you do, you should need a developed intellect. That is why there are outstanding specific inventors and figures among others in every field.” Realizing self is his teaching via which any human being can lead a happy life with what he or she possesses. To make people convinced on this truth he has written many books and he conducts the Vedanta Academy where a lot of students from different countries have stayed to learn Vedanta. Swamiji is the founder of the academy which is located in a beautiful place in Pune, India.

* Governing Business and Relationships

Business persons mechanically follow routine practices laid down by self-styled business schools. Spouses and parents are overwhelmingly emotional and impulsive in their behavior with each other and their children. There is little reason and judgment governing a actions and relationships. Consequently, families are torn apart, business houses collapse and nations are at daggers drawn. While governing bodies in the fields of education, politics and religion helplessly gaze at the internal and external crises that humanity faces. The solution lies in developing a powerful intellect to gain suzerainty over the perennial confrontations of the world.

* Vedanta Treatise: The Eternities

Vedanta expounds the highest thoughts known to humanity. The Vedanta Treatise presents this knowledge systematically, from basic concepts to the subtlest philosophical ideas. The knowledge contained therein enables one to maintain a discipline culminating in human perfection.

* The Fall of the Human Intellect

The book highlights the fundamental difference between intelligence and intellect. Intelligence is acquired from external educational agencies while the intellect is developed through one’s personal effort in thinking, reasoning, questioning. It further provides practical ways to develop the intellect. This has become Parthasarathy’s third bestseller.

* Choice Upanishads

The book provides commentary on Kena, Isavasya, Kaivalya and Mundaka Upanishads. The Upanishads expound a system of philosophy that reaches the ultimate experience of humanity. Vedanta Institute in Colombo is a part of the Vedanta Academy which conducts classes for those who are interested in philosophy. There is no age limit and the classes are done free of charge. These classes are conducted by a qualified graduate from the Vedanta Academy in India.

* Select English poems

This is a classic collection of literary pieces conveying deep philosophical values. Each poem carries a glossary and commentary explaining the meaning and message therein.