Geography of Bliss - Essay Example

The chapter, ‘India: Happiness is a contradiction’ in the book, Geography of Bliss, is a highly absorbing recount of NPR journalist, Eric Weiner’s search for happiness in India. The author was confused that despite poverty and lack of amenities, foreigners across the world are drawn towards India and keep coming back. So the author also jumps at the opportunity to work here and search for happiness. He wanted to unravel the mystery that attracts people to this land of spiritualism and Gurus.

He talks about his experience in the ashram of Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, a renowned guru, and his stay at 1 Shanti Road. His account of his stay in both places largely focuses on happiness. While the ashram is significant in its environment of peace that calms the mind and senses, the cacophony of sound in the Shanti Road also gives a glimpse of happiness. When he says that Shanti Road could possibly be another ashram, he is not far from the truth! Ashram is secluded from the mad rush of city life and embodies peace.

It is a place where a person can be at peace with himself and nature. He is not overtly impressed by the meditation techniques and the routine of the ashram that had forbidden him to take any tea or coffee. But, interestingly, the ashram routine, meditation sessions and his interaction with other people not only change his eating habits but he is surprised that meditation had actually helped him to relax. The Guru’s words that ‘create a little room for imperfection in your life’ are extremely relevant because when we accept flaws within us and in others, we become more tolerant and thereby happier.

His interaction with others in the ashram gives him a wider perspective of happiness and shows that happiness need not be quantified. Shanti Road is the house of an artist who has no discipline or fixed routine. It houses people from myriad backgrounds who mingle with each other with no formality. Here, people in general scoff at the concept of spiritualism and one of the inmates even says that ‘Gurus are the clutches’. But despite the diametrically opposite environment, the author is amazed that people exhibit carefree attitudes and seem to be happy.

People from different socio-economic backgrounds co-exist and are happy. The author’s query is answered by the poor maid who says that ‘the more you think, the less happy you will be’ (p199). Yes, people are happy because they like to live in the present and leave the future in the hands of God. Indeed, Shanti Road can also be another kind of ashram because, despite the differences and chaos, people have found ways to be happy. The author has caught the essence of India’s attraction that thrives on spiritualism and faith in God.

People have strong social ties and believe that one should do one’s work and leave the results in the hands of God. In both places, peace of mind and happiness has remained the important element of life. Indeed, while the philosophy of attaining the same may be different but the end result is similar. People have found ways to be happy. In the ashram, people follow meditation techniques and relax, people in the city accept imperfections and live in the present. (540) Discussion Question: Should one accept imperfections to become happy?