BEing Happy by Desiree Punwani

Soft cover

80 pages Self published in 2002; Printed at Audumber Printers; 80 pages.

About the book

Being Happy by Desiree Punwani is an inspiring approach to creating happiness.

Believing in the power of pure intention to create one's own happiness, the author used age-old techniques creatively to emerge from the depths of addiction into the light of faith, happiness and friendship.

The author shares and discusses the practices that radically changed her life and others. The concepts have been simplified and have a universal appeal.

The layout of this book is unusual, but it what serves its needs best. "May the happiness of all beings increase," is the intention of this book, its rhyme and rhythm.

Running through the book as it does, it forms a refrain that hums within our hearts and appeals to us spontaneously. The format also allows for reading the text or the phrases uninterruptedly, each having its own distinctive appeal.  

Throughout the book, on your right there is a flow of phrases highlighting the fact that the very fabric of our daily life provides inspiration for mudita.

I rejoice with those who paint rainbows with their smiles. May their happiness increase, and my joy for them increase.

I rejoice with those can do the salsa. May their happiness increase, and may my joy for them increase.

I rejoice with those who can listen deeply. May their happiness increase, and may my joy for them increase.

About the Author

Desiree Punwani, greatly influenced by Buddhism, is also an ardent student of Advaita philosophy in Hinduism. Having gone through a complete transformation in life, she now helps people to improve their lives through workshops on Loving Kindness.

The proceeds from her books support various worthy causes.

She says, "............. In 2001, I was just recovering from mastectomy and the loss of my mother, ironically to breast cancer. At that time I had neither the intention nor the confidence to write a book.

Being Happy, however, manifested spontaneously at that time. I feel it was the natural culmination of the Buddhist teachings which had so enraptured me since the previous six years.

It is a reflection of the power and the purity of the Teachings that a book on joy or mudita should emerge at what may be considered a difficult time in my life.

The truth is that mudita nullified whatever difficulty there may have been at that time and life felt beautiful. The family put together funds to publish the book and it was released in January 2002....."
 

Comments

Aekta Kapoor, Editor, Marie Claire - Delhi

...Today I was clearing my desk up, and decided to read "Being Happy" in one go. I cannot tell you how happy I felt!

I rejoice when I read a book that makes me feel goosebumpy and ecstatic. May my happiness be a gift to the world.