Happiness is central to any human activity and success without happiness would be meaningless, says a young philosopher of international repute.
According to Madathumkandy Angajan, following the tenets of Vedanta gives meaning and purpose to human life and achievements.
“There are millions of people in this world who are wealthy and successful. But there are fewer of them who are truly happy. Their inability to maintain mental peace and control stress makes them restless. Vedanta teaches us to keep the stress and strain under control and achieve true happiness,” he said, speaking to Indian Newslink.
Forty-one-year old Mr Angajan has just left New Zealand after delivering a series of discourses and workshops and participating in group discussions, each of which was attended by a cross-section of the society.
“The human mind is clouded by a number of negative emotions including hatred, jealousy, anger, arrogance and greed. It is essential to remove such negative emotions and condition the mind towards positive thinking. Effective decisions are those that are right decisions,” he said.
Born in a poor family in Alachery (Kannur District) in the South Indian state of Kerala, Mr Angajan spent a few years in Bangalore, before making Pune in Maharashtra his home about 25 years ago. He later migrated to Durban, South Africa, where he lives with his wife Deepti and their only daughter Revathi (7).
A globetrotter, his discourses are heard in most parts of the world throughout the year.
His Vedanta Institute of South Africa is one of the most significant institutions that teach people the true meaning of life.
Recipe for success
According to him, there are three criteria for worldly success, namely efforts that are enjoyable, reaching the set goal and enjoying what has been achieved.
He said Vedanta comprises laws and principles of life and living propounded by Rishis (learned sages) of ancient India. It is a time-tested philosophy that awakens people to the true wealth, which is the inner peace.
“While meditation is one of the ways of seeking inner peace, a more sustainable achievement would be to follow the principles of Vedanta. One who achieves clarity of thought and purity of emotions will have success accompanied by happiness,” Mr Angajan said.
His discourses in Auckland were on Vedanta, Laws of Karma and their practical applications for day-to-day living.
He explained complex concepts from the Vedas and the Bhagwad Geeta in simple language with appropriate examples blended with subtle wit and humour.
Mr Angajan’s lectures have universal appeal and his corporate clients are among Fortune 500 Companies.
He has written a number of books, most notable among which are ‘Value System for Success’ and ‘From God to Godhead.’
Anand Mokashi is an Academic based in Auckland. He will regularly write on various subjects of reader interest. Email: anand_mokashi@yahoo.com
