CONCEPT: 4.5/5 RELEVANCE: 4.5/5 WRITING: 4/5 OVERALL: 4.5/5 Themes: Self-Help, Happiness, Peace
“Our soul seeks happiness that is lasting and profound. Why should we yearn for something that is so temporary, so fragile? Why not look for something profound, deep, and long-lasting?… Our pursuit is therefore to discover lasting and profound happiness. Our pursuit is to bring meaning and grounding in life. Our pursuit is also to understand what true happiness is.”
– Alok Tripathi, The Peace Approach
Happiness, an elusive concept, seems to slip away the harder we strive for it. However, the solution lies not in ceaseless pursuit, but rather in comprehending it from within ourselves, in the small joys that enrich our everyday existence.
Coincidentally, this is precisely the objective of my recent read, “The Peace Approach” by Alok Tripathi. The book aspires to help us grasp the essence of happiness and incorporate its practice into our daily lives.
What to expect?
Anticipate a non-fiction self-help book that delves into the notion of happiness, encompassing both theoretical and practical aspects.
Spanning approximately 250 pages, this book employs simple language and presents easily graspable concepts, offering substantial assistance to readers in their pursuit of happiness within their everyday existence.
More about the subject matter
In practice, “The Peace Approach” comprises 31 distinct chapters, each dedicated to exploring a sub-concept or daily practice. The author has aptly named these daily practices as his “Peace Approaches,” aligning well with the content they encompass.
The ultimate goal the author envisions for readers is to cultivate an enduring sense of inner tranquillity, which remains steadfast regardless of the external stimuli or circumstances causing agitation or distress.
By the time the book comes to its conclusion, the reader will have acquired the tools to naturally foster this state of serenity.
What makes it stand out?
The market is saturated with books discussing happiness and peace, and even within Indian literature, the subject has been extensively explored. However, what sets “The Peace Approach” apart is its incorporation of the author’s personal experiences and observations, in addition to the widely available knowledge.
By weaving the author’s life journey into the narrative, the book becomes a deeply personal and relatable read.
Throughout these chapters, the author not only introduces concepts but also supports them with examples from his own life, facilitating the reader’s understanding of how to apply these concepts in practice. However, the book extends beyond personal anecdotes.
It also encompasses invaluable life lessons and wisdom from esteemed individuals such as Swami Vivekananda, Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev, Dalai Lama, Eckhart Tolle, Maharishi Aurobindo, and many others.
Furthermore, it draws inspiration from the profound philosophies and divine wisdom found in our scriptures, such as The Bhagavad Gita and The Rig Veda, enriching the reader’s knowledge even further.
Presents only what has worked for him
The author humbly acknowledges that he does not present entirely groundbreaking ideas in “The Peace Approach.” However, he confidently asserts that all the approaches mentioned in the book have personally proven effective for him.
This charming and candid simplicity permeates his writing style, inviting readers to explore and benefit from the tried-and-tested methods he shares.
What did I appreciate about it?
Reading this book was a breeze, and when I say that, I don’t mean it’s solely targeted at beginners. What I mean is that considerable care has been taken to ensure a pleasurable reading experience.
The book features well-spaced paragraphs, concise chapters accompanied by illustrative examples, helpful summary points at the end of each chapter, visually pleasing illustrations, and a cover design that instantly evokes a sense of serenity. In a way, the physical copy of the book perfectly encapsulates this feeling of peace.
The writing is captivating throughout, never descending into dullness or monotony. It strikes the perfect balance, incorporating a blend of concepts, examples, research material, and wisdom from scriptures. None of these elements are disregarded at the expense of others, ensuring a truly enjoyable reading experience.
My biggest takeaways
There is an abundance of information and knowledge available to anyone seeking to embrace the practices outlined in the book. Personally, I had much to learn and reflect upon. While all 31 chapters contain profound wisdom, several have left a lasting impression on me.
Some chapters stood out for teaching me something new, while others captivated me with their unique approach to old concepts.
The chapter on ‘Nirodha’ (meaning stoppage or cessation), drawing inspiration from one of Buddhism’s Four Noble Truths, proved to be a profound learning experience. It imparts the understanding that all negative thoughts, actions, and energies can be halted and replaced with positivity.
Another noteworthy chapter explores the beautiful Japanese concept of Wabi-Sabi, which embraces the acceptance of imperfection as an integral part of life. It reveals the admiration of beauty in things that are imperfect, old, and incomplete.
The chapter on connecting with the Panch Tattvas takes us back to ancient Indian scriptures and philosophy, reminding us of the elements—Earth, Water, Fire, Space, and Air—that compose our bodies. It emphasizes the importance of daily connection with these elements to find inner peace, not just within ourselves but also with nature, as nature manifests itself through these diverse forms.
Lastly, the chapter on The Buddha Garden was a delightful read, offering a practice that resonated with me personally. It is a practice I can envision incorporating into my life without delay.
In the end
“The Peace Approach” is a book dedicated to exploring 31 practices aimed at integrating peace and tranquillity into one’s daily life. This book holds value not only for beginners but also for regular readers, as it offers numerous insightful takeaways.
Additionally, it serves as an ideal and meaningful gift for loved ones, providing them with practical and beneficial guidance.
Can’t wait to read it? Buy your copy of The Peace Approach using the link below.
