In an age where the pursuit of happiness has not only become a personal goal but also a multi-billion-pound industry, Happiness and Beyond by Dr Asha Gupta stands out as a deeply reflective and intellectually rewarding inquiry into what truly makes life meaningful.
Far from being another self-help manual promising instant gratification, this book approaches happiness as a layered, evolving concept — one that must be understood, internalised, and experienced in its most holistic form. With scholarly insight, spiritual depth, and socio-political relevance, Gupta presents a rare synthesis of Eastern philosophical traditions and Western psychological theories, all the while challenging the reader to look beyond simplistic notions of well-being. Dr Gupta is no stranger to rigorous academic work.
With over a dozen books to her name across subjects such as political theory, education reform, and global welfare policies, her newest offering enters the domain of spirituality with the same meticulousness. Her credentials — ranging from being a UGC awardee and international fellow to serving as Principal at Bharati College until recently — showcase an author who understands both the lived reality of modern individuals and the deep undercurrents of tradition and philosophy. At the core of Happiness and Beyond lies a question that most modern texts shy away from: Why is there so much unhappiness despite material progress? In the opening chapter, Dr Gupta uses the metaphor of an “affluenza virus” to explain the growing malaise of anxiety, depression, and alienation in hyper-connected, consumer-driven societies.
She unpacks the various causes — technological over-dependence, moral erosion, environmental degradation — and places them within a historical arc stretching from ancient thought to the digital present. Her diagnosis is neither alarmist nor utopian; rather, it is a wake-up call, urging us to reimagine the very metrics by which we measure success and contentment. The book takes readers on a conceptual journey, beginning with the elusive definitions of happiness. Drawing from Greek eudaimonia to Buddhist mindfulness, Gupta underlines how different civilisations have approached the idea of joy, fulfilment, and inner peace. She exposes the fallacies behind modern assumptions — that happiness is linear, wealth-driven, or universally defined —and instead presents it as a dynamic process requiring daily practice and ethical living.
The strength of her analysis lies in showing that happiness is not a goal but a way of being. Gupta’s chapter on religion and happiness is particularly illuminating. She draws a fascinating parallel between ancient religious institutions and modern psychotherapists, suggesting that both play the role of emotional and existential guides in their respective eras. Yet, unlike many secular academics, she does not discount the spiritual; rather, she explores how religious participation can still offer identity, cohesion, and meaning in fragmented modern societies. Notably, she does not preach —her tone remains exploratory, nuanced, and inclusive. Where the book truly distinguishes itself is in its deep dive into Jainism and Buddhism — not merely as religious systems but as blueprints for sustainable happiness.
The chapters on Jain principles — Anekantavada (multi-sidedness), Ahimsa(non-violence), and Aparigraha (non-possessiveness) — are not presented in abstract theological terms but as living philosophies with profound relevance in today’s world. Gupta shows how Anekantavada, for instance, fosters intellectual humility and conflict resolution by encouraging openness to multiple truths. Such an approach, she argues, can mitigate modern polarisation and ideological rigidity.
Her discussion on Ahimsa moves beyond the usual Gandhian framework to explore the Jain reverence for all forms of life, including plants and microorganisms. In an era of environmental crisis and rising violence, Gupta’s argument that non-violence is not just ethical but essential for planetary survival is both compelling and urgent. Likewise, her treatment of Aparigraha reads like an ethical antidote to modern consumerism. By advocating minimalist living, empathy, and restraint, Gupta invites the reader to envision happiness as freedom—from clutter, greed, and the constant craving for more.
Equally powerful is her inclusion of ecology in the happiness discourse. Gupta does not merely argue that environmental health affects psychological health; she builds a persuasive case for a planetary ethic where individual joy and collective sustainability are deeply intertwined. Happiness, in this view, is not an isolated emotion but a condition of harmony—between self and society, human and non-human life, consumption and conservation.
While many books on happiness remain locked within cultural silos, Happiness and Beyond positions itself as an intercultural, interdisciplinary dialogue. Western readers are introduced to the ancient wisdom of Jainism and Buddhism, while Indian readers are encouraged to reflect on modern psychological insights without defensiveness. The global appeal of this book is clear—not because it offers universal answers, but because it honours the complexity of the questions.
The final chapters are particularly thought-provoking. Gupta critiques the current obsession with happiness, pointing out that it should not become the sole aim of life. Instead, she advocates for a values-based life, where autonomy, courage, and compassion are equally vital. The book’s closing message is profound yet simple: happiness is not the destination—it is the rhythm of the journey.
Stylistically, Gupta balances academic rigour with readability. Her prose is lucid yet layered, avoiding jargon while maintaining intellectual depth. The book is meticulously sourced, with references to original scriptures, contemporary research, and cross-cultural studies. Yet it never becomes dry or didactic. The transitions between philosophy, psychology, and personal reflections are seamless, making the book accessible without diluting its complexity.
If there is one minor critique, it is perhaps that the book could benefit from a slightly tighter structure; at times, the wealth of information and ideas risks overwhelming the reader. However, this is a small price to pay for the richness and authenticity of the content.
In a nutshell, Happiness and Beyond is a remarkable contribution to the evolving discourse on well-being, ethics, and spirituality. It offers not just answers but new ways of asking the right questions. In a world obsessed with speed, noise, and instant gratification, Dr. Asha Gupta’s book is a calm, clear voice advocating introspection, simplicity, and inner purification and transformation. For anyone seeking not just to feel happy but to understand and live it meaningfully—this book is essential reading.
About the Book
Book: Happiness and Beyond
Author: Asha Gupta
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass
Price: Rs 995/-
(The review is by BK Jha, a New Delhi-based senior journalist and a voracious reader
