How to Be Happy All the Time

The Wisdom of Yogananda #1

by Paramahansa Yogananda

The human drive for happiness is one of our most far-reaching and fundamental needs. Yet, despite our desperate search for happiness, according to a recent Gallup Poll, only a minority of North Americans describe themselves as very happy. It seems that very few of us have truly unlocked the secrets of lasting joy and inner peace. Now, in this volume of all-new, never-before-released material, Paramhansa Yogananda who has hundreds of thousands of followers and admirers in North America playfully and powerfully explains virtually everything needed to lead a happier, more fulfilling life. Topics covered include: looking for happiness in the right places; choosing to be happy; tools and techniques for achieving happiness; sharing happiness with others; balancing success and happiness, and many more. The Wisdom of Yogananda series features writings of Paramhansa Yogananda not available elsewhere. These books capture the Master's expansive and compassionate wisdom, his sense of fun, and his practical spiritual guidance. The books include writings from his earliest years in America, in an approachable, easy-to-read format. The words of the Master are presented with minimal editing, to capture the fresh and original voice of one of the most highly regarded spiritual teachers of the 20th century.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Self Help

154 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

About the author

Paramahansa Yogananda (Bengali: পরমহংস যোগানন্দ Pôromohôngsho Joganondo, Sanskrit: परमहंस योगानं‍द Paramahaṃsa Yogānaṃda), born Mukunda Lal Ghosh (Bengali: মুকুন্দ লাল ঘোষ Mukundo Lal Ghosh), was an Indian yogi and guru who introduced many westerners to the teachings of meditation and Kriya Yoga through his book, Autobiography of a Yogi .

Reviews

[Nilanjana Haldar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot even begin to explain how important and true the teachings of this book are. I came to learn this—> that the truths that make one timeless and unchangeable. One can only be happy by being unselfish (both in thoughts and deeds), one can be happy not by squandering money like a fool, but by saving enough and earning through honest serviceful means (where one derives joy from the act of service and not from what it brings), one can be happy only by thinking well of others ( by looking
only to the good in others), one can only be happy by being humble and gentle, one can be happy only by smiling from within and living life by increasing the joy and peace in others, one can be happyt only in happy a simple, contented life, (free of complications), one can be happy only by having a merciful and forgiving heart, one can be happy only by finding time for meditation everyday, one can be happy by not begging ( or having expectations from) others (begging-attitude is shunned by those that are God-realised), one can be happy only by spreading joy into the world, one can be happy by not listening to those who try to crush one’s freedom of will ( free will is a human birthright), one can be happy only by having a pure mind and being a friend to all, and blessing those that haven’t yet learnt to behave well, recognising that the essence of divinity is latent within them and has only been shrouded by a veil of ignorance (maya). Divinity means the attributes of peace, unconditional love for all (irrespective of how one behaves), having a forgiving heart, wanting to be a friend to all, mercy, looking to the good in all, fearlessness, good behaviour towards all, purity of mind and thereafter purity of actions. This is a quality that is latent in (or expressed to different degrees by) every human being, hence one must remember this truth about one's ownself and about others.

But in addition to being benevolent, one must strive to attain the bliss that comes from deep meditation, through proper technique. All desires of the world will then pale in comparison.

Amazing book honestly.

[Rithu Chillal · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a straightforward yet philosophical collection of selected passages from the Hindu monk/yogi Yogananda. I feel the title is a bit trite and most likely used for marketing purposes, especially for a Western audience. I am not a fan of the extreme positivity approach, and it is just not possible (nor helpful, in my opinion) to be happy all the time. Despite the title's implications, this is definitely not a guide on how to "hack" happiness and enforce superficial positivity on yourself.

Rather, Yogananda describes mental and spiritual approaches to gradually change one's perspective and train the mind on a deeper level to develop a strong inner core - a center of self as a baseline to return to after experiencing strong negative emotions or mental/emotional suffering. He draws ideas from Hindu and Buddhist philosophy, as well as Christian theology. This book is aimed towards an audience that is already spiritual and/or religious, or at least in exploring happiness from that approach.

However, I believe that secular readers can still glean wisdom from it. I felt that this book is also aimed towards those who don't suffer from serious mental illness or disorders. Some of the suggestions don't quite go deep enough or acknowledge the effect that life experiences or mental disorders can have on the brain and the obstacles that it would create for a person to work towards this strong inner state. Perhaps this is simply out of the scope for this fairly short guide.

[Dan Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this on the shelf at the local Barnes & Noble. Being a real believer in the axiom "As words become fewer, value increases." Burhan Efendi I really like quotes - and as this book was put together as a collection of quotations - some of them up to several paragraphs long - I especially like it. There are biblical quotations with explanations, thoughts and teachings that are very similar, if not the same, as Buddhist teachings and teachings from Hindu sources all brought together with a wonderful simplicity and positiveness.

[Obi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was solid. Started off a little slow, repetitive, but then gained steam up until a rousing finish. I didn't have a highlighter handy so I dog-eared the pages with the money quotes. By the end of the book I noticed that every other page was dog-eared!

[Haili Hillin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Don't let the cheesy title throw you.....this book is literally filled with amazing points of wisdom. Paramhansa Yogananda is amazing.

[Astha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must to tide away the stress as working physician and to balance family life. It helped me tremendously and find happiness within than be dependent on friends.

[Michael Krug · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a gem. You can't read this book and not have a smile the whole time :)

[Maria Carmo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everiyhing Yogananda writes is so incredibly insopirational, that to meditate on his books is a wonderful way to become happy...

Maria Carmo,

Lisbon 13 March 2025.

[Kushagra Singh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading the ideas of Paramhamsa Yogananda jee is invariably a delight. His powerful spiritual presence is felt in his words and ideas.

He inspires the reader to seek God, be even-minded and cheerful. He further suggests one should demand as right, whatever we need from God as His children and not like a beggar. Very uplifting and inspiring short read.

[Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as I had hoped. I've read better, more inspiring books.

[Valerie Brett · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars. I'm not a fan of Yogananda but I had this book in the house so I read it. I think this is much more readable and interesting and helpful than his "memoir" but I still found it too random and mixed to hold onto it, recommend it, or read it again.

[Paul Bard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paramahansa counterbalances practical tips on willingness, service, meditation, and living frugally against the struggle to succeed by suggesting a radical inner commitment to happiness no matter what.

EDIT: I just re-read this book: several striking ideas from this read include:

- people treat you well when you constantly improve yourself Ch.5
- use small desires dedicated to serving others to foster intellectual rigor in blueprinting life goals (Ch.7)
- core idea for chapters 3, 5, 8, and 9 is to meditate twice daily.


Only chapter 6, on willpowering a devotional practice to the Divine Mother, is grossly unnecessary and totally redundant, having no value, so the rest of the book is remarkably solid advice.

On reflection, the book's not really about meditating, but about practical ways to shift desire and motivation towards happiness and away from unhappiness.

[John Scott · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some high points spread out, but this just doesn't do it for me.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very simple book to read.
I think in two days you can read it whole.
I do not think I will read it second time as nothing more to read.

[Kathryn Kuchenbrod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so insightful and beautiful. Gave tid-bits to my friends often while reading this. I will continuously recommend this book

[Fabiana · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mi aspettavo qualcosa in più

[Clark Home · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

After reading this I feel unstoppable. Very inspiring and motivational passages on how to manifest a Godly life. I highly recommend.

[Ashley Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Masterful

[Cheri Flake · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jai Guru!

[Stephanie MacDonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great, easy read filled with several different pieces put together into book form. So many useful and helpful tips. We must really understand that happiness only comes from within. Of course it is very difficult to change overnight we can always try to be a little bit better than the day before. This book will help, and is definitely one that can be read again and again! <3 ॐ

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been trying to lead a both "simple" and "natural" life since january of this year.

For me, "simple" refers to the state where I feel comfortable and refreshed, possess only what I really need, and every space is clean and tidy.

Yogananda defines "to simply live" as "to pursue a quiet path of moderation" in this book.

The words, "quiet" and "moderation" resonated with me. I have never thought about what simple really means until I came across his definition of "simple."

Another point that I got quite interested in in this book was how to spend a week.

Basically I have a day off a week, which is not enough for me to rest both my body and my mind.

Yogananda divided the week into the three sections:

Work (five days) for making money
Rest and amusement (one day)
Spiritual culture (one day) for introspection and inner realization

I strongly believe that spiritual culture is the key to lead a happy life, therefore we need two days off a week!

[Harshit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Subtle ways to relate your consciousness to higher thee, brilliant manifestation of expressing inner happiness and applying to mundane matters. I feel little subjects goes too elaborative at some points specially by who compiled notes at few points lack smooth transactions, but nevertheless, this not a motivating book by sheer motivational authors, but this is about happiness and gratitude for those who can sense it from core and sense it expansion !

[dely · Rating 2 out of 5]

Avendo già letto altro di Paramhansa Yogananda questo libro mi ha un po' deluso. Mi piacciono i suoi discorsi prolissi, spesso ripetitivi, minuziosi e completi mentre in questo libro il suo pensiero è ridotto al minimo, a brevi frasi che contengono pensieri profondi ma purtroppo esposti in modo troppo conciso.

[Michael Graber]

This little guide books contains such crystallized wisdom that it cuts through layers and layers of illusion in an instant. Yogananda has the ability to make the most seemingly arcane matters the very most primary and important, meaning he makes wisdom the priority of living and living well. Very useful.

[Richard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great little collection of Yogananda's writings - very good.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not only a wonderful book for me, I have purchased several copies for my friends.

[khabirah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book!

[Pepe]

"To seek happiness outside ourselves is like trying to lasso a cloud" First sentence of the book and it already blew me away!

[Debi Itow · Rating 5 out of 5]

It works!And if you forget..you can easily re-readd it.

[Ward Hammond · Rating 5 out of 5]

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