When I ask people, “Are you happy?” in my talks, very few people say yes.’

There are many things that seem to prevent us from being happy in our lives. Usually, things don’t turn out the way we want them to. It could be unfulfilled goals, bad habits, a society that’s built to benefit only those at the very top, or the loops of self-deprecation that many of us find ourselves falling into. But we can take control of our happiness, whatever life throws at us. We all have the right, and the ability, to be happy regardless of our situation.

With his simple yet profound teachings, Buddhist monk Pomnyun Sunim shows us how to combat day-to-day anxiety, insecurity, anger, and discouragement. He explains why humans are prone to self-destruction, and redirects our focus to finding happiness.

This book has touched countless lives and uplifted spirits in Korea, and it’s time for the rest of the world to experience and understand exactly what is happiness.