The Geeta teaches that happiness is a ratio: the number of desires fulfilled, divided by the number of desires we have. There are two ways of improving that ratio. The first is Rahul’s way, an endless effort to fulfil more and more desires. But that almost never works — one desire is barely satisfied before another crops up in its place. Desire is a Hydra-headed monster. “A man is poor till his desires are sated.”

The key to lasting happiness is not to increase the number of desires fulfilled; it is to reduce the number of desires in the first place. The peace, the joy, the radiance you seek — it is all within you. Look, and you shall find. It is not easy. But it’s the only sustainable path.