Audible Sample
Audible Sample
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
Audible Audiobook – UnabridgedThe Dalai Lama (Author), Howard C. Cutler (Author), Kris Dyer (Narrator), & 1 more
4.7 out of 5 stars 2,656 ratings
In this unique and important book, one of the world's great spiritual leaders offers his practical wisdom and advice on how we can overcome everyday human problems and achieve lasting happiness.
The Art of Happiness is a highly accessible guide for a Western audience, combining the Dalai Lama's Eastern spiritual tradition with Dr Howard C. Cutler's Western perspective. Covering all key areas of human experience, they apply the principles of Tibetan Buddhism to everyday problems and reveal how one can find balance and complete spiritual and mental freedom. For the many who wish to understand more about the Dalai Lama's approach to living, there has never been a book which brings his beliefs so vividly into the real world.
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Product details
Listening Length 9 hours and 57 minutes
Author The Dalai Lama, Howard C. Cutler
Narrator Kris Dyer
Whispersync for Voice Ready
Audible.com Release Date May 31, 2018
Publisher Hodder & Stoughton
Customer reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
2,656 global ratings
5 star 84%
4 star 9%
3 star 4%
2 star 1%
1 star 2%
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Top reviews from the United States
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Most important book in my lifeReviewed in the United States on June 22, 2016
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This book changed my life when I first read it in 2009. I was depressed and negative from some difficult life events and stuck that way, losing all sense of self. Reading this was hard work. I focused on everything very hard, took notes, self-reflected, and was determined to practice compassion and understanding. I payed attention to my thought patterns and weeded out the negative thoughts and changed them to positive ones. I have always had a temper so when I feel myself giving into it, I read the chapter on anger and find my control again. It's amazing and I'd recommend it to anyone who is willing to dedicate themselves to change and read it with an open mind. Anyone from any religion can use and appreciate it, including atheists. It's a way of living every day.
218 people found this helpful
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Brad
3.0 out of 5 stars Not so greatReviewed in the United States on February 14, 2019
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Having read other books compiled from the Dalai Lama's teachings, I was happy to finally get this book--I was sorely disappointed (I almost gave it just two stars.) There are insights and nuggets of truth in here, but most of the book is Dr. Cutler's musings about his travels, his talking with the Dalai Lama, and far less of the teaching. It felt almost like an autobiography by Dr. Cutler, who happened to meet with the Dalai Lama, rather than a book BY the Dalai Lama. I was disappointed, and felt that it was a waste of my time and money. Not recommended.
53 people found this helpful
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David Wilder
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Advice to Achieve True HappinessReviewed in the United States on September 27, 2017
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Having been a student of Mahayana Buddhism for the past couple years, I had been meaning to read a book by the fourteenth Dalai Lama, and was overjoyed to purchase this one after being alerted that the Kindle edition had gone on sale by the excellent ebook deal-alerting service Bookbub. Since it was the first book by the current Dalai Lama that I ever read, I wasn't sure what to expect but I did expect it to be of high quality—especially since it is his most well-known book. Fortunately, it did not disappoint me in the slightest!
The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living was co-authored by psychiatrist Howard Cutler, who posed questions to the Dalai Lama over the series of many interviews. Cutler provides the setting and context for their meetings and also incorporates his own reflections on the issues raised in their discussions. In addition, transcriptions from several of the Dalai Lama's teachings are scattered throughout the book. It was first published in 1998, and I read the ten-year anniversary edition that was published in 2008 which includes a new preface and introduction.
The book delves into the concept of using various techniques to train the mind in order to achieve true happiness. In the preface, His Holiness the Dalai Lama states, "If you want others to be happy practice compassion; and if you want yourself to be happy practice compassion." This focus on developing compassion is consistent throughout the book and is a main focus in many of the answers that the Dalai Lama gives to Cutler's questions. It seems that this is a sort of prerequisite for cultivating happiness, a foundation upon which all of the other advice is based upon.
Another point that is made time and time again is that happiness comes down to one's state of mind more than by external events. There are a plethora of examples provided in the book, such as how lottery winners do not sustain their initial delight over a longterm period and instead return to the level of moment-to-moment happiness they were accustomed to prior to winning the lottery. Or how studies have shown that people who are struck by tragic events like cancer and blindness typically recover to their normal level of happiness after a reasonable adjustment period. Psychologists label this process "adaptation", which simply refers to the tendency of one's overall level of happiness to migrate back to a certain baseline.
From a Buddhist perspective, the root causes of all suffering are ignorance, craving, and hatred. The book fleshes out this idea and suggests methods for one to overcome them. For example, the Dalai Lama advises, "We cannot overcome anger and hatred simply by suppressing them. We need to actively cultivate the antidotes to hatred: patience and tolerance."
Overall, I was very impressed by this book. When I first started reading it I wished that the Dalai Lama had been the sole author, however I eventually grew to appreciate Cutler's additions. That's mainly because I did not realize that the book was co-authored until after I started reading it, so I had unknowingly and unintentionally set an improper expectation for myself. However, by the end of the book I had overlooked the co-authoring aspect entirely and focused more on the book's content, which is excellent. I would advise this book to anyone who is interested in the Dalai Lama, Buddhism, mindfulness, or becoming truly happy.
Namaste.
58 people found this helpful
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Yanni
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing readReviewed in the United States on January 30, 2018
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Whether Christian, Buddhist, Jewish, Hindu etc, this book outlines many important elements to being a good human being and how to improve your life by choosing the positive, compassion, love, tolerance, acceptance of the others. Thoroughly enjoyed it
36 people found this helpful
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Sharon F.
3.0 out of 5 stars The book is okayReviewed in the United States on September 4, 2019
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I was a little disappointed with the book by the Dalai Lama and Dr. Howard Cutler. If the book was just by his holiness I would have been very happy. Unfortunately, I found the book to be on the dull side. I got as far as page 89 when I gave up. I will, when I have time just skim through it for what the Dalai Lama has to say. I believe there is another book by him without the doctor. That I will get.
10 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars This book will help you become happier!Reviewed in the United States on July 9, 2017
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This book will forever be one of my favorites. The Dalai Lama's wisdom is clear, simple, and practical. He addresses many issues that we all face in daily life. Following his wisdom, you can eliminate any self-sabotage and self-created annoyances in life~ really! His wisdom also allows you to cope with the suffering that we all inevitably experience in life.
18 people found this helpful
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Meri
4.0 out of 5 stars Great ìnformation!Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2018
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Thìs book is two books in one. We read things about and said by the Dalai Lama and things from the medical professional. Some of the latter in the beginning seemed long and boring, thus minus a star. It is an interesting book. The idea of patience and tolerance as a type of anecdote for anger and hatred is very appealing. I'm glad I read this book.
9 people found this helpful
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Jeffrey
5.0 out of 5 stars AmazingReviewed in the United States on July 9, 2016
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Absolutely beautiful, psychologically and spiritually helpful. I will be rereading this book after I read a few others just for a refresher, it brings to life things we already know but the beliefs and ideas are covered up by all the worldly baggage we learn along the way. It makes me feel like a better person putting things into practice in my daily life, addressed by this great read. I'd just like to thank the work put into this for the greater good. I just wish I could help.
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K. Carr
5.0 out of 5 stars Hugely powerful book that really is suitable for anyone with an open mindReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 10, 2017
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This book is one that I can honestly say has had the most impact on me as a person and my life, even a long time after first reading it. It really puts things into perspective, encouraging you to take a step back and realise that life is not about wealth and material items and that the only thing we really have is the present so to embrace it every single second. This book helps you to stop holding grudges, be more empathetic and understand that we're all just humans at the end of the day. A great read and this book really is for anyone, you just need to be willing to open your mind.
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Carl
2.0 out of 5 stars Tibetan BuddhismReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 9, 2019
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Firstly I'd like to repeat what others have said... this isn't a book by the Dalai Lama, it is a book by Howard Cutler.
My main reason for giving such a low rating is the fact that this was passed off a self help book which it isn't. It may well give you a warm fuzzy feeling after reading it but it does not provide any of the tools necessary. There are nuggets of wisdom here and there I'm not denying that.
The Dalai Lama is a celibate monk from a particular tradition and culture, his specific branch of Buddhism employs some rather fancy philosophical arguments... why for example you shouldn't be angry with, but instead happy for, someone when they do you physical harm. It's all tied in to concepts of rebirth and karma etc... if you believe you are being reborn it doesn't really matter if you are stabbed to death, most of us would be better off getting pretty damn angry with an attacker. Having read a few books by the Dalai Lama (not this one) I'm convinced that he's not the person to turn to for advice on how to actually, concretely, change our lives.
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N. Green
5.0 out of 5 stars A must readReviewed in the United Kingdom on August 14, 2018
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For a religious leader the Dalai Lama is a very pragmatic way. It is this pragmatism along with the lead author's psychiatric training that makes this book more than a self help book, it is a guide that honestly reminds you that no change comes fast, it comes from training and perseverance but more importantly it comes through compassion, empathy, honesty and love. To anyone who things that is too hippy dippy this book is for you as it will give a different perspective and open a horizon that you currently have chosen to close yourself to. after all there is nothing more enlightening that being open minded and trying something different. The Brilliance of this book is that you don't have to like it, agree with it or take its advice, just read it and see what happens.
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Larissa Rohmig
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful and profoundReviewed in the United Kingdom on January 21, 2017
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For anyone who is looking for more joy and happiness in their life. Spirituality is presented in a really accessible way, you don't need to be a deep thinker to understand it. You will realise that true happiness doesn't rest on wealth or how you look, how much stuff you have. True happiness is a state of peace, compassion and love.
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L. Hunt
5.0 out of 5 stars A whole, new perspectiveReviewed in the United Kingdom on April 4, 2019
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Apologies for the cliche, but this is a enlightening read. For someone like me who has a restless and negative mind, this “canter” through the concepts of happiness, universal positive thinking, control and a different way of thinking about yourself has really helped me to start on a path of happiness. Peppered with lots of practical advice, guidance and techniques, it’s a well structured and written guide to different methods of finding happiness.
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The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
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The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
by Dalai Lama XIV, Howard C. Cutler
4.16 · Rating details · 92,447 ratings · 2,536 reviews
Nearly every time you see him, he's laughing, or at least smiling. And he makes everyone else around him feel like smiling. He's the Dalai Lama, the spiritual and temporal leader of Tibet, a Nobel Prize winner, and an increasingly popular speaker and statesman. What's more, he'll tell you that happiness is the purpose of life, and that "the very motion of our life is towar ...more
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Yascha
Apr 14, 2012Yascha rated it it was ok · review of another edition
Despite the 'author' being the Dalia Lama, this book was actually written by a Western Psychologist named Howard Cutler. It is mostly presented as interviews or meetings between himself and the Dalai Lama. I really enjoyed the segments that were pure quotes from the Dalai Lama, but found myself constantly frustrated by Cutler's questions and (obviously inserted after-the-fact) 'summaries' of the responses.
I would paraphrase the entire book like this:
Cutler -- "So what can every person do to be happy?"
Dalai Lama -- "Well this is a really complicated question and we need to look at specific cases in order to answer it fully. Here are a few basic guidelines ..."
Cutler -- "Yeah OK, so can you give me 3 steps that everyone can do to be happy?"
Dalai Lama -- (I can hear him sighing through the pages) "Yes, well I've given you some basic guidelines, but it's not a simple 3-step process. Here are some things to consider in these situations...
etc.
Cutler just seemed so stuck in his Western "we can make an algorithm for happiness and box it up neatly and put it on the shelf" ways and it's just not that simple. (less)
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Jenny
Dec 19, 2008Jenny rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
I first read this book as a freshman in high school but I've read it again at least twice. I'm not sure how it initially started but I've always been fascinated by the Dalai Lama of Tibet. The more I read about him, the more I'm in awe of him. While I recommend reading his biography first, this specific book is about the concept of happiness and how we attain it. It's not a self-help book but rather a book about how the Dalai Lama believes that people inheritantly have the ability to find happiness but we obstruct it with our immaterial and superficial beliefs. It made me realize how much society corrupts people's values. On a personal level, it made me re-evaluate my life and my values. I was also amazed at how much his beliefs correlate with Native American traditional beliefs. This is one of those few books that I find myself re-opening from time to time. (less)
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Steven Stark
Jul 11, 2007Steven Stark rated it really liked it · review of another edition
This book is actually written by a psychiatrist and includes extensive interviews with the Dalai Lama about how to be a generally happier person. Parts of the book are really great, and a couple of sections are a little bland, mostly depending on what questions the author is asking. The Dalai Lama's amazing traits come across throughout, however. His pragmatic, logical, and yet also spiritual approach to everything.
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Kimberly
Jan 10, 2009Kimberly rated it liked it · review of another edition
Dalai Lama believes in fundamental goodness in all human beings, in the value of compassion and kindness, and a sense of commonality among all living creatures.
Happiness is determined more by one's state of mind than by external events.
Excessive desire leads to greed, which leads to frustration, disappointment, problems and unhappiness.
True antidote of greee is contentment - to appreciate what we already have.
Relationships are not about just knowing people and superficial exchange, but to really share deepest problems and concerns in forming intimate friendships. Dalai Lama recommends maintaining closeness with as many people as possible, aim to connect with everyone in some way.
Concepts of intimacy vary among cultures. Western.... too caught up in finding "one special person" or romantic partner who we hope will heal our loneliness, yet prop up our illusion that we are still independent.
If we think of suffering as something unnatural, something that we shouldn't be experiencing, then it's not much of a leap to begin to look for someone to blame for our suffering. If I'm unhappy, then I must be the "victim" of someone or something. As long as we view suffering as an unnatural state, an abnormal condition that we fear, avoid and reject, we will never uproot the causes of suffering and begin to live a happier life.
It is entirely appropriate to seek out causes of our problems, searching for solutions on all levels - global, societal, familial, and individual.
Shifting to wider perspective - realizing there are many people who have gone through similar & worse experiences - can be very helpful.
If you learn to develp patience and tolerance toward your enemies, then everything else bcomes easier - your compassion towards all others begins to flow naturally. Compassion is the essence of a spiritual life.
The enemy is the necessary condition for practicing patience. Friends don't often test us, so our enemy is a great teacher.
Flexibility of the mind, those most adaptable to change will survive best. (less)
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Dad
May 15, 2008Dad added it · review of another edition
The Moms was watching a movie that was so filled with awkward and embarrassing social interaction that I cast desperately about me for something else to do. Near at hand was "The Art of Happiness" by Dolly and some doctor guy. I picked it up and began to read. I'm about half-way through (guess I'm 50% enlightened) and it's really quite good. Except for the parts that are stupid or wrong. The problem is not so much what the Big D has to say, but the doctor guy's interpretation or amplification. That's the problem with amplification, there can be a lot of distortion (which can sound really cool if your Jimi Hendrix, otherwise not so much). He makes what I feel are some pretty feeble attempts to support the assertions with "scientific" studies in pseudo-sciences like psychology, sociology, and neurology. Isn't it enough that it's true? Do you have to have "proof" as well? The proof is in the pudding and the world would be a pretty tasty place if everyone implemented the best parts of the ideas expressed in this book. (How was that for a strained analogy?) You don't have to be a Buddhist to get some really good stuff out of this book. (Which is good, because I HATE cows.) (less)
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Sarah
Jul 22, 2007Sarah rated it liked it · review of another edition
I love the Dalai Lama and everything he says in this book. However, Cutler's input mostly detracts from the teachings of the Dalai Lama. At best, he makes small, often insignificant links between the Dalai Lama's point and western science. Like how he made the connection between Buddhism's idea of training the mind to the scientific idea of "plasticity" which proves that, indeed, you can train the mind. Was that ever really a question though? I didn't need to be convinced of that... At worst, he purposefully makes himself a sitting duck for "how not to be" and then contrasts his own folly with the wise teachings of the Dalai Lama. While real-life examples do make the sometimes abstract points of the Dalai Lama seem more accessible, it goes overboard. Also, his questions often take the conversation with the Dalai Lama in a completely different, often more obvious and tiresome, direction than I was hoping. With the conversation format, there were great opportunities to enter into intellectual debate and come to a complex understanding between two viewpoints. Instead, Cutler asked childish, simple questions that barely skimmed the surface of the Dalai Lama's well thought-out discourse, and no deeper understanding was gained by Cutler's interruptions. Overall, would have loved this book more as solo meditations by the Dalai Lama, or maybe with an interviewer who had better questions and comments. (less)
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BrokenTune
Mar 07, 2016BrokenTune rated it did not like it · review of another edition
Shelves: reviewed
DNF @ 15%
I mistakenly thought this was a book by His Holiness the Dalai Lama, who is listed as one of the authors - or the only authors in some book databases - but it is not. This book was written by Howard C. Cutler, a psychiatrist, who spent one week with the Dalai Lama, and then used his interviews with the Dalai Lama as a basis for this book.
Now, once I found out that I was mislead by the book, I still wanted to read on and see what the author had to say. Unfortunately, I was quickly put off by two - in my opinion major - logical flaws in the construction of the book's premise:
1. The author provides the following motivation behind writing the book:
"When I initially conceived of this book, I envisioned a conventional self-help format in which the Dalai Lama would present clear and simple solutions to all life’s problems. I felt that, using my background in psychiatry, I could codify his views in a set of easy instructions on how to conduct one’s daily life. By the end of our series of meetings I had given up on that idea. I found that his approach encompassed a much broader and more complex paradigm, incorporating all the nuance, richness, and complexity that life has to offer."
You see, my problem is that the Dalai Lama's books, speeches and other communications are pretty easy to understand. He has a particular skill to explain complex issues in simple terms, but then simplicity is one of the essential elements in his way of life.
The other issue I had with the author's statement is that I find the approach of trying to create a dogma from a Buddhist point of view a rather ridiculous idea. If there ever was a spritual teaching whose essence is that it is wholly un-dogmatic and un-codified, it would be Buddhism, but then maybe I am just getting the wrong end of the stick.
2. The author's approach in this book is to try and combine Western science with the Dalai Lama's interpretations/teachings. Again, this is a flawed approach when early on in the book, the author includes the following quotation:
"In trying to determine the source of one’s problems, it seems that the Western approach differs in some respects from the Buddhist approach. Underlying all Western modes of analysis is a very strong rationalistic tendency – an assumption that everything can be accounted for. And on top of that, there are constraints created by certain premises that are taken for granted."
Basically, the Dalai Lama tried to explain that a Western approach which is mostly based on science is restricted in its understanding of the human condition. So, why the author tries to combine, or back up, the topics discussed from a Buddhist perspective in this book with references to Western scientific research (for which he often does not cite sources!!!) is totally beyond me.
Can't recommend this at all. (less)
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Lauren
Nov 20, 2007Lauren rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
This is a book that has to be read slowly and with determination, with many pauses for looking-off-into-the-distance-deep-in-thought. It is not BY the Dalai Lama so much as it is about the Dalai Lama, interviews with him, thoughts on his beliefs and practices. It took me a long time to get through, but I really enjoyed it. I think that if everyone tried to fit a little Buddhism into their lives (not a little Buddhist, but a little BuddhISM), we would all be much calmer and happier, more patient and more understanding. (less)
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Heather Kidder
Feb 10, 2008Heather Kidder rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: old-reads
This book always brings me a lot of peace when I read it. It calms me down and puts me at ease. I actually bought this book for josh but spent a lot of time reading it myself and its very enjoyable remind you about all the little good things in life and about what really matters.
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Diane in Australia
Jan 03, 2019Diane in Australia rated it it was ok · review of another edition
Shelves: spiritual-paths
Howard Cutler, a psychiatrist, does several interviews with the Dalai Lama, and then writes this book. Umm ... I was underwhelmed. I do appreciate what the Dalai Lama teaches, but this book didn't really live up to the hype. If you know absolutely nothing about the Dalai Lama, you might get a starter course from this book. But for me, it wasn't anything new. I think part of the problem was Howard. I felt that he was a bit silly at times, and shallow at others, and just irritating most of the tim ...more
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Whitney
Jan 14, 2009Whitney rated it really liked it · review of another edition
I really liked this book. It has enough information to open your eyes, but not too much to scare you away. The Author, being a psychologist, was able to take the Eastern ideas from the Dalai Lama and compare them to a more Western way of thinking. Although I've seen many of the ideas and thoughts in other books, the Dalai Lama had a way with words that seemed to just -click- with me, and in the sections that I didn't really understand, Howard Cutler, the author, was able to clarify. This book is good for anyone who may be stuck in the same way of thinking...its a good starter for those who are just getting into 'eastern views'. (less)
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Debbie Zapata
Jul 17, 2018Debbie Zapata rated it liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: saturdaymx
We all know that some books that felt important and special during a first reading can sometimes make us wonder WHY the second time around.
This turned out to be one such book for me, I'm afraid. I first read it many years ago during a physically and emotionally painful period of my life. The book helped me then, and I will always cherish that fact.
But this time around I was too distracted by Cutler's questions, statements, and ramblings to be able to focus on the Dalai Lama's words. I had to give up around page 95 or so when Cutler related some incidents in India and the way he had reacted to them. All I could think at that point was 'here is this man with the incredible opportunity to talk face to face nearly every day with the Dalai Lama and he is not learning a single thing!'
I'm putting this one aside for now. No book about happiness should make a reader unhappy. My star rating is more for the old days than for these, by the way.
(less)
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Sara Alaee
Jul 22, 2016Sara Alaee rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Shelves: non-fiction, spirituality, psychology
“Happiness is determined more by one's state of mind than by external events… Although you may not always be able to avoid difficult situations, you can modify the extent to which you can suffer by how you choose to respond to the situation...”
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Sherilynn Macale
Mar 26, 2013Sherilynn Macale rated it really liked it · review of another edition
This book has completely changed my perspective on how I deal with anger, hatred, and other negative mind states and emotions. In simply becoming aware of the Buddhist perspective, I feel I've learned how to feel more in control of my own life, of how I carry myself, and how I treat the people around me.
I feel more compassionate.
I feel more kind.
I feel more understanding.
I find it incredible how my Western upbringing contrasts to Eastern beliefs and traditions. Things that I thought were intrinsic and natural have turned out not to be instinctual, but rather *taught* through conditioning. It makes me happy to know that my sometimes negative mindset can be trained out of pessimism, and to be aware that there are those out there who have already accomplished this through the help of Buddhist teaching.
I think what surprised me the most when reading The Art of Happiness is just how human the Dalai Lama really is, and how for someone who is seen as a spiritual deity of sorts by millions around the world, he is every bit as equal as the "common man", and sincerely goes out of his way to make this idea clear to his audiences.
While I may not be converting to Buddhism any time soon, I'd still recommend this book to those suffering from anxiety, filled with a feeling of loneliness, or dealing with any other difficult time in their life. I'm grateful for the perspective I've been given after completing The Art of Happiness, and I definitely feel this book can help those who need a little boost in their lives. (less)
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Chad Santos
Dec 26, 2017Chad Santos rated it it was amazing · review of another edition
Shelves: philosophy
Exquisite. He masterfully balances religion and politics while protecting the many who follow him. I have so much admiration for him and respect for the difficulties he gracefully handles.
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Romanas
May 26, 2018Romanas rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Dr. Howard C. Cutler, psychiatrist and one of the leading experts on the science of human happiness has spent some valuable time with His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama and in this book brought a western perspective of Tibetan Buddhism and its take on human quest for happiness.
Happiness is a tricky subject. Some people spend their whole lives trying to chase happiness, while others are just simply happy, seemingly, without searching for any particular ways to achieve it. Is happiness the ultimate purpose of life, or is there something else that matters in our lives? Dalai Lama says – everybody should aim for happiness, and everybody can achieve it. But what to put into it, what are the sources and kinds of happiness?
In America, people are granted the pursuit of happiness, it´s a fundamental right of the citizens. Merriam-Webster’s dictionary defines happiness as “a state of well-being and contentment”. While it sounds quite simple, a true meaning of happiness is one of the most enigmatic feelings people daily try to understand and pursue. There are many obstacles on the way to that simple state of lasting happiness. Dalai Lama’s wisdom comes very handy for everybody interested how to deal with and eventually overcome those barriers and live a happier life.
The book starts by exploring the meaning of life, where the stage is set for the following discussions on how to develop capabilities of human compassion, how to treat others, how to deal with suffering, and very importantly, how to overcome all those bad feelings and manners, like anger and hatred – the huge obstacles of happiness. Happiness can’t be just thrown into us, it is a complex mental process. Our mind is meant to be trained for happiness by using right tools and right attitudes. It’s in our mind, and the book has many keys to it.
I like particularly the way that that Dalai Lama doesn’t push hard on the religion aspect in the pursuit of happiness, but stresses on the need for a spiritual dimension in everybody’s life. That’s what makes this philosophy and the book so appreciated. There’s much common sense in Dalai Lama’s teachings, as it is in, generally, all kinds of Buddhism. This is an important book to get that confirmed.
“People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.” ― Dalai Lama (less)
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Margo Kelly
Jun 23, 2011Margo Kelly rated it really liked it · review of another edition
Well ... I almost gave it three stars instead of four ... simply because Cutler's narratives drove me nuts. I loved the messages of Dalai Lama, but I found Cutler's words irritating! (Cutler is the Western psychiatrist who interviewed the Dalai Lama and put the book together).
I know ... if I would put into practice the art of compassion as taught by the Dalai Lama, Cutler's opinions wouldn't have bothered me. However, I'm not that enlightened.
It seemed as though Cutler belittled some of the Buddhist philosophies, calling them "too simple." Then, he would reference situations and examples where either he was playing the "devil's advocate" to make a more profound point of the Dalai Lama's messages, OR Cutler was very insensitive. I just thought, here is a man with a personal audience with the Dalai Lama - - - why is he not learning and putting into practice the things he is hearing?
I began to skim Cutler's sections and read the Dalai Lama's sections more slowly.
I found the Dalai Lama's messages inspiring. To understand the difference between pleasure and happiness ... a new window was opened for me. After reading that section, I was able to make decisions more easily based on whether the choice would provide me long term happiness or short term pleasure. A great way to look at things.
Many other great messages opened my eyes and also reaffirmed personal beliefs regarding charity, tolerance, forgiveness, and other important ideas.
A great book regardless of your religious affinities.
It is one I will read again. (less)
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