Reviews of The Art of Happiness by His Holiness The Dalai Lama

The Art of Happiness

A Handbook For Living

by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Howard C. Cutler, M.D.

The Art of Happiness by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Howard C. Cutler, M.D. X
The Art of Happiness by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, Howard C. Cutler, M.D.
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  • First Published:
    Nov 1998, 322 pages

    Paperback:
    Nov 1999, 322 pages

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Book Summary

The Nobel Peace Prize winner and man of great inner peace brings to a general audience the key to a happy life.

"Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, the very purpose of our life is happiness, the very motion of our life is towards happiness." 
H.H. the Dalai Lama, from The Art of Happiness

So popular and so rarely understood, this Nobel Peace Prize winner and man of great inner peace brings to a general audience the key to a happy life. In collaboration with a Western psychiatrist, The Art of Happiness is the first inspirational book for a general audience by the Dalai Lama.

Through meditations, stories, and the meeting of Buddhism and psychology, the Dalai Lama shows us how to defeat day-to-day depression, anxiety, anger, jealousy, or just an ordinary bad mood. He discusses relationships, health, family, and work to show us how to ride through life's obstacles on a deep and abiding source of inner peace. Based on 2,500 years of Buddhist meditations mixed with a healthy dose of common sense, The Art of Happiness crosses the boundaries of all traditions to help readers with the difficulties common to all human beings.

"I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, we all are seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness…"

With these words, spoken before a large audience in Arizona, the Dalai Lama cut to the heart of his message. But his claim that the purpose of life was happiness raised a question in my mind. Later, when we were alone, I asked, "Are you happy?"

"Yes," he said. He paused, then added, "Yes…definitely." There was a quiet sincerity in his voice that left no doubt - a sincerity that was reflected in his expression and in his eyes.

"But is happiness a reasonable goal for most of us?" I asked. "Is it really possible?"

"Yes. I believe that happiness can be achieved through training the mind."

The concept of achieving true happiness has, in the West, always seemed ill defined, ...

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Reviews

Media Reviews

Booklist - Donna Seaman
Over and over again, Cutler poses complicated psychological inquiries only to have the Dalai Lama offer responses that reach far beyond the parameters of the self. There really is such a thing as an art of happiness, and this is one of the best how-to books a reader will ever find.

Reader Reviews

Kirconnell

Inspiring
Absolutely wonderful! I felt happier before I was even halfway through the book. The Dalai Lama has such a compassionate, inspiring outlook on life that he makes you believe that you can do anything. He presents complex concepts in such a simple ...   Read More
john

Excellente!
kristinak

I recommend this book to all of the soul-searchers out there.It's wisdom you can read over and over.For years;)
Hector Ramirez

Great book! In hard times, I recommedn this book to help with your suffering.

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