Art Of Happiness: Amazon.ca: Dalai Lama: Books

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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer? How should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do you handle the death of a loved one? These are the conundrums that psychiatrist Howard Cutler poses to the Dalai Lama during an extended period of interviews in The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living.

At first, the Dalai Lama's answers seem simplistic, like a surface reading of Robert Fulghum: Ask yourself if you really need something; our enemies can be our teachers; compassion brings peace of mind. Cutler pushes: But some people do seem happy with lots of possessions; but "suffering is life" is so pessimistic; but going to extremes provides the zest in life; but what if I don't believe in karma? As the Dalai Lama's responses become more involved, a coherent philosophy takes shape. Cutler then develops the Dalai Lama's answers in the context of scientific studies and cases from his own practice, substantiating and elaborating on what he finds to be a revolutionary psychology. Like any art, the art of happiness requires study and practice--and the talent for it, the Dalai Lama assures us, is in our nature. --Brian Bruya

From Library Journal

The Art of Happiness is read like an enchanting Indian tale by Howard Cutler and Ernest Abuba. Gyatso, His Holiness the Fourteenth Dalai Lama, is the spiritiual and temporal leader of the Tibetan people. Cutler helps to blend psychology with the Dalai Lamas Buddhist meditations and stories. Gyatso talks about how to defeat depression, anxiety, anger, and jealousy through meditation. He discusses relationships, health, family, work, and spirituality and how to find inner peace while facing these struggles. His tireless efforts on behalf of human rights and world peace have brought him international recognition. He is the recipient of the Wallenberg Award (conferred by the U.S. Congressional Human Rights Foundation), the Albert Schweitzer Award, and the Nobel Peace Prize. Recommended for world religion collections.Ravonne A. Green, Virginia Polytechnic Inst. & State Univ., Blacksburg
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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First Sentence
I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. Read the first page

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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover

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283 Reviews

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3.9 out of 5 stars (283 customer reviews)

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23 of 28 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars False Advertising, Aug 20 2004

By

Michelle (Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art Of Happiness (Hardcover)

Howard C. Cutler knows how to sell a book - stick a big picture of the Dalai Lama on the cover and exploit the heck out of him. This book was very disappointing. I was expecting a book on the wisdom of the Dalai Lama's teachings. Instead I read a discouraging rendition of a psychiatrist's struggle to understand something he obviously just does not get. He blunders through interview after interview with the Dalai Lama spending much more time relating his own interpretations of "The Art of Happiness" than passing on what the Dalai Lama has taught. If you want to read a rude, arrogant psychiatrist's version of happiness, this book is for you. If you would rather hear what the expert has to say, I suggest looking somewhere else.

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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Happiness According to the Dalai Lama, Dec 8 2008

By

Beth "happiness searcher" - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Art Of Happiness (Hardcover)

This book is suppose to represent the Dalai Lama's views on happiness. Readers should know right off the bat that the Dalai Lama didn't actually write this book. Rather, the book is written by a Western psychiatrist who has had extensive converations with His Holiness. To insure that there were no "inadvertant distortions" of the Dalai Lama's ideas as a result of the editorial process, the Dalai Lama's interpreter reviewed the final manuscript. You be the judge as to whether that means this there was nothing "lost in translation".

So who is this Dalai Lama, aka "His Holiness" anyway? And, why should we read a book about happiness by him? Well, the Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader of the Tibetan people according to Tibetan Buddhism- which in my book makes him a person I'd want to listen to when he talks, especially when it's on one of my favorite subjects, happiness. And if this all sounds like an interesting topic for a book, you should read it- you won't be disappointed.

Now this is the kind of book I could write a long review of- simply because there's just so much wisdom packed into it. But, I think I'll take a short-cut with this one and just hit the highlights.

The Dalai Lama believes that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. Other happiness books have also taken this same position. For example, the book Finding Happiness in a Frustrating World refers to happiness as "the ultimate pursuit". On this most will agree, but what exactly does the Dalai Lama tell us about finding it?

As with most of his ideas on things, the concept is clear and simple: happiness can be achieved through training the mind. According to the Dalai Lama, one begins by identifying those factors which lead to happiness, and those factors which lead to suffering.

Having done this, one then sets about gradually eliminating those factors which lead to suffering and cultivating those which lead to happiness. That is the way.

To that end, that's exactly what makes up the majority of this book's pages- ways to eliminate factors in your life that lead to suffering, and learning to foster those factors that lead to happiness. Some specific topics include:

-facing suffering
-dealing with anger, hatred, and anxiety
-building self-esteem
-deepening your connection to others

When all is said and done, I'd have to say that the time you spend mulling over the book's 300-plus pages is going to be well worth it. For most readers, the Dalai Lama's wisdom and views will probably be very beneficial, if not transforming. Happy trails!

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best books on the subject of "happiness", Dec 1 2009

By

Prudent - See all my reviews

This review is from: Art Of Happiness (Hardcover)

This book interestingly compares Western psychology with Buddhist "psychology". Buddhists have been contemplating the mind for thousands of years and their understanding of psychology is far more advanced than the knowledge and understanding in the West. Scientists marvel how peaceful and calm Buddhist monks are and have recently carried out research, comparing insights with modern psychology. In spite of the most difficult circumstances, including the violent takeover of Tibet by the Chinese which tortured, imprisoned, and killed millions, forcing them into exile in India - they continue to be happy.

I'm very grateful that the Dalai Lama has shared his insights in this book "The Art of Happiness" as well as his other books. His books have made a positive difference in my life.
The Dalai Lama defines true happiness as having a calm, peaceful mind. Then he proceeds to explain how important it is to reduce negative thoughts and emotions, like anger and self-pity - which disrupt one's mind, drains energy and destroys happiness. By focusing on positive thoughts and emotions - such as patience and tolerance as an antidote to anger - this cultivates mental well-being and inner happiness. So simple, common sense - but very true!

Unfortunately, too many psychologists in the West overprescribe harmful "antidepressant" medication that has serious side-effects. I don't think Tibetan Buddhists take antidepressant medication, yet despite the worse living-conditions (poverty), as well as violence and disturbing history during the violent Chinese take-over of Tibet - these people are much happier than most people in the West!

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Enlightening, Even For The Uninspired
A fantastic read, both in hearing directly the teachings of the Dalai Lama, and the more scientific take of Dr. Cutler. Read more

Published 9 months ago by IDGS

1.0 out of 5 stars Overshadowed by Western Thought
The author puts a western psychiatric twist on the Dalai Lama's messages. He tries to incorporate his scientific knowledge where it doesn't really belong, in the human spirit... Read more

Published 19 months ago by M. Ward