Customer Reviews

The Art of Happiness

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A fantastic read, both in hearing directly the teachings of the Dalai Lama, and the more scientific take of Dr. Cutler.

I picked this up a couple of years ago, and have slowly read it when the moment strikes. I'm sure it would have more of an impact if you read it in one sitting, but it still rouses a desire for self-improvement if taken in moderate doses.

Now, I'll be frank (you can be whomever you like, fear not) - I'm not a big fan of self-help books. New Age Spirtuality? Bleh. I'd rather read a gore-fuelled nightmare than read about chanelling my energy and preaching to rocks. Despite this, I found this to be a very engaging title, and one that makes you think.

In North America, we're a product of our psyches, and often bend to their wills without knowing it. Think about it - you think of all the work you have to do when you get home from work, so you get tired. Really tired. But stop - take a second, why? Well, because you're thinking of how tired you're going to be. Are you tired now? No.

As soon as the realization comes, you're not all that tired anymore. Not looking forward to the work ahead, but at the moment - nah, you're pretty much alright.

The Dalai Lama thinks happiness works much in the same way. Think about happiness, and search for it. Make it a conscious thing, rather than an abstract idea, nice to talk about when it's absent - or seemingly so - from your day.

In any case, pick it up. Quite enlightening, really.

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.

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!

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!

I admire the eloquent words and preachings of the Dali Lama. However, it is unfortunate that "intellectual exibitionists" such as Cutler have used tha Dalai Lama's notable and well-recognized name and face as an opportunity to display his so-call worldly "intellect". I was pleased only by the Dalai Lama's verbatim statements in this book. However, I could have done without Cutler's self-absorbing comments and self-praised remarks as a means to reassure himself of his intelligence. Perhaps Cutler should re-read the Dalai Lama's teachings which emphasize the importance of humbleness. I suppose that for Cutler, having an advanced degree does not guarantee with it any common sense or respect for someone as well-praised and humble as the Dalai Lama.

Is there any other person out there who feels that HH the Dalai Lama has written too many books? Buddhism may be the most difficult of all religions, but in its essence, Buddhism is the simplest. None of these books is necessary to achieve what is already in everyone. So in my humble opinion, I think it would be better to pick anyone one of his books as they are all generally the same: compassion. lose your ego. etc. However, if the books are used for his cause of Tibetan liberation, then by all means support it by buying his books. Otherwise, all you need is one of his books, a difficult life experience, and a lot of meditation. The Dalai Lama is a great being indeed.

Always one to be skeptical of these kinds of collaborative book efforts, I think it's important to point out that 'The Art of Happiness' was written not by the Dalai Lama, but by Howard C. Cutler, a psychiatrist. Dr. Cutler weaves together exerpts from numerous conversations with the Dalai Lama spanning many years, and from public talks given throughout Arizona in 1993. The result is an enjoyable treatise on a topic of widespread importance: happiness (or the lack thereof). I also highly recommend "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Book of Eastern Wisdom" by Taro Gold, which makes a great companion book to all of the Dalai Lama's works.

1. This book isn't the Dalai Lama's writing.

2. This book is a clever way of "earning" some money based on the Dalai Lama's cult of personality.

3. The simplistic nonsense passing for deep thoughts can be discounted by anyone who knows anything about logic, history, religion, or is above the age of ten.

4. The Dalai Lama is just another in a line of theocrats and would-be theocrats who have polluted the Earth for too many centuries.

5. You should learn what Tibet was like under the religious dictatorship of the previous Lamas before making any positive comments about them or their philosophy.

6. None of the above points are intended to excuse the horrific crimes that the Chinese government has committed in Tibet.

I received this book as a Christmas present with the excitement of a child opening an awaited present. I was looking in anticipation to read 319 pages on what the Dalai Lama had to say on "Happiness" (in his words). Instead as I read further and further into the chapters I understood that this was Howard's words and not the Dalai Lama's. I did not pay to read Howard; so I felt betrayed by the cover with a picture of the Dalai Lama and the content being for the most part from someone else then portrayed. The title should be changed to "The Art of Illusion".

Let me just say upfront that I'm a pretty skeptical person and I don't go in for touchy-feely stuff very easily. That said, I really enjoyed this book and think that almost anyone could get something out of it.

It is a series of discussions with the Dalai Llama and the author's reflections on his words. The author makes an honest attempt to understand the presented doctrine, but doesn't hesitate to ask probing questions. Sometimes he even gets the Dalai Llama to think about things in a new way!

For me, the main theme of the book was about patience, tolerance, and understanding. It has certainly changed my perspective on human behaviour, and I feel I am calmer for this. Although I am not capable yet of embracing all the qualities that this book espouses, I am definitely changed by reading it.