--- product_id: 115110869 title: "The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness Kindle Edition" brand: "eric swanson" price: "VT3851" currency: VUV in_stock: true reviews_count: 9 url: https://www.desertcart.vu/products/115110869-the-joy-of-living-unlocking-the-secret-and-science-happiness store_origin: VU region: Vanuatu --- # The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness Kindle Edition **Brand:** eric swanson **Price:** VT3851 **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness Kindle Edition by eric swanson - **How much does it cost?** VT3851 with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.vu](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/115110869-the-joy-of-living-unlocking-the-secret-and-science-happiness) ## Best For - eric swanson enthusiasts ## Why This Product - Trusted eric swanson brand quality - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description Full description not available ## Images ![The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness Kindle Edition - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51qLBj57GsL.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ the science portion of the book (maybe the first third) is great for what it is *by D***N on Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2018* I bought this book about 4 years ago, and finally picked it up and read it about 8 months ago. I will be forever grateful that I did.Frankly, the science portion of the book (maybe the first third) is great for what it is, but the real gold comes from the author's gentle, encouraging and empowering words on meditation. I found myself thoroughly persuaded by his argument that all of us have the choice to be happy in this world. Beyond just words, Mingyur Rinpoche provides the actual instructions for finding inner peace.After reading the book I was inspired to start a daily meditation practice, which has provided me with much greater perspective on my life, with less stress over the daily nonsense we are all consumed with 99% of the time. Reading this is a step in the right direction for anyone looking to get more enjoyment and meaning from their life.As others have maybe said, this book is geared mostly towards people without too much experience with meditation, although I believe it would be of benefit to practitioners of all levels. ### ⭐⭐⭐ Didnt like it *by R***F on Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2019* Im giving this a 3 stars out of respect for the author's effort.The book starts ok with the author talking a little bit about his personal story, which helps to create empathy and even identification among those readers who may suffer from anxiety.Then the author tries to pursue a scientific approach or explanation for why meditation helps to create happiness, joy, peace and clarity, all those things. This part of the book is rather boring and not convincing enough for my taste.If you want a more convincing case on the scientific side I'd recommend Rick Hanson's Buddah Brain. It is a little bit more heavy on the science but still very approachable.Then the author starts part II where he describes practical methods for meditation, which he calls "The Path".In this part he is also uncapable of making a convincing case. He is unable to set a motivational tone, to inspire one to meditate. He covers many techniques and left me lost as to which one to pursue, when and why.Overall this was a frustrating experience. It was a nice and light read but I couldnt reap much benefits.Im not talking about benefits regarding meditation. I know that it takes practice, time and discipline.Im very aware that one cannot expect to reap benefits from meditation overnight or just by reading a book.But I expected that "The Path" that he laid out was clear, structured and that it made sense from a logical and racional point of view. Just like many other buddist texts, we are just expected to "trust that it will work". What he calls "The Path" is just a jumble of techniques, not a step-by-step that the word "Path" implicitly conveys.By lacking structure in his "Path", the reader is left without any sense of direction or progress,where to go and what to expect, and therefore it is inevitable that the feeling we should accept things by faith arises.If I wanted to accept things by faith I'd have stayed within the realm of western religion dogma, thank you very much,and wouldnt be pursuing an alternative. What draws me to Buddhism the the fact that The Buddah said we shouldnt accept things by faith, we should let the experience teach us. And my experience so far has not been so positive.In the end this book left me pretty much in the same place I was before I started.There were a few interesting stories throughout the book, but overall the experience I got was disappointingand less positive, inspiring and encouraging than I'd have hoped for.Most people will read my comments and perhaps will want to reply by saying that a book alone cannot give you the insight you need or the benefits you expect to reap, and that only a master or experienced teacher can do that. Im aware that a master and the feedback he can give you can help clarify doubts, provide additional guidance and correct errors, and Im also aware that by only reading a book one cannot expect to go much further, in other words: we have to practice.Im aware that one cannot expect to learn to swim by reading a book, but you can get a glimpse of many aspects involved in the process, it can put you in the right mindset, motivate you and so on...I was expecting to finish the book at least with a refreshed state of mind, an excitement in knowing that what I have to do is clear, even if it takes years. But no... I was left with a jumble of techniques unconnected to one another, and that was called "The Path". Its even worse than a jigsay puzzle, because in the puzzle's case at least you KNOW you'll eventually accomplish what you want if you apply enough brute force.Maybe I expected too much.Im aware that one should not approach meditation with expectations, that would be clinging in itself, but Im talking about the book here. People purchase books for different reasons, and in each reason there is an implicit expectation.Anyway, sorry for the negativity, I just hope the next one will be better... ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ My meditation bible *by K***D on Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2016* This is the second time I've bought this book (after lending it to someone who decided they liked it too much to return it!). It's a wonderful guide for anyone interested in meditation, and provides lots of ideas and strategies for practice. Rinpoche also explains the science behind meditation, which I think gives this book added depth. I often pick it up and read a chapter whenever I'm feeling tense and need a reminder on how to be mindful to get through tough times. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.vu/products/115110869-the-joy-of-living-unlocking-the-secret-and-science-happiness](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/115110869-the-joy-of-living-unlocking-the-secret-and-science-happiness) --- *Product available on Desertcart Vanuatu* *Store origin: VU* *Last updated: 2026-05-17*