The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living

Brilliant book to read.

I really liked this book and I thought it put across the Dalai Lama's personality so well. This succinct book has also led me to read more in depth Buddhist texts. It is a great place to start. Must admit to always having had a soft for the Dalai Lama, he has a twinkle in his eye and is truly spiritual. He does not only talk the talk, but walks the walk. If you are having a bad time this book may help put it into perspective. It reminds us all humans suffer and nothing is permanent. If you have lost faith in human nature this may help to ignite it. I find this book a comfort in difficult times and inspirational in easier ones. It reminds me of my spiritual self and how life is a journey. We can make this journey happier if we can control our mind and our ego, see suffering from a different perspective, acknowledge impermanence and recognise compassion as a strength not a weakness. Overall, very informative, inspirational and comforting.

This book covers a wide range of issues; how to be happier, relationships, differentiating pleasure from real happiness. Overall I found it really interesting and extremely helpful. The main theme is that developing compassion, patience and tolerance will bring you happiness. Maybe towards the final quarter of the book it became ever so slightly less focused and less relevant however I would recommend this for people who never seem to be content or happy with their lives. It does help.

Still not happy

For me this was a book that had to be read slowly and with determination, with many pauses for looking-off-into-the-distance-deep-in-thought. The 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, he really is a most remarkable human being if only the whole World could feel the same .......... but I digress the book. 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. I strongly recommend this book for anyone trying to move on from any sort of suffering (death, divorce, argument, career blues, etc.) which means we would ALL find this book useful. It's true that we all have one unique goal as human beings: happiness. This book is a great starting point for MORE happiness in our lives.

I found this a surprisingly interesting read with practical advice provided through Tibetan culture, although at times some of this may come across as common sense. The format of the Dalai Lama 's text and the author's experiences that lead on to the next section may start to get repetitive. I enjoyed reading this book.

I absolutely love this book, one of my favourites. First read it years ago and have always kept the advice in mind and tell people often what the Dalai Lama says: the meaning of life is to be happy, and the path to happiness is kindness! It really is true and whenever I am focused on kindness to others I notice myself being happier. I love the balance in this book between the wise words of the Dalai Lama combined with the scientific explanations from the psychology point of view.

This book is such a gift and touches you in a very deep true place. For anyone wanting to go further, however, I feel Dawn Paul's book 'A healer of souls', takes you to the next level spiritually.

La filosofía budista merece todos mis respetos y en particular la figura del Dalai Lama, después de todo lo que ha pasado, en su proclama de fomentar los estados mentales positivos, como la comprensión, la amabilidad y la compasión, en el camino a una mejor salud psicológica y felicidad. La lectura es sencilla y práctica. El texto ha sido preparado por un psiquiatra norteamericano, a partir de las entrevistas y conversaciones, con el Dalai a lo largo de varios años, por lo que en numerosas ocasiones plantea las formas y puntos de vista occidentales frente al budismo. Desde mi punto de vista una lectura obligada.

Surprisingly pragmatic and moving account of interviews with the Dalai Lama by an American Psychiatrist. “Simple” but powerful values of compassion, empathy and tolerance— that I will continue to attempt to weave into my daily thoughts and behaviour. An important book — especially in today’s times where it appears that many people have lost their moral compasses.

Reading it every day can keep calm. It is impressive.

To all those who can practice what they read. Has components of living a good life at a personal level and at a spiritual level to live peacefully, joyfully with community. The book is easy to read as it is written in a conversation style.

The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living ist ein bemerkenswertes Buch, das einen tiefgreifenden Einblick in die Suche nach Glück und innerer Zufriedenheit bietet. Geschrieben von dem Dalai Lama und dem Psychiater Howard C. Cutler, stellt es eine inspirierende Anleitung für ein erfülltes Leben dar. Das Buch präsentiert eine Kombination aus buddhistischer Weisheit und westlicher Psychologie, die einen einzigartigen Ansatz für das Verständnis und die Erreichung von Glück bietet. Es regt dazu an, die eigene Wahrnehmung von Glück zu überdenken und bietet praktische Werkzeuge, um eine positive Einstellung zu entwickeln und schwierige Situationen zu bewältigen. Die Weisheit des Dalai Lama strahlt in jedem Kapitel des Buches. Seine klaren und einfühlsamen Botschaften ermutigen den Leser, sich mit sich selbst und anderen in Verbindung zu setzen, um wahres Glück zu finden. Die gemeinsamen Dialoge mit Howard C. Cutler bringen auch die westliche Perspektive ein und bieten interessante Einblicke und Anregungen. The Art of Happiness ist leicht verständlich geschrieben und enthält zahlreiche praktische Beispiele, Übungen und Fallstudien. Diese helfen dabei, die Konzepte in den Alltag zu integrieren und schrittweise positive Veränderungen herbeizuführen. Das Buch behandelt auch Themen wie Mitgefühl, Beziehungen, Arbeit und die Bedeutung von Selbstreflexion. Es bietet eine ganzheitliche Herangehensweise an das Glück und ermutigt den Leser, sich selbst besser kennenzulernen und die eigene Lebensführung zu gestalten. Insgesamt kann ich The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living wärmstens empfehlen. Es ist eine Quelle der Inspiration und eine wertvolle Ressource für jeden, der nach einem tieferen Sinn des Lebens sucht und nachhaltige Freude und Erfüllung finden möchte. Es ist ein Buch, das man immer wieder zur Hand nehmen kann, um neue Erkenntnisse und Weisheit zu entdecken.