The Art of Happiness

By: His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Howard C. Cutler MD

Narrated by: Howard C. Cutler MD

Length: 3 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

The Dalai Lama is probably one of the only people who, if you ask him if he's happy, even though he's suffered the loss of his country, will give you an unconditional "yes." What's more, he'll tell you that happiness is the purpose of life, and the "the very motion of our life is toward happiness." How to get there has always been the question. He's tried to answer it before, but he's never had the help of a psychiatrist to get the message across in a context we can easily understand.

Through meditation, 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, work, and spirituality to show us how to ride through life's obstacles on a deep, abiding source of inner peace. Based on 2,500 years of Buddhist meditations and with a healthy dose of common sense, The Art of Happiness is a program that crosses the boundaries of all traditions to help listeners with the difficulties common to all human beings.

©1998 His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, M.D., All Rights Reserved (P)1998 Simon & Schuster, Inc.

Critic reviews

"... this is one of the best how-to books a reader will ever find." (Booklist)
"[It]is not only an excellent supplement to daily self-awareness practices, it is also an indispensable educational tool." (AudioFile)

TRANSFORMATIVE & DEEPLY SATISFYING.

What a sense of Peace I had at the end of this incredible — and truly profound lecture, by H.H. The Dali Lama. One could listen to this incredibly wise and wonderful lecture a thousand times, yet every experience of careful listening should prove to be both calming and centering. Moreover, the Great Wisdom contained herein, is absolutely astonishing and begs to be most carefully considered & internalized; likewise profoundly reflected upon, with great enthusiasm, for years to come . — So, drink in deeply and enjoy!

Michæl Hart
Volant, Pennsylvania

UPLIFTING

This book literally changed the way i view the world. showed me a different way of thinking all together.

Very interesting

The theories presented in this book are quite applicable in my life. And they do not clash with my religious beliefs (Christian) which was what concerned me prior to my purchase.

Grounding

A worthwhile read for people of all walks of life and all faiths.
If we can learn to live by these principles the world will undoubtedly be a better place.

What it takes to be truly happy!

I love the fact that I have unknowingly and naturally adhere to the art (compassion, forgiveness, sense of humor, genuine, etc)of Happiness!

Listen and listen again

The back and forth between the author's comments and the D.L's communication make his messages easy to understand. I would be lost without it. I do, however, need to listen to it over and over. Each time I learn something new.

Gets a bit Better

Written by a psychiatrist, the author is comparing the Dalai Lama's religion and easy of thinking to Western Thinking. On the way, he shares the many gifts of Buddhism. making it a great introduction to Buddhism. All can benefit from some of the short methods and meditations included in the book. What is missing in this book, is some of the joy and humaness of The Dalai Lama that I felt in the book entitled The Book ofJoy.

Best book on concise art of happiness

Great book and summarized the mindset needed to be happy in life , well narrated by the author

I always come back to this book

It doesn’t matter if you practice the religion or not, this book is wonderful. Anytime I feel down, I come back to this book and find light in my life.

Very infromative and great information

Here H.H. the Dalai Lama goes through Buddhism and how to use it can be used to defeat our anxiety, anger or even an ordinary bad mood. He tells stories to relate how this has been done by ordinary people every day. He also goes into why spirituality is important in our lives and why its not. He goes through how to find happiness and get through pain by seeing through it. Anyone who has kids that have watched Avatar: the last airbender knows this lesson. Pain is what tells us when something is wrong in our bodies and our lives. We should listen to it to deal with it and release it. As a long time meditation practitioner I found the information very informative.