The Art of Happiness at Work

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

Narrated by: Howard C. Cutler MD, B.D. Wong

Length: 5 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

In conversations with the Dalai Lama over the past several years, Howard Cutler has asked the questions we all want answered about how to find happiness in the place we spend most of our time - work. Beginning with the basic need to find satisfaction in our careers, Dr. Cutler questions His Holiness about the nature of work. In psychiatry and according to the Dalai Lama, our motivation for working determines our level of satisfaction. The Art of Happiness at Work explores these three levels of focus:

• Survival: focus on salary, stability, food and clothing
• Career: focus on advancement
• Calling: focus on work as a higher purpose

Dr. Cutler probes the Dalai Lama's wisdom by posing these questions: What is the relationship between self-awareness and work? How does lack of freedom at work affect our levels of happiness? How can we deal with boredom or lack of challenge? Job change and unemployment? How much of our misery comes from our identity being tied up with work?

Dr. Cutler walks us through the Dalai Lama's reasoning so that we may know how to apply his wisdom to daily life. The Art of Happiness at Work is an invaluable source of strength and peace for anyone who earns a living.

©2003 His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler, M.D. (P)2003 Simon & Schuster Inc. All Rights Reserved. SOUND IDEAS is an imprint of Simon & Schuster Audio Division, Simon & Schuster Inc.

Great book

A new way at looking at life and work. Wow really looked forward to each chapter. Check out this terrific book!

I really enjoyed the book.

Loved it. It was nice having B.D. Wong reading the part of the Dalai Lama.

Worthy read for those preparing to change jobs

I got this book and I wondered why until I realized I was considering changing jobs. I work in the stock trading industry and I’m VERY well compensated. However, I’m not happy at all! So, the other day while going through my audible library I came across this book I bought and hadn’t listened too. So, I did and the Dalai Lama is correct when he says, ‘if your not happy then you need to find what does make you happy.’ I like what I do and I enjoy the freedom it brings. However, I followed the very basic steps outlined in this book and realized that no matter how GREAT the compensation is it’s not worth the stress and BS. I’m now looking at a job that pays less, but gives me the same freedom. There are things more important in this world than money and I no longer care about what others think or what my peers are doing. Let them work themselves to death while I spend time with my family. If you’re not happy and you want to start figuring out why then this is the book for you.

The Dalai Lama as a Factory Worker

Would you listen to The Art of Happiness at Work again? Why?

I would not listen to this book again,because some of the science in this book would have changed.

What other book might you compare The Art of Happiness at Work to and why?

Asperger's on the Job:Must-have Advice for People with Asperger's or High Functioning Autism,and their Employers...By Rudy SimoneThe Miracle of Mindfulness:An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation...By Thich Nhat Hanh

What about Howard Cutler and B.D. Wong ’s performance did you like?

The performance was believable and enjoyable,the performance did not sway my opinions of the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

My reaction to the book is the United States does not have factories to work in,but the book helps you take any task and make it more enjoyable.

Any additional comments?

The Dalai Lama seems to have a "Just War Theory",that comes out when conversation moves toward explaining what if your work is to making something explosive or generally dangerous and could create harm,but Buddhist have a "Non Harm",but in the right hands making weapons would be OK,all war needs to end in my opinion.

Awesome ideas

The book provides a lot of valuable information to help people be happy at work I used them and they worked

Excelent, Highly advise to listen to this one!

Excelent narration and very helpful in todays workplace.

some good info but not what i expected

It seems the author didnt feel that a self-titled book would sell. Altough the author confesses early that there may be no parallel between the Dalai Lama's lifework and happiness in the workplace in the western world, he still asks the question ad- nauseum of The Dalai Lama, and then argues with him over his answers. I would have been more interested in the author's own take on the studies he quotes about happiness in the workplace. He barely touched on the idea of expanding the identity of self beyond ones livelihood. Not only were the Dalai Lama's heady musings irrelevant to the topic of workplace satisfaction, but he introduced an entirely new problem that I'm sure no reader had previously considered and that is the buddhist idea of Rightful work, or work that in no way causes harm. So, if you thought you had issues with your work before, now you need to consider your works intrinsic and far reaching Good as well.
Although the authors narration was fine, the re-telling of The Dalai Lama's ideas was horrible. The giddy narration and ridiculous GIGGLING, which I guess was supposed to portray the Dalai Lama as a happy humorous person, was absolutely unbearable. So, although I would like to review some of the author's barely developed ideas, I can't possibly endure the portrayal of The Dalai Lama again.
I'd like to see the author rewrite the book himself and expand upon his own ideas about self identity, workplace culture, motivation and management. However THIS book plays like a shameless extension of a profitable book franchise.

Enjoyable read

Enjoyed hearimg the words of the DL with his own voice.
lots of good quotable phrases to post on the fridge for personal reflection and growth.

The 14th Dali Lama teachings wonderful

The narrator was horrible and distorted the information out of meaningful order. Hard to follow

Get this book.

I loved how it wasn't just Howard's voice or input throughout the book, he brings us into the conversation with the Dalai Lama and lets us hear his side. I was very find of their relationship and excited to hear more about Howard's curiosity on what the Dalai Lama would respond with for various question, and he did not disappoint, clear and understanding answers that help us realize things is a broader and interpersonal scale. 10/10 would recommend. especially to angry people.