The Art of Happiness

This was an introduction to buddhism for me--I bought it out of curiosity along with The Open Heart. The reviewer who says that the book wants us to see things through a psychoanalytic lens didn't listen very closely. Really what the book wants to do is find points of both divergence and commonality with psychology to help a Western reader understand some of what the Dalai Lama has to say. The psychologist (perhaps deliberately so) comes across as the naive party who has something to learn here.

Although I had to struggle a little *not* to think of some of the principles as naive--I wish there were more philosophical depth in this rendering of Buddhism--I enjoyed listening to this book. It helps to know some of the background of the Dalai Lama's life and things he has suffered--this is in The Open Heart, which I also bought and enjoyed.

The voice of the psychologist is a little annoying at times--listen to the excerpt and see if it will bother you.

I found this to be a real tough listen. Honestly I never finished it. I love the Dalai Llama. I embrace eastern thought. I am college educated. I have listened to about 15 audible books. This one was a disappointment because of the performance. The reader sounded like a bad science teacher in high school reciting the periodic table. I would recommend titles by Tich Nhat Hanh instead if you want to hear some inspirational buddhist thoughts. Or maybe some Dalai llama titles read by the Llama himself.

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.

I do agree to some extent that the author paled in comparison to the Dalai Lama as a storyteller. He was a bit monotone. Hearing the Dalai Lama speak was wonderful.

I am currently in the middle of a World Religions class, which piqued my interest in this title. I do not regret my decision for a single moment and would highly recommend this title.

The truths are simple, yes. Oftentimes, we need to be reminded of this though.

This book never gets old. I've read it and listened to it several times. You can't go wrong with this purchase.

I was so disappointed with this book. The Dalai Lama offers a wealth of wisdom and yet I often found myself frustrated with the limited viewpoint of the questions asked him. Additionally, when applause and sound is added more care needs to be taken so it doesn't drown out the voices.

I did not enjoy this at all. The narration was so fast and choppy that it was very difficult to understand. What should have been a peaceful and relaxing experience left me feeling stressed and unsatisfied.

An ultimate guide for finding peace with those around you, with the world, but more importantly with yourself.

His ideas and thoughts transcend both religion and politics, they are universal. Anyone can benefit by listening to this book. It is full of age old wisdom and enlightening thoughts.

It is the first work I've read about and by the Dalai Lama. I have found his teachings non-threatening to my values. He is always respectful toward others beliefs, and at no time does he try to convert the listener to his religion.

I've owned this book for many years, and have heard it at least a dozen times. I've given the actual book as a gift various times throughout the years.

There are two narrators, one who narrates the author and the other the Dalai Lama, the latter is excellent and transmits the Dalai Lama's voice in a very authentic manner.

Last, it is one of the best all-time self help books.

The format is really great. It consists of Howard Cutler asking general questions to Tenzin Gyatso (the Dalai Lama) on topics of happiness, suffering, handling anger etc.

He makes some really great points about how the secret to most problems is how you think about them, not solve them.

This was the first book I've read by Tenzin Gyatso, I plan on reading more.

The end gets a little silly. He claims the "purpose of religion" is to help us with life. He goes on to say you should pick your religion based on how it fits. Completely ridiculous. Religion is reducible to a set of beliefs, which in turn are essentially claims about reality. Claims about reality are either true or false, and the idea that we "pick" which ideas "fit us" as opposed to accept ideas that are closer to truth is absurd.

Otherwise really great listen.

I really enjoyed this book. I have an admiration for the Dalai Lama after reading the book.

na

He talks so slow. I put the speed to 2x and it still could have gone a little faster for me.

I loved his ideas on accepting stress and problems as part of life.