The Art of Happiness

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer? How should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do you handle the death of a loved one? These are the conundrums that psychiatrist Howard Cutler poses to the Dalai Lama during an extended period of interviews in The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living. At first, the Dalai Lama's answers seem simplistic, like a surface reading of Robert Fulghum: ask yourself if you really need something; our enemies can be our teachers; compassion brings peace of mind. Cutler pushes: but some people do seem happy with lots of possessions; but "suffering is life" is so pessimistic; but going to extremes provides the zest in life; but what if I don't believe in karma? As the Dalai Lama's responses become more involved, a coherent philosophy takes shape. Cutler then develops the Dalai Lama's answers in the context of scientific studies and cases from his own practice, substantiating and elaborating on what he finds to be a revolutionary psychology. Like any art, the art of happiness requires study and practice--and the talent for it, the Dalai Lama assures us, is in our nature. --Brian Bruya

View other editions of The Art of Happiness.
View books by Dalai Lama XIV Bstan-'dzin-rgya-mtsho, Howard Cutler.

The style of this book lets it down - Rated
I first came to this book after one of my counselling clients mentioned that he had been reading it, and that he thought it had helped him to further understand how he needed to change. Intrigued, I decided to get my hands on the book to see if I could discover why he found it so useful.

As you could expect from a book that has the involvement of the Dalai Lama, what I found was a very spiritual, compassionate discourse on life. However, like a previous reviewer, I also found that the voice of Howard Cutler lets this book down. Although I can understand why they have decided to tackle this subject in the way they have - the book is set out as an interview between the two men, interspersed with anecdotes from Cutler's own experience - I feel that it takes focus away from the Dalai Lama's voice. I would prefer this book if it was just a commentary by the Dalai Lama.

That gripe aside, I think THE ART OF HAPPINESS is a delightful way to bring Western thinkers around to another way of seeing life and themselves. As a way of introducing Tibetan Buddhism, this book is a triumph - it is engaging, enjoyable, thought-provoking and an easy way of beginning an interest in this philosophy.
If you read this and enjoy it, I would also recommned that you then go and read some work by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who writes beautiful books on Buddhism.

I loved this book.. - Rated
Common sense and easy.. Smile when you are happy, smile when you are sad..
result
happier living :o)

Simple, enjoyable and basic insight into Buddhist philosophy - Rated
A very easy book to read and a great antidote to the excesses of our western life style of consumption and greed.

It provides an easily digestible look at practical ways to live simply and happily.

It can seem patronising and too simple in places, it discusses things that are pretty obvious to most but that is because there is much truth in what the Dalai Lama says and his philosophy is pretty simple.

Live Happily!

Interesting idea - Poorly executed! - Rated
I must say - I completely agree with David Golightly's review. The narrative of this book grated me throughout.

I purchased this book at the airport as something to read whilst I was away. I have a keen interest in philosophy and religion but this book was poorly executed.

If you are looking for a book on Buddhism - look eslewhere becuase the way in which the author has written this will really put you off.

Art of Happiness - Rated
This book changed my out- look on life!! Its a great read, easy to read, answers many questions and changes the way you look at life. An important lesson I learned was the take a different angle on a situation, to perhaps look at a positive aspect to a negative, bad situation. So many simple things you have never thought of.