The Art of Happiness
by Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler
A psychiatrist's conversations with the Dalai Lama on happiness, compassion, suffering and anger, with commentary on how the teachings relate to Western psychology. It is gentle, wise and unhurried, more a companion than a manual. Read for perspective; take one idea at a time.
Read it if…
you want a calm, humane perspective on happiness from a contemplative tradition.
Skip it if…
you want a program; the book is dialogue and reflection.
Three things you will actually use
- Train the mind toward compassion; it is a skill.
- See suffering as universal, not personal.
- Choose patience; anger harms the one who holds it.
Do this first
Practice one act of deliberate compassion toward someone who irritates you this week.
Our verdict
Gentle and enduring; a wise companion.
Compare with other Gratitude books
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