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The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living
The Art of Happiness A Handbook for Living
Author: Dalai Lama, Howard C. Cutler
"Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, the very purpose of our life is happiness, the very motion of our life is towards happiness." --H.H. the Dalai Lama, from The Art of Happiness So popular and so rarely understood, this Nobel Peace Prize winner and man of great inner peace brings to...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781573221115
ISBN-10: 1573221112
Publication Date: 10/26/1998
Pages: 322
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
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4 stars, based on 95 ratings
Publisher: Riverhead Hardcover
Book Type: Hardcover
Other Versions: Paperback, Audio CD
Members Wishing: 0
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Top Member Book Reviews

reviewed The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living on + 96 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
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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
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reviewed The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living on + 2 more book reviews
Down to earth and very helpful for everyday situations.
stocktonmalonefan avatar reviewed The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living on + 58 more book reviews
While I love reading about the Dalai Lama and hearing what he has to say, I did not care for the way Mr. Cutler arranged the book or his style of writing. I found the sections regarding Psychiatry/Psychology to be jarring after reading sections from the Dalai Lama. Maybe because I already feel I'm well grounded in knowledge of the way the Western "mind" thinks and how we tend to evaluate emotions, actions and thinking in an analytical way. I wanted more of the Lama's wisdom in dealing with happiness and life, and less of the western antidotes.
reviewed The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living on
Enjoyed the book. I've adapted his tips to my life and couldn't agree more that this is the way to go with living life.
mimibottoms avatar reviewed The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living on + 58 more book reviews
This is a wonderful book... mostly because of the insights and humor of H.H. the Dalai Lama. I could have done without all the asides and rationalizations by the other author, a psychiatrist. Definitely a worthwhile book, even if you are not seaching for meaning. It will enrich your life even if you already feel content.


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