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Even for kings or queens or spiritual leaders, their survival depends on the rest of the community. So therefore, if you want a happy life and fewer problems, you have to develop a serious concern for the well-being of others. So then when someone is passing through a difficult period or difficult circumstances, then automatically will become a sense of concern for their well-being.
And if there is the possibility to help, then you can help. If there is no possibility to help, you can just pray or wish them well This concern for others is something very precious. We humans have a very special brain, but this brain causes a lot of suffering because it is always thinking me, me, me, me. The more time you spend thinking about yourself, the more suffering you will experience. The incredible thing is that when we think of alleviating other people's suffering, our own suffering is reduced. This is the true secret to happiness.
Nov 02, Antigone rated it it was amazing Shelves: Oh, they are rascals! Impish spirits, the both of them, who giggle and joust and tease their way through this late-in-life meeting; evincing in almost every moment the very joy they've gathered to discuss. The friendship of these illustrious men, who've met a mere half dozen times and then only briefly, calls to mind that deep and instantaneous bond so frequently formed by children - back when our hearts were filled with trust and our world with potential companions in adventure. Clearly kindred Oh, they are rascals!
Clearly kindred spirits, the Dalai Lama has been known to swipe the Archbishop's signature sailing cap right off his head, and Desmond Tutu, in turn, to demand recompense for every compliment he tenders. Pay me , he says, extending his arm and rubbing his fingers together.
The best way to measure a love is to gauge its flexibility to antics of this nature, and you can tell this is, indeed, a magnificent affection. It's a pleasure to witness. Even on the page it has power enough to produce a string of smiles Which is not to say their wisdom is in any way overshadowed, or their keenness underplayed. The occasion is the Dalai Lama's eightieth birthday. Archbishop Tutu has flown to India for a visit of several days during which these scamps will settle in as best they can and address, between them, how to introduce joy into life.
You might imagine this would be a lofty enterprise but it is very much like the friendship; sincere and down-to-earth. Though they agree on a lot, their approaches have individual distinctions. In the arena of emotion, for example, the Dalai Lama promotes learning how to objectively examine our feelings while the Archbishop is more concerned with putting an end to the shame we have over what we feel. One is a course of mindfulness, the other of self-compassion. Their interlocutor, Douglas Abrams, has some difficulty with this development as he places the positions in opposition.
I did not have that difficulty, finding them complimentary strategies. But I'm doing the material a disservice to elevate it in this manner. It's not an esoteric exchange. These are solid conclusions about grief, compassion, humility, loneliness and despair, extended simply as the product of a lifetime's careful and conscientious thought. In fact, one of the principal benefits I drew from my first reading had to do with the news media. I've been having a tough time with the news lately. It's not so much the content as it is the way it's presented to me.
Everything seems tailored to make me anxious; to scare me enough to keep me tuning in. The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu spent a moment discussing this. The Archbishop introduces the subject: But there also are very many things that are fantastic about our world.
Unfortunately, the media do not report on these because they are not seen as news. Then we can feel that there is not much hope for our future. There are millions and millions of children who are loved by their parents every day. Then in school their teachers care for them. Okay, maybe there are some bad teachers, but most of them really are kind and caring.
Then in the hospital, every day millions of people receive immense caring. But this is so common that none of it becomes news. We take it for granted. The kind acts and fruitful accomplishments that happen every day? They're not news because they are the common experience. Goodness and productivity are the norm. Cruelty and catastrophe are what is deemed exceptional enough to merit airtime.
This broadened my perspective, and helped me out. The work is filled with insight and numerous, moving personal experiences culled from the lives of both men. Rascals they may be, it is still quite easy to see how they've become two of the most esteemed spiritual figures of our generation.
For me, this was less a book than a privilege. View all 7 comments.
I got a lot out of this book a I was reading this book at the hairdressers and when I was paying, one of the hairdressers came to me to tell me she enjoyed watching me read as she saw me chuckling while reading it. I like this quote "Wherever you have friends that's your country, and wherever you receive love, that's your home". I accept it and I'm not going to stop fighting for a change, but there's no point in being upset. We cannot succeed by denying what exists. We feel optimistic, or we feel pessimistic. It's a pleasure to witness.
Oct 17, Cheri rated it it was amazing Shelves: For these two longtime friends, this was an occasion of joy, brought together to discuss the topic of joy. It was very enlightening and moving. Chau and James both seemed to me to do an excellent job of narrating and capturing the voices of both Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama. In the years before I moved away, I saw her go from a vibrant healthy young mother of four to being wheelchair bound from polio.
Then her second oldest began having seizures that took too long to diagnose properly and find the right treatment for. Rushed to the hospital, he survived, although he was in the hospital for a while. He was cleared to fly again, and died upon reaching altitude on his first flight out. The next year, it was only that her oldest, attending Kent State, had been involved in the riots.
The thing is, I never saw her lose a sense of joy, even in those moments where the world was falling apart, she had this aura - yes, this moment in my life really sucks, but it is a moment, only. She was always so full of joy. Therefore, if you look from one angle, you feel, oh how bad, how sad. But if you look from another angle at that same tragedy, that same event, you see that it gives me new opportunities.
Lasting Happiness in a Changing World There really are people out there who have endured incredible hardships and cling to joy, and they have a lesson to share with the rest of us.
Lasting Happiness in a Changing World Maybe lesson sounds too much like school, they have wisdom to share with us, and what a wonderful way to receive it. I think every parent will relate to his thought: Every day is your birthday. View all 36 comments. Nov 07, Brandice rated it really liked it. Lasting Happiness in a Changing World provides countless insight from Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama, two spiritual masters and moral leaders, as the book synopsis appropriately characterizes them.
These two well-known and highly respected men are friends, and their interaction throughout the book had a playful tone while still showing great admiration and respect for one another. I enjoyed the book overall as a whole, yet found the greatest enjoyment and takeaways i The Book of Joy: I enjoyed the book overall as a whole, yet found the greatest enjoyment and takeaways in the chapters focused on each of the 8 Pillars of Joy: This is the type of book you can revisit often, learning something new each time.
For me in particular, this time around it was Acceptance. While there is a plethora of great information to be found and of course, ultimately implemented in this wonderful read, The Book of Joy , I leave you with the following few favorites: It means that we can turn our faces to the wind and accept that this is the storm we must pass through. We cannot succeed by denying what exists. The acceptance of reality is the only place from which change can begin. Indeed, the more we turn toward the suffering, our own and others, the more we can turn toward the joy. We accept them both, turning the volume of life up, or we turn our backs on life itself, becoming deaf to its music.
They had also told us and demonstrated that true joy is a way of being, not a fleeting emotion. What they had cultivated in their long lives was that enduring trait of joyfulness. They had warned us that we cannot pursue joy as an end in itself, or we will miss the bus. Joy comes, rather, from daily thoughts, feelings, and actions. And they had told us repeatedly the action that gets us on the bus: View all 12 comments. The Book of Joy started out in an ordinary enough manner. It was well-written, interesting, at times humorous, and full of truth. This is literally a life changing book for me.
Even if you don't experience an epiphany like me, this book still has the potential to make your life better. You can already be happy and take something from this. You don't have to be Christian or Buddhist f The Book of Joy started out in an ordinary enough manner. You don't have to be Christian or Buddhist for it to be effective either. The guidance within applies perfectly well to the secular life.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via a Goodreads giveaway. Many thanks to all involved in providing me with this opportunity. Powerful, exquisite, full of love and friendship between Archbishop Tutu and the Dalai Lama.
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World and millions of other books are available for instant access. The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World Hardcover – September 20, Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop. Start by marking “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” as Want to Read: The friends were His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. See all 6 questions about The Book of Joy.
I listened to this on audio; incredible to hear the different voices narrators were actors, very good actors and quotes from these two enlightened friends. This is the premier "book of joy" I've read thus far. Empowering and thought provoking with humor and love for self and others. View all 15 comments. It's that kind of book! We are all human beings looking for happiness and trying to free ourselves from suffering. So we should be more kind to othe 4. So we should be more kind to others and to ourselves.
The only thing I found to be a liiittle downer, is that there is often talk of the importance of relationships. But only a very little part actually goes deeper into how shy or lonely people can overcome their struggles. In a wider sense, they can, of course, by applying the practices of kindness and mindfulness on their everyday life. But the fact, that a lot of us still struggle remains the same. Then again, that's life, huh? Jun 22, Victoria rated it it was amazing. Sounds a bit lofty and just a smidge dull except that the two men at the heart of these discussions are his Holiness the Dalai Lama, he of the beatific smile, and the Honorable Archbishop Desmond Tutu, himself a bit mischievous.
The result of these far-ranging discussions is this book filled with insights and laughter in equal measure and I was filled with joy just listening to it. Structured on the Eight Pillars of Joy--perspective, humility, humor, acceptance, forgiveness, gratitude, compassion and generosity--these principles provide the basis for finding joy in every moment and in every encounter.
And while these precepts seem simple enough, how hard is it for all of us to live with these thoughts top of mind every day? Certainly not I when the fifth driver of the day cuts me off, but this is why I listen to books like this, so that I can keep drumming the message into my head. All issues big and small can be overcome with a modicum of compassion, reconciliation and perspective. How the tragedy of his exile when seen from a different angle brought the plight of the Tibetan people and the teachings of Buddhism to a larger audience that might not have been cast in the limelight had he remained in Lhasa.
In his own words: There are different aspects to any event. For example, we lost our own country and became refugees, but that same experience gave us new opportunities to see more things. For me personally, I had more opportunities to meet with different people, different spiritual practitioners, like you, and also scientists. This new opportunity arrived because I became a refugee. If I remained in the Potala in Lhasa, I would have stayed in what has often been described as a golden cage: It has certainly changed the way I am viewing my own tragedies.
This is the ultimate lesson in how to make lemonade out of lemons. And while I still despair some days at the state of our world, I focus instead on what I can do in my little corner. How can I be there for my family? How do I support my friends? What charities can I lend my talents to that will make a difference in my neighbors' lives? And who is going to dock two holy men stars? Who needs that kind of bad karma? So take a step back, practice humility, laugh often, accept things as they are, forgive when necessary, be grateful, be kind and help others.
And if you fail at one or any of these today, remember that every day is an opportunity to begin again. View all 19 comments. Sep 08, Jennifer rated it it was amazing Shelves: I so desperately needed to read this book but I didn't know it until tears were running down my face. Not from sadness, but from the opportunity it presents. But practicing joy is a choice that we can control when so much is out of our control. It's a simple concept but potentially life changing nonetheless.
Lasting Happiness in a Changing World is self-help in nature with elements of documentary, spiritualism, and world culture. It teach Read this book. It teaches how to practice joy through redirecting our thoughts, showing compassion, choosing gratitude, and by purposefully giving joy to others. The question is not: How do I escape?
How can I use this as something positive? View all 6 comments. Nov 15, Gerri Leen rated it it was ok. I expected to like this more than I did. There is an old writing rule of "Show, don't tell" and this book, with it's third person narrator describing everything and very much inserted into the thing, is pretty much all tell. And there's a lot of repetition. The overall message is good but frankly a bit light on content. View all 3 comments. Dec 15, Susan rated it it was amazing Shelves: This audiobook is life-changing.
What a wonderful conversation to listen in on! These two men, from different religious backgrounds, come together and show the world that spirituality is universal and not defined by a specific religious context. Their messages are simple and straightforward which makes it even mo This audiobook is life-changing.
Their messages are simple and straightforward which makes it even more shocking that we all need to be reminded of them. They propose eight pillars of joy and discuss each one from their different perspectives and life experiences to teach us to ground ourselves in compassion for others. I listened to this book straight through then listened to it again and then bought the hardcover so that I could have a reference.
What wonderful and inspirational thoughts from two men who have suffered from extreme hardships and still remain joyful, hopeful and caring about humanity, even those who have hurt them personally. Pick this up and listen to their peaceful and enthusiastic voices. It will bring you JOY! Feb 02, Kacey Kells rated it it was amazing. In this book however, His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu stated that it is in our Human Nature to seek happiness and joy; hence, since we are social animals, the only way to be happy and joyful is to look at others, to be compassionate.
Indeed, if Everyone well, almost! Indeed, if you focus on yourself, you will feel lonely and sad: Archbishop Desmond Tutu added: Later, His Holiness stated: I think the only way really is, as we have said, through education. After several days of discussion, the two Nobel laureates concluded that there are eight pillars of Joy: And what is the use of being unhappy if it can't be remedied? Written with a dash of humor, it radiates happiness. More importantly, it enabled me to share a fabulous, a beautiful and enriching experience; it brings hope and lightens the path.
I really loved it! Feb 11, Elsa rated it it was amazing. Five Stars because there are just 5. I said it before but I mention it again: So touching, sometimes so funny, and so deeply true. It took me a while to finish it because every time I would read some pages I just wanted to stop and think about it or it would take me to think about situations that I lived. I have this urge now to talk about it to everyone I know and I care, kind of trying to make them read it and take it serious. It would Five Stars because there are just 5.
It would be so good if people would read this book and believe that we, each one of us, can really make the difference. That we can really forgive one another, that one can spread love just by giving a smile to a stranger on the streets. Joy Love Forgiveness All wonderful feelings. If you want to read this book, take time and grab a pencil because I am sure you will stop thousands of times to write something on the side View all 4 comments. Buddhism always fascinates me. Not as a religion but as philosophy. Perhaps, of all religions philosophical view collectively, Buddhism effectively reaches the core of human nature, and thus promote its fellow believer to nurture their soul.
Feb 21, Alli Lubin rated it it was amazing. I am savoring this book. While happiness is often seen as being dependent on external circumstances, joy is not. Thus begins the dialogue on the nature of true joy. The question most asked of them when they began the project was not about how we could discover our own joy but how we could possibly live with joy in a world filled with so much suffering. Feb 20, Bonnie rated it it was ok. Enjoyed multiple parts of this book, but spent more time frustrated with the collaborator who just couldn't seem to get out of the way.
For a book that multiple times stressed that people who use the word, "I," more often die earlier, he certainly seemed to get a lot in. If you skim for quotation marks so you can focus on the Dalai Lama and the Archbishop's discussion, as well as where you see some discussion of the psychology and neuro-science, there's a good book in there. Jan 28, Ann Lihl rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Definitely a must read in cultivating a peaceful, joyful and compassionate life.
The world needs this book of wisdom, especially now with so much political division going on. These two spiritual teachers, the Dalai Lama XIV and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have wonderful words of wisdom in how to deal with everyday struggles, especially in regards to our personal relationships and the world around us. It doesn't matter what your religious beliefs are or where you are in the world, this book and the e Definitely a must read in cultivating a peaceful, joyful and compassionate life.
It doesn't matter what your religious beliefs are or where you are in the world, this book and the exercises in the back of the book are a great teaching tool in how to have a joyful, peaceful existence and I paid special attention to the parts of the book on how not to be judgmental of myself and others, because we are all human.
Learning to be more compassionate is definitely the road to a more loving life that I personally want to have. I especially loved the banter between these two compassionate souls. Their conversations made me laugh and made me realize too that we shouldn't take ourselves so seriously and to laugh at ourselves more. Of all the spiritual books I've read, the ones by the Dalai Lama or written about him and what he is all about are all my favorite.
He is the most loving, peaceful person I know. And now I have a new profound respect for an additional compassionate soul: Definitely a must read. Both winners of the Nobel Prize, both great spiritual masters and moral leaders of our time, they are also known for being among the most infectiously happy people on the planet. From the beginning the book was envisioned as a three-layer birthday cake: Both the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu have been tested by great personal and national adversity, and here they share their personal stories of struggle and renewal.
Now that they are both in their eighties, they especially want to spread the core message that to have joy yourself, you must bring joy to others. Most of all, during that landmark week in Dharamsala, they demonstrated by their own exuberance, compassion, and humor how joy can be transformed from a fleeting emotion into an enduring way of life. His tireless… More about Dalai Lama.
He… More about Desmond Tutu. He is the coauthor of a… More about Douglas Carlton Abrams. This beautiful book takes us on the journey of their friendship and gives us the gift of their wisdom. A bright spot of hope and love in this world. Personal Growth Philosophy Category: Personal Growth Philosophy Audiobooks Category: Personal Growth Philosophy Audiobooks. Buy the Audiobook Download: Apple Audible downpour eMusic audiobooks. About The Book of Joy Two great spiritual masters share their own hard-won wisdom about living with joy even in the face of adversity.
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