The Art of Happiness by His Holiness The Dalai Lama and western psychologist Howard C. Cutler provides experts from their private meetings about the true meaning of happiness. In the beginning of the book the Dalai Lama states, “I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear. Whether one believes in religion or not, whether one believes in this religion or that religion, we all are seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness…”
Filled with words of wisdom from The Dalai Lama, challenging questions and debates from Cutler, I have to honestly say that I agree with a lot of what The Dalai Lama had to say. I always knew and believed this wisdom, but didn’t know where to put my thoughts and beliefs.
According to The Dalai Lama, true happiness stems from internal means as external happiness is short-lived. How long will your new car make you happy? For how long will the big house make you smile? Does a relationship truly bring you true happiness? The purpose of our existence is to seek happiness, but at what cost?
The Dalai Lama believes that human beings are compassionate. He believes that this is the predominant feature of human nature. Anger, violence, aggression, hate, according to His Holiness is more of a secondary or more superficial level as they arise when we are frustrated when facing to
achieve love and acceptance.
We are all a product of our environment; how we are treated, how we are raised and many people face obstacles of abuse. Deep down, we are all compassionate, loving creatures and these obstacles are nothing more than conflicts that are standing in our way of who we really are. With this, we have to realize that we are all truly on the same boat; the boat of sufferers.
We are all suffering in some way, dealing with many issues and frustrations. We have to realize that we are not different from each other and it’s compassion that lacks between people, and that in the end we are all same; we are simply one.
Cutler gave a good example about adding to our pain and suffering. He mentions how he and a colleague of his went out to eat in a restaurant. The service was slow and his colleague’s complaints escalated throughout the evening. Even after the server explained what had happened and what was going on, the colleague was fed up, continued to complain and said he is never coming here again. Even after receiving a legit explanation, the colleague still showed frustration. In the end, the only outcome was a ruined meal which brought on an hour of aggravation. Where did the aggravation really come from? The restaurant or the colleague’s state of mind?
The book is about having a positive mind: to seek a positive attitude. It is about human behavior and how we can add to our own pain and suffering by how we react to things. If you always wanted to learn about Buddhism or would like to gain more knowledge, then this book is for you. It is filled with an array of wisdom quotes by The Dalai Lama and this book will help to change your way of thinking. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if you already feel a certain way about some things already.
Our true happiness comes from within; we are the only ones in control of our lives. Our past, misfortunes and troubled waters are things that are holding us back from true happiness. We have more power and control over our own lives and only we can make a difference.
The Art of Happiness
A Review