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Dec 17, 2009

Steven rated it:

This book is actually written by a psychiatrist and includes extensive interviews with the Dalai Lama about how to be a generally happier person. Parts of the book are really great, and a couple of sections are a little bland, mostly depending on what questions the author is asking. The Dalai Lama's amazing traits come across throughout, however. His pragmatic, logical, and yet also spiritual approach to everything.

1 comment like (7 people liked it)

May 15, 2008

Dad added it

The Moms was watching a movie that was so filled with awkward and embarrassing social interaction that I cast desperately about me for something else to do. Near at hand was "The Art of Happiness" by Dolly and some doctor guy. I picked it up and began to read. I'm about half-way through (guess I'm 50% enlightened) and it's really quite good. Except for the parts that are stupid or wrong. The problem is not so much what the Big D has to say, but the doctor guy's interpretation or amplif More...

4 comments like (12 people liked it)

Dec 17, 2009

Sarah rated it:

I love the Dalai Lama and everything he says in this book. However, Cutler's input mostly detracts from the teachings of the Dalai Lama. At best, he makes small, often insignificant links between the Dalai Lama's point and western science. Like how he made the connection between Buddhism's idea of training the mind to the scientific idea of "plasticity" which proves that, indeed, you can train the mind. Was that ever really a question though? I didn't need to be convinced of that... At More...

1 comment like (5 people liked it)

Dec 19, 2008

Jenny rated it:

I first read this book as a freshman in high school but I've read it again at least twice. I'm not sure how it initially started but I've always been fascinated by the Dalai Lama of Tibet. The more I read about him, the more I'm in awe of him. While I recommend reading his biography first, this specific book is about the concept of happiness and how we attain it. It's not a self-help book but rather a book about how the Dalai Lama believes that people inheritantly have the ability to find happin More...

2 comments like (5 people liked it)

Feb 10, 2008

Heather rated it:

This book always brings me a lot of peace when I read it. It calms me down and puts me at ease. I actually bought this book for josh but spent a lot of time reading it myself and its very enjoyable remind you about all the little good things in life and about what really matters.

1 comment like (5 people liked it)

Jan 10, 2009

Kimberly rated it:

Dalai Lama believes in fundamental goodness in all human beings, in the value of compassion and kindness, and a sense of commonality among all living creatures.

Happiness is determined more by one's state of mind than by external events.

Excessive desire leads to greed, which leads to frustration, disappointment, problems and unhappiness.
True antidote of greee is contentment - to appreciate what we already have.

Relationships are not about just knowing peop More...

0 comments like (3 people liked it)

Jan 22, 2009

Whitney rated it:

I really liked this book. It has enough information to open your eyes, but not too much to scare you away. The Author, being a psychologist, was able to take the Eastern ideas from the Dalai Lama and compare them to a more Western way of thinking. Although I've seen many of the ideas and thoughts in other books, the Dalai Lama had a way with words that seemed to just -click- with me, and in the sections that I didn't really understand, Howard Cutler, the author, was able to clarify. This book is More...

1 comment like (1 person liked it)

Nov 10, 2007

Jaclyn rated it:

Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I definitely learned a lot from it. The Dalai Lama's words are so powerful, his experiences so inspiring and his mixture of spiritual and philosophical wisdom with uncommon common sense completely unique. The only reason that I gave it four, rather than five, stars is that the psychiatrist "co-author" injected way too much of his own personality and experiences into the book. This is a book that will attract people that are interested in the D More...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Dec 06, 2007

Lauren rated it:

This is a book that has to be read slowly and with determination, with many pauses for looking-off-into-the-distance-deep-in-thought. It is not BY the Dalai Lama so much as it is about the Dalai Lama, interviews with him, thoughts on his beliefs and practices. It took me a long time to get through, but I really enjoyed it. I think that if everyone tried to fit a little Buddhism into their lives (not a little Buddhist, but a little BuddhISM), we would all be much calmer and happier, more patient More...

1 comment like (2 people liked it)

Mar 04, 2009

Cait rated it:

I'd been meaning to read something written by the Dalai Lama for quite a while, and this one was cheap so I picked it up. Also, I was interested in the comparison of views between a western psychiatrist and a religious figure. Personally, I didn't think this really worked out. Mostly, Cutler repeats the Dalai Lama's message and links it to psychiatric practice without looking at it from a critical perspective. On the one hand, this is good because it means he gives plenty of space to the views o More...

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Jan 01, 2009

Danna rated it:

We had the most interesting cab driver on the way to the airport when we left Las Vegas. He discussed in length his philosophies of spirituality, including the concepts of ghosts in his native Vietnam; how Buddha, Jesus, and other leaders are but different manifestations of The Enlightened One; how eating meat contributes to human suffering and remaining trapped on this earth; and so much more...what an interesting man. Thus I was inspired to once again read The Art of Happiness to kick off th More...

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Dec 16, 2011

Gina rated it:

"Human emotions are very powerful and sometimes overwhelm us. This can lead to disasters. Another important practice in training our minds involves distancing ourselves from strong emotions before they arise in us. For example, when we feel anger or hatred, we may think, “Yes, now anger is bringing me more energy, more decisiveness, swifter reactions.” However, when you look closely, you can see the energy brought about by negative emotions is essentially blind. We find that instead of brin More...

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Nov 30, 2011

Eva rated it:

I was going through Amazon's recommendations on buddhism, desperately looking for a Pema Chodron inspiring book when I stumbled on the catchy title "The Art of Happiness" by the Dalai Lama or should I say Howard C. Cutler. Cutler is a psychiatrist interviewing the Dalai Lama, he's actually the author of the book. That being said (sorry if I felt it was really necessary to mention it), Cutler compiled his many interviews with the Dalai Lama with his own perception as a western psychiatr More...

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Jun 23, 2011

Margo rated it:

Well ... I almost gave it three stars instead of four ... simply because Cutler's narratives drove me nuts. I loved the messages of Dalai Lama, but I found Cutler's words irritating! (Cutler is the Western psychiatrist who interviewed the Dalai Lama and put the book together).

I know ... if I would put into practice the art of compassion as taught by the Dalai Lama, Cutler's opinions wouldn't have bothered me. However, I'm not that enlightened.

It seemed as though Cutler b More...

0 comments like (2 people liked it)

Dec 11, 2010

Janet rated it:

I'm not sure why exactly I picked this one up from the shelf of our local thrift. Certainly the Dalai Lama is an interesting public figure and the cover is bright with his red monk’s toga and eager countenance. I am familiar with Tibetan monks via my literary mountain climbing adventures from a time before Goodreads. This book is written by an MD and claims to be a “handbook for living.” What sort of living, I ponder? Right from the first pages we reach a philosophical impasse. The author is a More...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Nov 02, 2010

Michael rated it:

In essence, this book tells you how to Be Happy using protective techniques of love & compassion.

This book was useful for me. I was happy to read that I already practice a lot of the advice in the book. The last thing I want to do is get angry and harm my inner self (and/or my internal organs). The book reminded me of the importance of spirtuality. It is a great handbook for living. I strongly recommend this book for anyone trying to move on from any sort of suffering (death, divorce, More...

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Sep 17, 2009

Gordon rated it:

This book is an interesting collaboration between the spiritual leader of the world’s Tibetan Buddhists and an American psychiatrist. Of the two, I found the psychiatrist’s thoughts the more insightful -- or at least the most useful. But then, I’m a Westerner. The Dalai Lama’s musings sound a little bit like a collection of uplifting sayings, like Tibetan versions of “count your blessings”, “accentuate the positive” and the like. He deals in moral exhortation at the level of abstraction. An More...

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Dec 30, 2010

Grink rated it:

This book is tagged as authored by the Dalai Lama. Nothing could be further from the truth. This book is the work of Howard Cutler, M.D. and is based upon his interviews with the Dalai Lama. Sure, he talked with His Holiness about the book, and got the OK from HH's interpreter before publishing. But if you think this book was written by the Dalai Lama, think again. There are far too few of His Holiness's words in this book and far too many of Dr. Cutler's. I began to wonder if Cutler consi More...

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Apr 25, 2010

dario rated it:

El libro respira sentido común por donde se lo lea. Pero esto ocurre cuando habla Tenzin Gyatso y no -desafortunadamente- Howard Cutler. Las enseñanzas de aquel -inspiradoras la más de las veces- si se las compara con los aportes intelectuales del psiquiatra Cutler son devastadoras. Este último, despliega un sinnúmero de ejemplos de estudios científicos acerca de los dichos de Tenzin, pero, este libro no los merecía. Lo que afirma y pregona el Dalai, aseverarlos con cuantos estudios hay por doqu More...

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Jun 19, 2011

Linda rated it:

I wish I could give this one 10 stars! If reading is a way to spend time with the writer, the Dalai Lama is great company to keep! The book is comprised of excerpts from the Dalai Lama's public teaching and private conversations (in the interview form) with Howard Cutler. It was -thankfully - not written for the Self Help shelf. Here is an excerpt from the introduction: "When I initially conceived if this book, I envisioned a conventional self-help format in which the Dalai Lama would prese More...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Feb 21, 2011

TJ rated it:

What a refreshing compilation of thoughts from an amazing individual. I finished it and almost wanted to start it again so I could remember and implement many of the things he stated. And not to put down the psychiatrist/co-author but I could have done without his commentary.

I actually pictured myself sitting at the feet of the Dalai Lama and listening as an eager student. I want to study the meditative practices of Buddhism.

It also helped me recognize a few internal More...

0 comments like (2 people liked it)

Sep 02, 2011

Joy rated it:

I have listened to bits and pieces of this book at a time. I was able to listen to the whole thing driving on a trip. Regardless of listening to this for a few minutes, or 2 hours, I feel I can always learn something. What I love most about this book is the peace I felt while listening to it. The Dalai Lama says some fantastic things, wonderful reminders of how to increase happiness in our lives. It was so harmonious with my own beliefs, and religion. I plan to listen to the whole thing again o More...

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Mar 10, 2011

Arachne8x rated it:

This is a great book to listen to (I got the audiobook).

The coauthor, Howard C. Cutler, decided to see if he could present the Dalai Lama's teachings in a way accessible to a non-Buddhist audience. The result, a series of conversations he had with His Holiness, organized by theme, is tremendous.

The Dalai Lama is known for being a religious leader who doesn't care what your religion is, or even if you have one, just that you treat your fellow human beings with kindness and More...

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Sep 23, 2007

Rachel rated it:

I really felt at peace while reading this book. I have read many religious texts from varying schools of thought and sometimes (often in fact) they get quite philosphical and over the head of the average person. This however really hit the right note with me. By expounding upon some of the basic tenements of Buddhism, the authors show how practicing kindness, peace of mind and simplicity lead to happiness.

0 comments like (2 people liked it)

Jun 01, 2009

Traci rated it:

This is a book that I will always have on my bookshelf. For me it is a reference book on living a more peaceful life. This book changed my life in so many ways. I truly believe Americans are hard wired for aggression and fighting. Not in a physical way, but in a spiritually and emotionally. We are taught to "fight" for everything and to always do what we can to get ahead. In the religion I was exposed to we are taught our beliefs are "the only truth". This book challen More...

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Jan 20, 2012

Angela rated it:

For the past couple years, I haven't been truly happy. Lots of little things happening (or not happening) had started to cloud my overall view of life, allowing discontent to settle in, making me really question my own abilities and thoughts.

We've owned this book since it was published, but I hadn't taken the opportunity to read it. I admire H.H. Dalai Lama and his willingness to travel around the world speaking his wisdom. I figured, too, with the upcoming year and my office's focus o More...

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Jul 09, 2009

Nikki Faith rated it:

I listened to this book on my iPhone and don't plan to ever remove the file for I see many re-listenings in my future. I think I will get something more from it every time.
The ideas in the book are actually quite simple: our most natural desire is to be happy. And, when we're happy, those around us are happier, and everyone makes better decisions and enjoys their lives more. Of course, with all the distractions and negative emotions zooming around this world, it's easy to lose your cent More...

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Jan 31, 2009

Sara rated it:

This book was great. It taught me quite a few things. It was told through the eyes of an American psychologist, who tried to fit the Dalai Lama’s teachings into Western life. I thought that he was perhaps, narrow minded and a bit dumb at times, but since he admitted that throughout the book it was okay. An example of the things it taught me would be to change your perspective. Like instead of only thinking bad things about your enemies, you should remember that they too are people trying t More...

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Oct 02, 2007

Amanda rated it:

When I read this book, which I periodically pick up and read to redirect my energy in a positive way, I am reminded of how truly great this man is. I am reminded that all religions have a commonality and I feel in my heart that the great religious figures (such as Jesus, Mohammed, etc.) would agree with what this man has to say. Yet, he is alive and walks among us today.

0 comments like (1 person liked it)

Aug 11, 2011

Sayuri rated it:

When I finished reading this book, I felt happier, as the Dalai Lama and the writer intended me to be. There are so many good pointers and exercises that readers can take home, though I did not agree with some of them. The Dalai Lama is a Buddhist monk, and his advice comes from his Buddhist faith. What I really liked about the book is that it is written by an American psychologist who interviewed the Dalai Lama over the years. So the writer backs up the Dalai Lama’s claims with scientific r More...

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