The Book of Joy, 8 pillars by the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams.
The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu are two wise and kind leaders who have spent their lives helping people find happiness and peace, even when life is hard.
In 2015, to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday, the two of them met in Dharamsala, India, where the Dalai Lama has lived for over 50 years.
During this special visit, they talked about what joy is and how we can all find more of it in our lives.
The Book of Joy by the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, and Douglas Abrams is about finding lasting happiness, even when life gets tough.
These two man shared stories from their own lives and offer practical advice on staying strong, being kind, despite the pain and struggles we face, both personally and as a society.
The book was released on September 20, 2016, by Penguin Books and quickly became a New York Times bestseller. Here are the 8 key principles from The Book of Joy, designed to help you find happiness and meaning.
Joy is something we all have inside us, but sometimes things like chasing money or worrying about what others think can hide it. These things can make us feel unhappy.
To find joy again, says the Dalai Lama, is to try things like being mindful, meditating, or looking at life with a positive attitude. Also, be kind to yourself and others – this helps you feel more connected to your true happiness.
Everyone faces pain and struggles, but sometimes we feel like we’re the only ones. And when we think this way, it can make our problems feel even worse.
The trick is, explains the authors, is to remember that other people also have tough times. And when you focus on helping others, it can turn your own hard moments into chances to grow and feel joy.
The word “compassion” comes from the Hebrew word, rachamim, which means “womb,” symbolizing nurturing and caring for others, is like nurturing them.
Lama and Tutu remind us that, being compassionate, or really caring about others, helps you feel more connected and peaceful. When you’re kind and generous, you’ll find that it brings happiness not just to others, but to you too.
“Sometimes our negative thoughts and feelings can get in the way of joy,” explains the authors, and meditation is a great way to calm your mind and take control of those thoughts.
Even just a little time spent meditating each day can make a big difference. It helps you clear your mind, let go of bad thoughts, and feel more peaceful and happy.
“By practicing self-awareness and detachment,” says the Dalai Lama, “you can quiet your mind and let go of destructive thoughts. Even brief meditation sessions can improve your emotional state and help you cultivate a joyful mindset.”
“Everyone experiences tough times,” says the authors, but how we handle them makes a huge difference.
If you keep focusing on the bad stuff, it’ll just make things worse. But if you can find meaning or a lesson in the struggle, it can help you grow and turn your pain into something positive.
Like Mark Manson says, “Accepting the hard stuff can be a positive experience.” So instead of seeing suffering as something to avoid, try to see it as a chance to learn and become stronger.
Being alone too much can make it harder to feel happy. People need others to feel good, and we do best when we build strong friendships and trust.
“Being kind to others,” says the authors, and “spending time with friends is a great way to bring more happiness into your life and everyone around you.”
The authors point out that Joy doesn’t mean ignoring problems. Instead, it’s about accepting that life isn’t perfect, but we’re still working to make things better.
There are many examples in history where people stayed strong during hard times, like nurses and doctors who risked their lives during the Ebola outbreak. These acts of bravery show how people can do good things, even in tough situations.
“When you stay angry at someone,” says the Dalai Lama, “it keeps you stuck in the past and makes it harder to feel happy now.” And so, forgiving someone helps you let go of that hurt and move on.
There’s a practice in Buddhism called tonglen, that I’d mentioned in from the book When Things Fall Apart, where you take on others’ pain and replace it with love and kindness.
This helps heal both you and others and spreads peace.
To recap
The Book of Joy shares helpful ideas and wise thoughts for anyone who wants to handle life’s tough times and find happiness. By using these lessons every day, you can feel more peaceful, build better friendships, and live a life that feels important.
Buy this book to learn how to fill your life with joy, kindness, and strength!
This summary is not a substitute for the original book. All quotes and ideas are credited to the authors and publisher. Thank you.
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