This book has the power to transform the reader. I often tell people it holds the 'secret to life.'

This book is based on a dialog between Cutler, a Western psychologist, and His Holiness The Dalai Lama. The connections made between western psychology and eastern beliefs are outstanding.

This is the perfect book for someone interested in The Dalai Lama, Buddhism, psychology, or just finding a better way to live.

You'll feel like you are sitting there in the room with The Dalai Lama yourself...and not wanting to leave.

The interview format is a good way of presenting the Dalai Lama's philosophy, but the analysis by Cutler is not particularly insightful, nor is it well written. A little commentary about what he felt about or thought of the Dalai Lama's words on a particular subject would be appropriate, but Cutler goes on and on, with examples from his practice and descriptions of studies and articles from Western psychology. If I wanted to read a Western self-help book, I would. I was finding the whole thing tedious until I gave myself permission to skip Cutler's analysis. I also found Cutler's frequent descriptions of the Dalai Lama's demeanor (he chuckled warmly, he smiled serenely, etc.) smarmy and annoying.

Do read the words of the Dalai Lama. As mentioned in other reviews, they are simple but profound. Many times they caused a figurative light bulb to go off over my head, a genuine "wow, I never thought of it that way before." Cutler's contributions are the polar opposite, nothing I haven't heard or read before.

I highly reccomend this book to anybody searching for inner peace and happiness and a higher acceptance of all walks of people around us. Reading this book for me was life changing and helped me be more accepting to stressful situations and people around me, decreasing anger and dis-satisfaction significantly. The concept of how we all need each other and are interconnected is very important especially in todays fast paced competetive world. It is a book that I have re-read and reccomended to several people and also given as a gift.

The Art of Happiness is a classic. It will change how you see your life and everyone around you. Guaranteed.

Through a series of in-depth conversations with the Dalai Lama, and through a number of the Dalai Lama's public addresses, Dr. Cutler explores what Tibetan Buddhism might have to offer to Western conceptions of happiness. Dr. Cutler begins with the Dalai Lama's words on the subject:

"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 are all seeking something better in life. So, I think, the very motion of our life is toward happiness..."

As their further conversation reveals, however, Western notions of happiness have become confused with pleasure and the satisfaction of desire. Only by separating happiness from less durable forms of contentment can we truly achieve the happiness that the Dalai Lama believes is the goal of our lives.

Another great book I devoured recently after seeing it had an endorsement from the Dalai Lama is The Emotional Intelligence Quick Book

I don't mean this in a negative way, but the Dalai Lama is one of the few people in this world who has the luxury of spending his days pondering enlightenment, what it takes to be happy, etc. The result is a book that rocks your world and makes you rediscover what you're after in life.

This book was so uplifting for me. Inspirational doesn't even cut it, this book changed my outlook, broadened my perspective and made me really think and re-think my daily efforts in general and edit my overall life goal to being happy. and nothing really more. i used to sweat the small stuff. and now it all seems small. in the end, you have yourself and yourself alone, not your rolex or your lamborghini. this is to be kept in mind. bottom line: at the end of the day, you should be able to validate the comfort you have of laying your head on your pillow. i reccomend this book to anyone that is on a quest for truth. as well as anyone that is royally sick of being bombarded with a slur of existentialist thoughts.

Another book I devoured this week (bought them together because it is endorsed by the Dalai Lama) is Emotional Intelligence Quick Book

I salute the Dalai Lama to have the courage to say "I don't know" on confronting with common human problems, such as a self-destructive woman mentioned by Dr. Howard Cutler. But His Holiness did answer the question, in a more unhurried way, which he called The Art of Happiness. In the book he raised more questions than a psychiatrist could raise and answered some of them which not even a neuroscientist would like to try. Life is not mysterious, but to be happy is. We need medical sciences definitely, but a humanly love or concern, no matter how faint, should not be slighted.

Happiness is a core state we all seek to achieve. Thanks, in part, to the Positive Psychology movement, happiness has taken center stage and is now the focus of a significant amount of attention. On a recent visit to a large, chain bookstore, I noticed one whole table devoted to books related to happiness. It appears that a happiness movement is underway.

It is said that happiness can be achieved through external and internal means. Happiness achieved through external means is, unfortunately, short-lived. Life long happiness is derived from internal sources - positive states such as kindness, compassion and tolerance.

The value of this book lies in its presentation of a framework the reader can use to attain these positive states - a framework based on the integration of scientific psychological research and Buddhist philosophical principles. In addition to the framework, each of the chapters contains exercises the reader can use to reinforce the learnings presented in the chapter.

Due to our survival instinct, negative states of mind often predominate our thinking. Negative states impede or dilute our happiness. To increase your level of happiness, the authors argue that these negative states need to be combated through the greater cultivation of positive mental states. The content of this book will help guide you towards developing these positive mental states.

Seeking greater happiness? This book represents a good starting point from which to start your journey.

A very simple, yet enjoyable, read, but I especially enjoyed hearing his voice on the audiobook.

I am about half way through this book and am a bit dissappointed. I wanted to see what others thought of the book and BlueJack's review, unfortunately hits the nail on the head. This is Cutler's book. This book is not by the Dalai Lama. While I do think the concepts of a right to happiness, compassion, non-reaction, etc., are great for personal spiritual growth, I feel that the Dalai Lama's true message has been filtered through a much less able interpreter. I find Eckhart Tolle much more transformative. If you are interested in how Buddhism can help a non-Buddhist read "The Naked Buddha."

If you are unfamiliar with Buddhism, then this book is a good place to start. Also, if you believe fully in the scientific method, as I do, but are interested in Buddhism, then again, this is probably the best place to start.

Instead of overwhelming you with a bunch of Buddhist lingo and ideas as some books do, this book is very gentle in introducing Buddhist ideas and philosophy. Written by a western psychiatrist, it is very good at bridging the gap between western thought and the Dalai Lama's Buddhist wisdom. Cutler asks all the typical questions that westerners have when first exploring Buddhism, so you're not left thinking "Well what about this?". He also adds anecdotal evidence from his private practice to further explain the Dalai Lama's points, which is very helpful.

One of the best things about this book is it's PRACTICAL advice, just little things you can do every day to be a happier person. I think it would be impossible for anyone to read this book and not get something out of it, not be able to make meaningful changes in their life to be a happier person.

If you want to delve a little deeper after this book, I would recommend getting "Healing Anger: The power of patience from a Buddhist's perspective" by His Holiness, which is a translated version of the actual talks that the Dalai Lama gave in Arizona- which Cutler attended and discusses in the Art of Happiness. If you're new to Buddhism like I am, then you'll be glad you read the Art of Happiness first and Healing Anger will make much more sense thanks to Cutler's practical introduction to these ideas.

I am not a big one for inspirational books but this one struck a chord! Not only is there insight from the Dali Lahma but the Dr. who interviews him asks all the questions I would ask and plays an excellent Devils' Advocate. Anyone who reads this will surely come out being a better person. It gives you a lot to think about. Although I think the DL is naive in some ways, you must take from the book what works for you and keep it all in perspective.

Excellent book. Gave it to my son and wife with great results. WOrked on me too. I am content.

You just have the like a book of interviews and reflections with the Dalai Lama where the interviewer/author acknowledges falling asleep during one of the Dalai Lama's talks, thinks some of the Dalai Lama's answers to his questions are off track, argues with cab drivers in India, and passes summary judgment on people he meets at dinner parties.

Dr. Cutler is deeply respectful of the Dalai Lama and at the same time very honest about his own actions and reactions, warts and all. Even though the DL is on the cover this is very much Dr Cutler's book. What you get is an enjoyable and accessible internal and external conversation about living a life with more happiness.

Dr. Culter weaves current physiology research, mostly in the field of positive psychology, and clinical practice together with the Dalai Lama's intro teaching on happiness. Intentionally missing are complex structural Buddhist principles that are the underpinning of the teaching.

If the easy to digest descriptions of how to increase happiness in your life are appealing then this book might point you to more in-depth Buddhist readings, or it could equally point you to more readings in the field of positive psychology.

At first when I started to listen to this audio book CD. The reader put me off a bit, but I got used to his style.
I really enjoyed the content of these CDs.
Dalai Lama has a unique but a very straight forward way of explaining the simple things that matters in life. He recognizes everyone's desire, and need for happiness from an open perspective. I think this can benefit from people of all sort of beliefs, and walks of life.

I've been recommending this to all of my friends.

This is a fabulous book. I almost didn't buy it because of some of the negative reviews. I read it pieces at a time because there is a lot to mull over. Yes, a lot of the concepts are simple, but they are useful.
I've found a lot of food for thought in this book, and being a westerner, I really appreciated the compare/contrast of many of the Dalai Lama's ideas with the western concepts I was brought up with.
I highly recommend this book.

A good read, but slow at times. Interesting Eastern culture perspective, but could go into more depth of the Dalai Lama's philosphy instead of the author's interviews (viewpoints).

Like so many other people who have come across this book, The Art of Happiness changed my life. Reading this book taught me how to change my perspective in order to change my world. I re-read this book everytime I feel as if I am forgetting the valuable lessons contained in this powerful book. You don't need to be Buddhist or unhappy to appreciate The Art of Happiness. This is not like the typical self-help books that preach "at" you or tell you how you should behave or live. This book is inspiring.

A very easy book to read and a great antidote to the excesses of our western life style of consumption and greed.

It provides an easily digestible look at practical ways to live simply and happily.

It can seem patronising and too simple in places, it discusses things that are pretty obvious to most but that is because there is much truth in what the Dalai Lama says and his philosophy is pretty simple.

Live Happily!

By sheer coincidence, this is the second book in a row I have read (following "People of the Lie" by M. Scott Peck) where psychiatry and spirituality come together to bring practical insight into the human condition. In "The Art of Happiness" Howard C. Cutler, psychiatrist, conducts a series of interviews over time with the Dalai Lama in order to discuss the most universal of human interests ... how to achieve happiness.

I won't begin to try to sum up the various techniques and concepts that are discussed in this book. I will say that I found reading the book to be uplifting, enjoyable and fascinating. The Dalai Lama is not a religious figure who commands respect from either intimidation or pomp and circumstance. He comes across as warm, friendly, nurturing and flexible enough to look at complex issues from various points of view, without ever resorting to defensiveness or dogma. And although Cutler's commentary is never as interesting as the Dalai Lama's own words, this book provides an excellent opportunity for the beginning of a dialogue between western psychology and eastern spirituality. Although I had read another book by the Dalai Lama a decade ago, I really consider this book to be my first real introduction to him, and I'm inspired and curious to learn more about the man and his teachings.

One of my favorite books of all time (that's saying a lot), I loved this practical, insightful and inspiring look into ourselves. The Dalai Lama discusses happiness and how to truly find it. The book goes far beyond that. Don't expect the usual psychological jargon here, just the simplest of things that we so often overlook...and some things we've always known but never been truly aware of. If you're interested in an idea of what Buddhism is about (practical rather than religious in this book), if you want a more "natural" approach to finding your own happiness or if you just want a very fascinating read - this book is for you. I rather enjoyed the dialogue between the Dalai Lama and the writer.

Review of:
The Art of Happiness by The Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler

This book is considered a handbook for living that contains possible solutions to many problems in life such as how to deal with anger, sorrow, and remorse and many other negative feelings. Howard C. Cutler in this book poses a number of questions people generally have and paraphrases the responses of the Dalai Lama and also gives his own opinion on the solution. The Dalai Lama believes that the goal and purpose of life is to be happy and he offers many simple solutions to overcome negative feelings and achieve a state of happiness through practicing Buddhist philosophies. On a more general scale, Howard C. Cutler talks about the science behind those techniques and what he as a psychiatrist do to help his patients achieve a happier life. Basically, he paraphrases what the Dalai Lama says into a more understandable format.
This is claimed to be a "handbook for living", but there are no simple lists of procedures of how to achieve happiness. If you are expecting simple instructions to become more happy, then this is NOT the book for you. This book contains simple Buddhist principles given by the Dalai Lama in which Howard Cutler paraphrases and applies psychology to the principle to break it down. However, there are a few meditation exercises in which the Dalai Lama walks you through. Supposedly, with practice, you can achieve happiness by being able to see things from another perspective. Aside from that, most of the book is Howard Cutler talking about his opinion and his own experiences after every interview with the Dalai Lama. Coincidently, most of what he experiences closely coincides with what he talked about in his interviews.
There is not much Dalai Lama sections in this book aside from a few quotes here and there. However, those quotes contain so much depth that they balance off the small number of them. Although Howard Cutler talks for most of the book, the profound philosophy of the Dalai Lama somewhat brings the content of the book to an equilibrium. A little bit of deep Buddhist principles and a whole lot of common psychology theories. You as the reader must then do the reading and digest the exchange of ideas between Cutler and Dalai Lama in order to really understand the principles and theories.
The most fascinating part about this book is the few times when the Dalai Lama tells a story about his past experiences. There are a few chapters in which it starts by having the Dalai Lama tell a story and Howard Cutler finishing it off with his own experiences and views. At some points, don't be surprised that you are skimming for quotations from the Dalai Lama and sections dedicated to the Dalai Lama for his words. The way Howard Cutler talks about the Dalai Lama's principles is like when you listen to a song when you recorded it from a radio. The quality suffers drastic loss and even if it is the exact same material, it just sounds bad. Simply put, Cutler paraphrases the Dalai Lama, but does not add to the ideas and actually cause a loss of depth to what the Lama said. I mean, he included the parts where the Dalai Lama's assistant hint that time is up for the interview. Maybe to imply that he had limited time and that is the reason why the book may not contain a lot of dialogues by the Dalai Lama.
In all the repetition of information by Cutler, the Dalai Lama is actually able to reach the audience through his limited dialogue. I guess this is a natural ability of the Dalai Lama to be able to talk to people on all different levels of trying to achieve happiness. Cutler's dilution of the dense Buddhist beliefs may not be such a bad thing after all. You will notice that when you read, but ultimately, the amount of digested and regurgitated information he gives actually equals to what the Dalai Lama is trying to tell the audience. I would recommend this book despite the limited amount of the Dalai Lama. However, the amount of whoever talking in the book does not matter, it is the knowledge you get from your read. I myself, who had no idea WHAT HAPPINESS was prior to reading this book, learned a great deal about HOW TO achieve happiness. If you don't mind reading about a guy's personal opinion on the Dalai Lama's Buddhist principles, then this is a good starters for your quest to achieve happiness.

I listened to the audio book, and it was both calming and uplifting, and very inspirational.

This book is all about the wrong feelings we get when our minds are still focus on the wrong objectives or the bad intention.

This man describe the right way to get away from all those thoughts which keep us into bad mood and drive us through bad decisions.

His solution is far away from religion or any other bad medication. He just explain what is going bad in our mind and how to feel better. And all this has nothing to do with any god.

He is a kind of spiritual guy I trust and his philosophy is the best religion that has never existed.

You will be converted as soon as you start reading this book.

This book is a dialogue between psychiatry (Cutler) and Tibetan Buddhism (Dalai Lama). Despite claiming to be a "handbook" it is not full of 'how-to-do-it' gems. It is more a philosophic exchange on the subject of happiness. As it is written for a western audience some of the metaphysical elements of Buddhism, such as karma and reincarnation, receive only a brief mention. Compassion, however, receives a lengthy treatment, as does living in the moment and dealing with anger. There are a few meditation exercises included.

The book is very readable and maintained my interest all the way through. If I have a criticism it is that the book does not contain enough psychiatry or enough Buddhism. Some how it seems to fall between the two disciplines. It reads like a first contact encounter between East and West, rather than a well developed, deeply contemplated thesis.

I watched the Dalai Lama at one of his dialogues recently. He is a very beautiful man, a master, and a great crowd pleaser. Sadly, I know that for most of us, the inspiration gained in his presence is not enough to carry us through the day to day problems of life, and we may soon forget his comforting words. More than that, there are no practically applicable answers here. Our 'unhappiness' is deeply ingrained through what may be years of dysfunction, and cannot be shifted permanently and effectively by reading a book like this. From the book: '...one sets about gradually eliminating those factors which lead to suffering and cultivating those which lead to happiness. That is the way." Well I am sorry, but I have no clue how to do this! The best book I have found that actually gives you practical solutions is Olga Sheean's Fit for Love: Find Your Self and Your Perfect Mate, which provides powerful answers through our relationships with each other, to properly address these problems.

Completely changed my life for the better. A required reading for everyone.

:)

I have bought this book some time ago becuse I myself am a very spiritual person in hopes to become a better person. I will not tell you a lie this book has some exercises and some medation exercises to help improve your life. This book has help me somewhat.

I was excited to read The Art of Happiness because I love learning about different perspectives on happiness. Although I find the book's principles interesting, I am often too distracted by the continuous grammatical errors to absorb the life lessons. The first sentence of chapter one is grammatically incorrect. I immediately noted that although the sentence ends with a quote, it does not begin with one. Luckily, this does not harm the sentence's content. However, on pages 24 and 25, I noticed that multiple sentences began with quotes, but they did not end with quotes. This is a major problem. Without proper quotation, the text is unreliable. At this point, how can anyone truly confirm the Dalai Lama's thoughts from Howard Cutler's beliefs? The severity of the book's grammatical errors are infringing on the validity of its content. I will continue reading the book, but I feel its poor grammar takes away from the essence of the book as a piece of literature.

As noted in other reviews, the cover is misleading in suggesting this is written by the Dalai Lama. The book is written by the rather average writer and psychiatrist Howard Cutler who lists his name as second author although he is really the sole author. Cutler uses quotations from some interviews he had with the Dalai Lama to justify the deceptive authorship credit. The quotations are very thinly spread through the book and you will find nothing new here. I presume this is legal, but I felt cheated and really struggled to extend loving compassion to Cutler and the publishers of this book. Read some of the texts really written by the Dalai Lama or the excellent and beautifully written book "Happiness" by Matthieu Ricard instead.

This latest book by the Dalai Lama along with co-author Howard Cuter, comes off as his most practical and simplest book - yet, it is so full of real deep wisdom. It is hard to not get something that is life changing from his thoughts and comments about the source of happiness - understanding about suffering and compassion. What makes this book work so well with non-buddhists is the input and comments from western co-author Cuter.

This book is IMPORTANT! I would hope that everyone would give it a read regardless of their religious belief sytems. It is well written, easy to read and more importantly, it is easy to understand! Unlike a lot of books on eastern philosophy it bridges the East and West with great examples and comments.

I highly recomend this book for ALL readers - actually - ALL Human Beings!

I've read many books concerning science and buddhism, whilst others have discussed the similarities between the East and the West's view on the human mind, this book elaborates it further by drawing many interesting cases and presents it from both perspectives.
Compared to other books recording conversation with H.H. the Dalai Lama and modern scientists on neuroscience, dreaming, dying, and meditation, this one brings home a more practical message: the effect of compassion and loving-kindness on a person's outlook and hence behaviours (quite similar to the principles of cognitive psychology).

The occasional skepticism expressed by Dr. Cutler is, to me, a healthy skepticism with the aim to seek clarifications and to build bridge drawing closer the two seemingly different views on human mind.

I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in knowing more about emotional resilience from an Eastern perspective. Or simply use the book to gain a good overview on the teachings of Buddha applying to daily situations.

This book is the result of a series of talks between Dr. Howard Cutler, a psychiatrist, and the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama states that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. The conversations essentially tell us what is necessary to bring that about.Being a kind, compassionate, and loving human being helps. What was a bit of a surprise to me was how much of what the Dalai Lama said sounded like cognitive behavioral therapy. Evidently, when it comes to happiness, the gap between East and West isn't that wide. There seems to be general agreement that happiness is an inside job and is very related to the inner dialogue we have going with ourselves all day long. If we want to be happy, the Dalai Lama gives us a pretty good road map to follow.This is a worthwhile book.

This book is the result of a series of talks between Dr. Howard Cutler, a psychiatrist, and the Dalai Lama. The Dalai Lama states that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. The conversations essentially tell us what is necessary to bring that about.Being a kind, compassionate, and loving human being helps. What was a bit of a surprise to me was how much of what the Dalai Lama said sounded like cognitive behavioral therapy. Evidently, when it comes to happiness, the gap between East and West isn't that wide. There seems to be general agreement that happiness is an inside job and is very related to the inner dialogue we have going with ourselves all day long. If we want to be happy, the Dalai Lama gives us a pretty good road map to follow.This is a worthwhile book.

I'm an Indian guy living in USA for almost 10 years now, so I was able to see this book from both Eastern and Western perspectives. The book has a very balanced way of explaining various Buddhist concepts, with practical implications/application. Western psychiatric point of views are also interwoven nicely. I would highly recommend to experience this book.

This was on my daughter's wish list. I sent this to her for a little surprise. She loved it....and suggests that I should read it. How about you???

Inspirational book, I could not put it down, had to keep reading. The coauthor Howard Cutler has a wonderful style that keeps you connected to the Dalai's words from a western perspective. Mr. Cutler obviously had a profound experience writing this book with the Dalai Lama. I hope the book will mean as much to you as it does to me. I highly recommend it.

This is a must for all people, clear and concise, this will take days to read and a lifetime(s) to aspire to, a valuable friend.

must-read book for taming, shaping and calming your mind, so as to make it more powerful and help you gain 'insight' about the impermanent, suffering, self-less nature of our existence - our mind and body.

Insightful look at western culture through eyes of the Dalai Lama. It provides insight into recognizing and handling internal stressors, but a different perspective on compassion as a way to happiness.

Its amazing how such simple concepts can be so moving. Happiness is right around the corner for those who still haven't found it. I loved the audio form of this book, it was easy to pop in my CD player and listen too any time. I've shared this CD with friends and family and I've seen the transformation that the CD has helped bring to their lives. Don't think twice get this, its worth every cent!

This is the first book I had ever read concerning the Buddhist religion/philosophy, and it led me to want to learn more about it. It is very straight-forward, helpful, and makes a good deal of common sense. Cutler seemed surprised by how much the Dalai Lama's recommendations for living aligned with current psychological practices, which goes to show it would be beneficial if more Western people took an interest in researching Eastern philosophy.

I was very surprised to see people giving this amazing book one or two stars. It was well-written, right to the point and actually very very helpful.

It is indeed a combination of Dalai Lama's speeches and interviews with western psychology. People critisized it for that, I found it admirable. Cutler presents Dalai Lama's views respectfully and at the same time gives scientific data, research results and the western psychology point of view to the matters of discussion. Which means it makes it more approachable and comprehesible to us.

The book talks abou the value of compassion as the main source of interior peace. It explains that negative thoughts and false impressions are the things that make us unhappy and frustrated to begin with. It also provides certain exercises for relaxation, and even experiments that suggest that certain diseases are psychosomatic.

I would urge every potential buyer no to be influenced by the negative reviews. This is not literature or buddhist philosophy strictly. This is a self-help book, much more effective than the average books on the shelves. You will be very pleasanlty surprised.

For anyone seeking a simple, introductory look into the fundamental beliefs and principles of the Dalai Lama, "The Art of Happiness" would be a great place to start. The book, authored by Howard C Cutler, MD, consists of excerpts and commentary from a series of documented conversations held between himself and the Dalai Lama.

Rather than following the original timeline of their conversations, the book is broken down into topics, such as the Sources of Happiness, the Value and Benefits of Compassion, Dealing with Anger and Hatred, etc. At first, this writing style feels bit choppy and somewhat rough to muddle through, but it quickly becomes self-evident this is the best format for addressing such a broad range of concepts and ideas that lead toward one universal goal -- happiness.

Cutler, a psychologist, lends an interesting, analytical perspective on the views presented by the Dalai Lama. The questions he poses are very natural, very western, and very human; they are questions to which any ordinary person would be curious to know the answer. The Dalai Lama's calm and thoroughly pondered answers consistently prove to be straightforward and quite simplistic. The author, however, with his background in psychology, then proceeds to validate the Dalai Lama's perspectives with his own personal case studies and/or with specifically cited scientific data. This combination of theory and validation forms a well-balanced piece of work that is easily digestible yet scientifically believable.

While "The Art of Happiness" is loaded with simply stated concepts, it is also equally filled with a multitude of real examples of, and instructions for, the practical application of these concepts in life and in the Western world. The ideas in this book seem to successfully transcend race, religion, and cultural background. Anyone and everyone who wishes to cultivate greater happiness in his or her life can stand to benefit from the read.

everytime when I struggle with some emotional problem, this book always helps me to feel better and resolves my problem no matter which page I flip to. How amazing? It is a must-have book!

A bit of a tough read, but worthwhile all the same! It takes the Dalai Lama's views and mixes them with explanations from an American psychiatrist (East meets West). The result is a useful tool kit for creating more happiness in your life, but beware, it requires some deep thought - and some very active mental changes in your normal patterns of behaviour. Happiness, it seems, requires a great deal of mental discipline! But remember, its the end purpose we are working towards, not the short term pleasure...so put those chocolates away, and read the book!
If you are not a Buddhist, do not fret, there is not a lot of religion in here and it is deliberately tailored to a secular audience.

This book was so uplifting for me. Inspirational doesn't even cut it, this book changed my outlook, broadened my perspective and made me really think and re-think my daily efforts in general and edit my overall life goal to being happy. and nothing really more. i used to sweat the small stuff. and now it all seems small. in the end, you have yourself and yourself alone, not your rolex or your lamborghini. this is to be kept in mind. bottom line: at the end of the day, you should be able to validate the comfort you have of laying your head on your pillow. i reccomend this book to anyone that is on a quest for truth. as well as anyone that is royally sick of being bombarded with a slur of existentialist thoughts.

Author,
T Ruth About Caff eine
SCR Books

This book was so uplifting for me. Inspirational doesn't even cut it, this book changed my outlook, broadened my perspective and made me really think and re-think my daily efforts in general and edit my overall life goal to being happy. and nothing really more. i used to sweat the small stuff. and now it all seems small. in the end, you have yourself and yourself alone, not your rolex or your lamborghini. this is to be kept in mind. bottom line: at the end of the day, you should be able to validate the comfort you have of laying your head on your pillow. i reccomend this book to anyone that is on a quest for truth. as well as anyone that is royally sick of being bombarded with a slur of existentialist thoughts.

Marina Kushner
Author
The Truth About Caffeine: How Companies That Promote It Deceive Us and What We Can Do about It

This book has an appealing title and author. It does not deliver content. The co-author Howard Cutler stumbles through endless interpretation of the Lama's ideas. It seems as if Cutler is trying to filter eastern philosophy through a western filter while oversimplifying for the reader. It is unclear if Cutler is "dumbing down" his analysis for the simple-minded reader or possibly just is not good at writing. The book would be far better without his aggravating interjections.
"Ethics for a New Millenium" is a much better choice if your looking for a book by the Dalai Lama.

I agree with most of the previous reviews that Mr.Cutler lost this battle of wits with the Dalai Lama. The latter shows us in vivid detail how to cope and beat the blues, anger, envy, etc. Mr.Cutlers attempts to outwit DL with psychological questioning was transparent and ineffective. DL's logical responses go far beyond the limits of the self. Part1-The Purpose Of Life, P2-Human Warmth And Compassion, P3-Transforming Suffering, P4-Overcoming Obstacles, and P5-Closing Reflections On Living A Spiritual Life. Will give any reader plenty to reflect on. For me P3 was the linchpin of the book. Page 140 was the most crucial. Attitude truly does play a huge role in our lives, even if we are slow to realize it.