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The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living [Paperback]

The Dalai Lama (Author), Howard C. Cutler (Author), Dalai Lama (Author), Howard Cutler (Author)
4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (107 customer reviews)
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Book Description

Publication Date: 8 Nov 1999 | ISBN-10: 0340750154 | ISBN-13: 978-0340750155
This will be the first book by the Dalai Lama written to appeal to a general audience and focusing on the practical application of his spiritual values.



The Dalai Lama's commentary is amplified and augmented from a contemporary western perspective by psychiatrist Howard Cutler to make this a genuinely accessible self-help guide.



Addressing every kind of daily problem, the subjects covered include: the sources of happiness; desire and greed; marriage and romance; resolving conflict; facing our suffering; overcoming fear and anxiety; anger and hatred; honesty and self-confidence; finding balance.

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The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living + The Little Book Of Wisdom + The Little Book Of Buddhism
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Product details

  • Paperback: 288 pages
  • Publisher: Hodder Paperbacks (8 Nov 1999)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0340750154
  • ISBN-13: 978-0340750155
  • Product Dimensions: 1.8 x 13.2 x 19.7 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (107 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 536 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Howard C. Cutler
Dalai Lama

Product Description

Amazon Review

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer? How should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do you handle the death of a loved one? These are the conundrums that psychiatrist Howard Cutler poses to the Dalai Lama during an extended period of interviews in The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living. At first, the Dalai Lama's answers seem simplistic, like a surface reading of Robert Fulghum: ask yourself if you really need something; our enemies can be our teachers; compassion brings peace of mind. Cutler pushes: but some people do seem happy with lots of possessions; but "suffering is life" is so pessimistic; but going to extremes provides the zest in life; but what if I don't believe in karma? As the Dalai Lama's responses become more involved, a coherent philosophy takes shape. Cutler then develops the Dalai Lama's answers in the context of scientific studies and cases from his own practice, substantiating and elaborating on what he finds to be a revolutionary psychology. Like any art, the art of happiness requires study and practice--and the talent for it, the Dalai Lama assures us, is in our nature. --Brian Bruya

Review

'An intriguing encounter between East and West' (Mail on Sunday) --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
51 of 53 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional book for readers from any tradition 20 Aug 2000
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Howard C Cutler, an experienced practising psychotherapist, spent years, in America and India, talking with HH The Dalai Lama, presenting him with problems encountered in Western life, and recording his responses. Cutler arranged the results into a sequence which leads us through the universal search for happiness, the obstacles, and how it can really be achieved.

In reading fairly widely on these subjects, from both a Western and an Eastern perspective, I have never before come across a book which compares the two, point by point, resolving apparent conflicts, and extracting the fundamental truths which lie beneath, making the differences seem essentially superficial. For me, this approach resolved problems which I have never solved before. For instance, the anomaly of perceived attitudes to anger - the Western ("don't suppress it, express it"), and the Eastern ("rise above it"). The answer isn't simple, but it's in this book.

The Art of Happiness - A Handbook for Living is, as its name suggests, a practical handbook. It is best read from beginning to end, but thereafter accessible by dipping into a section as needed. I have had my copy for a long time, and keep returning to it. For example, re-reading the section 'Dealing with Anxiety' puts such feelings into perspective and reinforces pragmatic solutions. There's a lively approach throughout, punctuated by illustrations from Howard Cutler's case-book - real examples of the problems of people he has dealt with over many years in practice, and occasionally his own worries about life. The Dalai Lama also contributes some examples from people he has met, and his own experience. Both can be enlightening and humorous. Spiritual and emotional issues are often discussed with reference to scientific research....

This is a book for those from all faiths and none. Buddhism is not an evangelical faith, and the Dalai Lama makes clear his respect for all religions, pointing out the truths common to all.

Perhaps the ultimate test - on finishing this book, I felt happier than I have for a very long time. Put into daily practice, this really is A Handbook for Living... Read more ›

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120 of 128 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars The best of East and West. 29 Aug 2003
By Adam Khan
Format:Paperback
Here is a surprisingly good book, written by a psychiatrist who interviewed the Dalai Lama many times. The book is a combination of narrative by the author and extended quotes of the Dalai Lama's answers. And Cutler asks some good questions.

Sometimes the Dalai Lama's answers seem simple. Part of it is the language. English is obviously not his first language, so he uses almost nothing but ordinary, everyday English -- no jargon, no technical terms, no psychiatric lingo. And yet he obviously has a profound grasp of human nature. Another reason his answers sound simple is because they are rooted in practicality. He isn't trying to explain how things are, he's trying to describe what you can DO to become happier. Descriptions of actions are much simpler and more concrete than explanations.

I'm the author of the book, Self-Help Stuff That Works, and I found the psychiatrist's orientation and the Dalai Lama's practicality combined to make some excellent self-help. I've tried many of the Dalai Lama's suggestions and they really work. One of his suggestions is to think about the similarities between you and other people -- specifically that they want to be happy, just like you do, and they also suffer, just like you do. I know it sounds almost too basic, but when I've actually thought about that while talking to someone, I feel noticeably closer to the person, and that feeling of closeness is relaxing, soothing, calming, and very pleasant. That feeling of closeness increases my happiness.

The Art of Happiness is an excellent book and I recommend it highly.

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86 of 92 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars The style of this book lets it down 21 Feb 2008
By Brida TOP 500 REVIEWER VINE™ VOICE
Format:Paperback
I first came to this book after one of my counselling clients mentioned that he had been reading it, and that he thought it had helped him to further understand how he needed to change. Intrigued, I decided to get my hands on the book to see if I could discover why he found it so useful.

As you could expect from a book that has the involvement of the Dalai Lama, what I found was a very spiritual, compassionate discourse on life. However, like a previous reviewer, I also found that the voice of Howard Cutler lets this book down. Although I can understand why they have decided to tackle this subject in the way they have - the book is set out as an interview between the two men, interspersed with anecdotes from Cutler's own experience - I feel that it takes focus away from the Dalai Lama's voice. I would prefer this book if it was just a commentary by the Dalai Lama.

That gripe aside, I think THE ART OF HAPPINESS is a delightful way to bring Western thinkers around to another way of seeing life and themselves. As a way of introducing Tibetan Buddhism, this book is a triumph - it is engaging, enjoyable, thought-provoking and an easy way of beginning an interest in this philosophy.
If you read this and enjoy it, I would also recommned that you then go and read some work by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who writes beautiful books on Buddhism.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Psychology meets Buddhism to explore positive thinking 29 Mar 2000
By D. Ford
Format:Audio Cassette
This is an excellent little audiobook which covers off all the main aspects from the printed version. The book examines the Buddhist approach to reacting positively and compassionately to life and demonstrates how it can be applied in the secular Western World. Unlike many modern self help books it addresses complex human issues with realism, recognising that consistent, solid effort is needed to change the habits and thought processes of a lifetime. Visualisation exercises are included to help explore individual potential for controlling the mind and developing a greater sense of compassion. Howard C Cutler has an engaging and heartfelt style as narrator. His American accent is soft and easy on the ear. All in all a thoughtful and action provoking little book well worth the investment.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Lifts the spirit
What can i say, when you need help his books are the best.Especially with Howard Cutler, the combiation works just right. Read more
Published 7 days ago by ann naden
5.0 out of 5 stars Truly enlightening read
By reconciling Buddhist ideology with western psychology, this book manages to both stimulate and enlighten your mind at the same time. Read more
Published 12 days ago by Mrs. Sarah Drury
5.0 out of 5 stars esential
Excellent ; one of the best books to read.This book is about positive changes;for the ones that are ready.I recommend this book to anyone who likes to have a clear vision at life.
Published 13 days ago by MARIO
5.0 out of 5 stars insightful and much wisdom for oneself
crying out loud these reviews what more do they bloody want from I bought there freaking product now leave me alone
Published 23 days ago by Gondros
4.0 out of 5 stars straight forward advise and insight to the art of living
There were a number of times I wanted to ask a question clarify a given point which has led me to want to read more by the Dalai Lama
Published 23 days ago by Christine Herrington
5.0 out of 5 stars great book
got this book while reading micheal palins book on the himalayas,it was recommended in that book.it was very interesting reading
and the price was small
Published 27 days ago by Mr. T. Lowery
5.0 out of 5 stars A book to make sense of life
A wonderful book, well written and so easy to read. I am finding it really makes you think in a different and more compassionate way to various challenges encountered in life. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Florence Field
5.0 out of 5 stars I read two times in a row! Worth 6 stars!
This is a book like no other book.
I read a lot of books in many subjects, of course in Buddhism and also by Dalai Lama himself before. Read more
Published 2 months ago by docM
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book....a must read
Important lesson for life from a master.
The secrets to a happy life....love, kindness and compassion for yourself and others.
Published 2 months ago by D L Oliver
5.0 out of 5 stars This books contains all you need to know to be happy
To say that this book contains profound wisdom is an understatement. Contained within this book is all you need to know about how to be happy and live a peaceful and contented... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Sally Walker
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