The Art of Happiness
Drawing
upon 2500 years of Buddhist wisdom, combined with the latest findings of modern
science, and mixed with a healthy dose of common sense, these
remarkable volumes offer a practical approach to human happiness—a rational
approach that can be practiced by individuals
from any background, tradition, or religion.
There are many facets to leading a happy life. It
begins by understanding the true and legitimate sources of happiness. The Art of
Happiness is based on a few basic premises:
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1.
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The purpose of life is happiness. |
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2.
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Happiness is determined more by the state of one’s mind than by one’s
external conditions, circumstances, or events—at least once one’s basic
survival needs are met. |
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3.
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Happiness can be achieved through the systematic training of our hearts and
minds, through reshaping our attitudes and outlook. |
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4.
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The key to happiness is in our own hands. |
Starting with these fundamental principles, the books continue with an in depth
investigation of human happiness. The Art of
Happiness offers a variety of techniques to help overcome the destructive mental
states that are the source of much of our misery—mental states such as
anger, hatred, greed, jealousy, discouragement and fear.
Through the lively conversations between the
Dalai Lama and Dr. Cutler
recounted in these books, supplemented with engaging stories, case histories,
practical exercises and supporting scientific evidence, the books present
strategies to deal more effectively with the inevitable problems of daily life.
The
Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living was a groundbreaking collaboration
between His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, and Howard C. Cutler, M.D., a
Phoenix-based psychiatrist.
Beginning with a small first printing in 1998 the book rapidly spread by word of
mouth to become a classic manual on human happiness that has sold over 1.5
million copies in the US alone.
The book remained on The New York Times bestseller list for almost two years,
and has become a source of help and inspiration to millions of readers
throughout the world. Responding to the requests by readers, the Dalai Lama and
Dr. Cutler followed this book with another volume in 2003, their second New York
Times bestseller, titled The Art of Happiness at Work.
This website pertains to and explores the
essential principles of The Art of Happiness with articles and research on
Neuroscience and Positive Psychology for practical application. It does not
relate to His Holiness the Dalai Lama's history, the Buddhist religion, or the
political situation in Tibet. For more information on those topics please visit
The Dalai Lama official website at:
www.dalailama.com
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