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sue_reilly's review
3.0
The Dalai Lama shines in this book, but Cutler has a heavy hand and his voice overpowers everything else.
thehitmaker's review
2.0
Not really written by the Dalai Lama--written by the co-author, who sort of paraphrases what HHDL says. I'd recommend any of HHDL's other books instead--Ethics for the New Millennium is an excellent alternative.
ladydewinter's review against another edition
3.0
So, I wanted to read a book by the Dalai Lama. I don't even know why I picked it; there are quite a few at our store and I think I just liked the introduction. In any case, this was the first book by the Dalai Lama I read (or maybe I should say "read and finished", because I remember borrowing some of books from our local library when I was still at school, but I never was able to finish them because I found them rather difficult to read).
Technically (and factually) saying that this book is "by the Dalai Lama" is wrong, because it was written by Ηoward C. Cutler. It's the record of a series of conversations between the Dalai Lama and Cutler, with some added elaborations to give some more context. The overall topic is "The Art of Happiness At Work", and the book deals with things like the importance money and the relationships with our co-workers in regard to our happiness at, well, work, as well as how to deal with not feeling challenged enough/feeling too challenged at work and how to cope with unemployment.
At the end of the day, most of the things in this book pretty much boil down to common sense, mixed with Buddhist teachings. Still, just because something is common sense doesn't mean it doesn't bear repeating, and I have to say that since I started reading the book I have tried to apply some of the strategies mentioned in it to my job and my life, and while some habits are really hard to change, I think I can say reading this has helped me already.
The focus is very much on the Western way of work, and it's interesting to get an "outsider's perspective" on it, as it is. Sometimes, the Dalai Lama's answers seem rather inconclusive, but obviously there are situations where it's hard to find an answer that applies to everyone, everywhere, and I actually liked that he is very much aware of that.
I don't know whether it's the fault of the translation or of the format, but sometimes it read a little awkward (at times it *definitely* was the translation). It was nice to get some scientific background on the topics, but to be honest, I find the science of happiness a bit odd as it is.
Since the book is written from Cutler's perspective, we also get a few of his thoughts and feelings regarding the Dalai Lama, as well as his descriptions of his behaviour and mode of talking. The latter were very interesting and engrossing. The former - like the authors of "Buddhism for Dummies", the sense of awe Cutler feels is very much apparent, but since it doesn't read like blind worship, it's endearing rather than off-putting. It's just - nice. You feel like he is very much in awe and feels incredibly lucky to have the chance to talk with this man, and - well, it's nice. And at times it's also funny and cute and you know, after all the depressing books I've read lately this was one that was uplifting and inspiring.
I really enjoyed this, and it won't be the last of this kind of book that I'll read.
Technically (and factually) saying that this book is "by the Dalai Lama" is wrong, because it was written by Ηoward C. Cutler. It's the record of a series of conversations between the Dalai Lama and Cutler, with some added elaborations to give some more context. The overall topic is "The Art of Happiness At Work", and the book deals with things like the importance money and the relationships with our co-workers in regard to our happiness at, well, work, as well as how to deal with not feeling challenged enough/feeling too challenged at work and how to cope with unemployment.
At the end of the day, most of the things in this book pretty much boil down to common sense, mixed with Buddhist teachings. Still, just because something is common sense doesn't mean it doesn't bear repeating, and I have to say that since I started reading the book I have tried to apply some of the strategies mentioned in it to my job and my life, and while some habits are really hard to change, I think I can say reading this has helped me already.
The focus is very much on the Western way of work, and it's interesting to get an "outsider's perspective" on it, as it is. Sometimes, the Dalai Lama's answers seem rather inconclusive, but obviously there are situations where it's hard to find an answer that applies to everyone, everywhere, and I actually liked that he is very much aware of that.
I don't know whether it's the fault of the translation or of the format, but sometimes it read a little awkward (at times it *definitely* was the translation). It was nice to get some scientific background on the topics, but to be honest, I find the science of happiness a bit odd as it is.
Since the book is written from Cutler's perspective, we also get a few of his thoughts and feelings regarding the Dalai Lama, as well as his descriptions of his behaviour and mode of talking. The latter were very interesting and engrossing. The former - like the authors of "Buddhism for Dummies", the sense of awe Cutler feels is very much apparent, but since it doesn't read like blind worship, it's endearing rather than off-putting. It's just - nice. You feel like he is very much in awe and feels incredibly lucky to have the chance to talk with this man, and - well, it's nice. And at times it's also funny and cute and you know, after all the depressing books I've read lately this was one that was uplifting and inspiring.
I really enjoyed this, and it won't be the last of this kind of book that I'll read.
christospanayi's review
I am not going to rate this because it may put off someone that will appreciate it and have a life changing experience with these teachings.
I had read the book of joy previous to this, which I found quite profound, and therefore this book was nothing new or exciting. As a side note, I find the whole "westernizing" and explaining all the concepts that the Dalai Lama touches on in a very simplistic scientific way (briefly mentioning studies or applicable scientific resources but not really going into it) or empirical way (my uncle did this once as well) to make them "understandable to the west" a bit condescending to be honest. I see how it can be useful and appreciate that but it is not for me. Also, having a few conversations with the man cannot necessarily be a basis for a book.
I guess my disappointment was because I had read other similar books and wished to find something deeper here. Obviously that is not its purpose, and it is more of an introductory book. As such it could be extremely inspiring to some, I am sure.
I had read the book of joy previous to this, which I found quite profound, and therefore this book was nothing new or exciting. As a side note, I find the whole "westernizing" and explaining all the concepts that the Dalai Lama touches on in a very simplistic scientific way (briefly mentioning studies or applicable scientific resources but not really going into it) or empirical way (my uncle did this once as well) to make them "understandable to the west" a bit condescending to be honest. I see how it can be useful and appreciate that but it is not for me. Also, having a few conversations with the man cannot necessarily be a basis for a book.
I guess my disappointment was because I had read other similar books and wished to find something deeper here. Obviously that is not its purpose, and it is more of an introductory book. As such it could be extremely inspiring to some, I am sure.
artvandelay_'s review
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
2.75
Some good nuggets but all felt very surface level. I also really disliked the narrative structure of:
*interviewer asks surface level question about something*
HHDL: “yes that’s true”
Interviewer: what about xyz?
There has to be a better way to get HHDL’s wisdom out than this.
*interviewer asks surface level question about something*
HHDL: “yes that’s true”
Interviewer: what about xyz?
There has to be a better way to get HHDL’s wisdom out than this.
dusktodawn's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Although I'm not religious, I did appreciate the insight that the Dalai Lama had to offer. I found this book to be unique in that it was written by a psychiatrist outlining his discussions with the Dalai Lama on how to achieve happiness. It combines science (psychology) with spirituality, and the teachings are accessible to everyone - even the non-religious.
vera_baggins's review
4.0
The book is very well written and full of priceless knowledge based on buddhist teachings but applicable to any religious or nonreligious persons.
Filled with Dalai Lama's answers to the most pressing questions of human existence and practical meditations and visualizations but also filled with space for individuality in spiritual practices and beliefs.
I was expecting however a greater focus on attachment and how it's a source of suffering and additionally, personally I find the negative attitude towards 'negative' emotions a little disappointing and I was looking forward to some elaboration on how to let them go instead of surpressing them.
The book was different than I expected but nonetheless pleasant and very insigtful.
Filled with Dalai Lama's answers to the most pressing questions of human existence and practical meditations and visualizations but also filled with space for individuality in spiritual practices and beliefs.
I was expecting however a greater focus on attachment and how it's a source of suffering and additionally, personally I find the negative attitude towards 'negative' emotions a little disappointing and I was looking forward to some elaboration on how to let them go instead of surpressing them.
The book was different than I expected but nonetheless pleasant and very insigtful.
bioniclib's review against another edition
4.0
More useful advice from The Dalai Lama! I read The Art of Happiness years ago and if you have not, read that one first.
This book finds Dr. Cutler talking with His Holiness again, specifically about being happy at work. Ever the pragmatist the Dalai Lama admits that not everyone can have a job they love. So his advice focusing on having a positive attitude and thinking about how your work, even if it seems mundane and paltry, can indeed do good. One of his examples is a working on an assembly line. She may be just packing crates of Orange Juice or something, but that juice could go on to become part of the balanced breakfast for the next Nobel Peace Prize winner. It's all about perspective.
One chapter that really struck home with me was the one on Right Livelihood, which is a step no the Noble Eightfold path. It states that you shouldn't do a job that harms but rather helps people. I felt this acutely when at my last job. I really did not believe the company was helping people. Now, as a librarian, I help people all the time. It's gone a long way towards establishing my happiness at work. But again, the Dalai Lama admits that not everyone is so lucky. He gives advice on how to cope in those cases.
Would this be a good read for you? I'd was say so. You don't have to be Buddhist to put his advice into action. It certainly helps you see where he's coming from, but I'd say even and Atheist could find use int his book.
This book finds Dr. Cutler talking with His Holiness again, specifically about being happy at work. Ever the pragmatist the Dalai Lama admits that not everyone can have a job they love. So his advice focusing on having a positive attitude and thinking about how your work, even if it seems mundane and paltry, can indeed do good. One of his examples is a working on an assembly line. She may be just packing crates of Orange Juice or something, but that juice could go on to become part of the balanced breakfast for the next Nobel Peace Prize winner. It's all about perspective.
One chapter that really struck home with me was the one on Right Livelihood, which is a step no the Noble Eightfold path. It states that you shouldn't do a job that harms but rather helps people. I felt this acutely when at my last job. I really did not believe the company was helping people. Now, as a librarian, I help people all the time. It's gone a long way towards establishing my happiness at work. But again, the Dalai Lama admits that not everyone is so lucky. He gives advice on how to cope in those cases.
Would this be a good read for you? I'd was say so. You don't have to be Buddhist to put his advice into action. It certainly helps you see where he's coming from, but I'd say even and Atheist could find use int his book.