The Art of Happiness

Never thought I would pick up a religious book at a book fair...let alone read it!
Well, it was cheap enough ( only RM8 at the Big, Bad Wolf sale)..so i guess the organisers of the book fair have achieved their mission is getting people to buy books they normally would not buy if only the price was cheap enough...

This book , though written by a religious figure, is more spiritual than religious.

Dalai Lama can connect with people because he uses people-centric approach.

He believes that we are all human beings, and that we are all entitled to being happy. How much more human can that that be?

Among the striking points :

(1) The antidote for bad attitudes are good attitudes : eg patience as antitode for anger, tolerance for hatred, honesty for low self esteem.

(2) A calm mind means peaceful mind, therefore it is easier to find joy and happiness.

(3) Many problems face by humans can be solved . If the solution can be found, there is no need to worry. Even if no solution can be found, there still is no need to worry about it.

Some of the concepts may be difficult to accept for mere mortals like me. Like how he visualises other people's suffering and chooses to bear them. Something like Christ bearing the sins of the people on earth. Very high level.

Most of the concepts , however, are applicable as the values are quite universal. Patience to counteract anger.... even from a Western perspective, taking some time off and some deep breathing when faced with anger is a proven way to diffuse immediate anger. Patience, eh?

Now , I know why Richard Gere finds Tibetan Buddhism so appealing.... He is after all , AGentleman...looking to get away from the attachments of His Pretty Woman!