Recently I came across a book titled, The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by the Dalai Lama & Archbishop Desmond Tutu. I have always admired the philosophy of these two great leaders.
There are 7 billion people in the world all striving to be happy. It was a no brainer to grab a copy and discover different ways we can create lasting happiness in our lives.
At the time of writing this article I am half way through the book. I would like to share with you my top 6 quotes so far from the book.
Whilst reading the quotes, think about your situation and how you could apply the philosophy to different areas of your life.
The book is written by Douglas Abrams. Douglas spent a week with the Dalai Lama and the Archbishop. He observed, listened intently and joined in on the conversations across the week. The result is a brilliant book, with so many takeaways we can apply in our own lives.
Top 6 Quotes From “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World“
1. “I always consider myself personally one of seven billion human beings. Nothing special. So, on that level, I have tried to make people aware that the ultimate source of happiness is simply a healthy body and a warm heart.” ~ Dalai Lama
2. The Archbishop explains that in African Villages, one would ask in a greeting, “How are we?” This understanding sees that someone else’s achievements or happiness is a very real way our own. So rejoicing in others’ good fortune really brings a lot of positive benefits.” ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu
3. “Especially today; there is not much focus on inner values in education. Then, instead of inner values, we become self-centred, always thinking: I, I, I. A self-centred attitude brings a sense of insecurity and fear. Distrust. Too much fear brings frustration. Too much frustration brings anger. So that’s the psychology, the system of mind, of emotion, which creates a chain reaction.” ~ Dalai Lama
“I pointed out that so often our parenting in the West is too focused on our children, and their needs alone, rather than helping them to learn to care for others.” ~ Douglas Abrams
4. “Think about it this way. If your health is strong, when viruses come they will not make you sick. If your overall health is weak, even small viruses will be very dangerous for you. Similarly, if your mental health is sound, then the disturbances come, you will have some distress but recover quicker. If your mental health is not good, then small disturbances, small problems will cause you much pain and suffering. You will have much fear and worry, much sadness and despair, much anger and aggravation. ~ Dalai Lama
5. “I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. I felt fear more times than I can remember, but i hid it, a mask of boldness. The brave man is not to he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.” ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu
6. “What the Dalai Lama and I are offering is a way of handling your worries: thinking about others. You can think about others who are in a similar situation or perhaps even worse a situation, but who have survived, even thrived. It does help quite a lot to see yourself as part of a greater whole”. ~ Archbishop Desmond Tutu
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