Book Review: The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama

Ever tried reading those mystical or spiritual books in which half of it you do not understand and the other half that you do understand; your mind does not buy it because of being utterly illogical? If you haven’t then you should give a shot to “The autobiography of a Yogi” as I am sure your mind does not have capacity to imagine how absurd a book can be. “The Art of Happiness” was started by me with a fear in mind of encountering a similar book but since I liked an interview of Dalai Lama somewhere I did expect it to be little different. And what a fresh breeze of air this book is. I feel lucky to have read this, to be able to get a glimpse into thoughts of Dalai Lama.  Amazing book.

There is always a sense of disbelief and scorn in my mind when I hear spiritual or religious views because of my atheist inclination. But when you hear a person who is quite similar to you in thought process, trying to explain those spiritual or religious views, how they make sense and even cite some studies which prove the views right, it becomes hard to reject his narration. This book is an effort of a psychologist, Howard Cutler who is trying to first get convinced by the views of Dalai Lama and then give world a way to be able to witness the brilliance and clarity of one of the purest minds in the world today. It makes the book very interesting and credible as the author does not sound completely submissive to Dalai Lama. He reasons it, questions it and presents his view as well.

I especially liked the meditations that are suggested in this book. To me meditations were always equal to reaching the state of near-blackout while keeping your thoughts away but for the first time I have heard about mind exercises as part of meditation. And I did find these exercises very effective and practical. The book is heavily focused on the power of compassion and how you need to control your mind. Power of compassion is really unique in my readings till now but controlling your mind did seem clichéd, though the treatment of the subject by Dalai Lama is not at all hackneyed. Must Must Read Book!! Go buy it. Read it. Now!!