In "The Book of Joy," two spiritual giants, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, share a week-long conversation on the nature of joy amid life's inevitable suffering. Through their candid reflections, they explore the pillars of joy: perspective, humility, humor, and forgiveness. Their deep friendship and unwavering faith radiate warmth and wisdom, inviting readers to embrace joy as a purposeful choice. As they share personal anecdotes and universal truths, you’ll discover how to cultivate joy even in challenging times. Are you ready to unlock the secrets to a joyful life from these extraordinary leaders?
By Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Douglas Carlton Abrams
Published: 2016
"Joy is not merely the absence of suffering. Joy is the presence of a really good and loving life."
An instant New York Times bestseller Two spiritual giants. Five days. One timeless question. Nobel Peace Prize Laureates His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu have survived more than fifty years of exile and the soul-crushing violence of oppression. Despite their hardships—or, as they would say, because of them—they are two of the most joyful people on the planet. In April 2015, Archbishop Tutu traveled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala, India, to celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday and to create what they hoped would be a gift for others. They looked back on their long lives to answer a single burning question: How do we find joy in the face of life's inevitable suffering? They traded intimate stories, teased each other continually, and shared their spiritual practices. By the end of a week filled with laughter and punctuated with tears, these two global heroes had stared into the abyss and despair of our time and revealed how to live a life brimming with joy. This book offers us a rare opportunity to experience their astonishing and unprecendented week together, from the first embrace to the final good-bye. We get to listen as they explore the Nature of True Joy and confront each of the Obstacles of Joy—from fear, stress, and anger to grief, illness, and death. They then offer us the Eight Pillars of Joy, which provide the foundation for lasting happiness. Throughout, they include stories, wisdom, and science. Finally, they share their daily Joy Practices that anchor their own emotional and spiritual lives. The Archbishop has never claimed sainthood, and the Dalai Lama considers himself a simple monk. In this unique collaboration, they offer us the reflection of real lives filled with pain and turmoil in the midst of which they have been able to discover a level of peace, of courage, and of joy to which we can all aspire in our own lives.
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“Joy is not merely the absence of suffering. Joy is the presence of a really good and loving life.”
The Book of Joy
By Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Douglas Carlton Abrams
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
The Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, is the current spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and a prominent global advocate for peace, compassion, and nonviolence. Born on July 6, 1935, in Takster, Tibet, he was recognized as the 14th Dalai Lama at a young age. His teachings emphasize the importance of compassion and the interconnectedness of all beings, drawing from both Buddhist philosophy and modern science.
Notable works by the Dalai Lama include "The Art of Happiness," co-authored with Howard Cutler, where he explores the concept of happiness through a blend of psychology and Buddhist wisdom, and "The Universe in a Single Atom," which examines the relationship between science and spirituality. His writing is characterized by clarity, warmth, and a practical approach to complex ideas, aiming to make spiritual concepts accessible to a wide audience.
As a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, the Dalai Lama continues to inspire millions around the world through his teachings on compassion, mindfulness, and the need for dialogue in addressing global challenges.
Desmond Tutu (1931-2021) was a South African Anglican bishop and social rights activist who played a pivotal role in the anti-apartheid movement. He was the first Black Archbishop of Cape Town and the Bishop of the Church of the Province of Southern Africa. Tutu's remarkable contributions to peace and reconciliation earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984.
As an author, Tutu's notable works include "No Future Without Forgiveness," which reflects on the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and "Made for Goodness: And Why This Makes All the Difference," co-authored with his daughter, Mpho Tutu. His writing style is characterized by a warm, engaging tone, often blending personal anecdotes with profound insights on justice, morality, and human dignity. Tutu's literature not only advocates for social change but also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness and understanding in healing societal wounds. His legacy continues to inspire readers and activists around the world.
Douglas Carlton Abrams is an accomplished author and literary agent, renowned for his contributions to both fiction and non-fiction. He has co-authored several bestsellers, including "The Lost Diary of Frida Kahlo," alongside acclaimed artist and author, and has penned notable works such as "Eye of the Whale" and "The Good Man Jungle." Abrams' writing is characterized by its vivid storytelling and profound exploration of the human experience, often intertwining rich historical elements with contemporary themes. With a passion for nature and the interconnectedness of life, his works resonate with readers seeking both inspiration and insight. In addition to his writing, Abrams advocates for environmental and wildlife conservation, further reflecting the themes found in his literary endeavors.
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