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lemonflower's review
3.0
This book was fine, but almost all the concepts were repeats of things already covered in the other two books in this series.
mjanemartin's review
4.0
This book was picked as a book discussion book so I hadn't read anything about it. It wasn't what I expected. I thought "...Happiness at Work" as in the verb "to work", when it is really about "work", the noun, as in place of employment. That being said, a little discourse on Right Livelihood couldn't have come at a better time for me. Sometimes life speaks to you. Well done, as the Dalai Lama always is.
celeryradishpun's review
3.0
“I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness.” I have a painting inspired by this quote hanging on my wall. It means a lot to me (the quote more so than the painting), and I’m glad I finally read a longer *something* by the Dalai Lama.
Lots of wonderful things to chew on here, although I wish I’d read his biography first. This book, while full of his teaching, is interwoven with snippets from Howard Cutler (a psychologist who interviews tDL). I found some of the links between Western science & Buddhist practices interesting, and especially enjoyed when Cutler would back up the Dalai Lama’s philosophy with Western studies, but I found myself frustrated when he tried to break apart teachings into oversimplified 3-step processes. (hence the 3 stars)
This isn’t as much a book about happiness, but more about the practices you can use to cultivate it—tDL believes people are inherently capable of achieving happiness, but it takes active effort. You have to train your brain (which can be done, as science has shown us). Overall, I really liked this book, and I feel like I have some of the tools I need to help shift my perspective away from the things that distract from happiness and refocus my energy on the things that grow it.
A couple of lingering themes for me:
Pleasure is not the same thing as happiness.
We would feel more compassion for each other if we related to one another as suffering beings.
Lots of wonderful things to chew on here, although I wish I’d read his biography first. This book, while full of his teaching, is interwoven with snippets from Howard Cutler (a psychologist who interviews tDL). I found some of the links between Western science & Buddhist practices interesting, and especially enjoyed when Cutler would back up the Dalai Lama’s philosophy with Western studies, but I found myself frustrated when he tried to break apart teachings into oversimplified 3-step processes. (hence the 3 stars)
This isn’t as much a book about happiness, but more about the practices you can use to cultivate it—tDL believes people are inherently capable of achieving happiness, but it takes active effort. You have to train your brain (which can be done, as science has shown us). Overall, I really liked this book, and I feel like I have some of the tools I need to help shift my perspective away from the things that distract from happiness and refocus my energy on the things that grow it.
A couple of lingering themes for me:
Pleasure is not the same thing as happiness.
We would feel more compassion for each other if we related to one another as suffering beings.
mininea's review
3.0
I remember that I had a struggle reading this book. You have to concentrate because he says many wise things.
I had to read 3/4 of the book in 5 days and my brain felt like goo. So if you're going to read this book take your time or you will not like it.
But I still think that you should read the book because you start thinking over your life and what give you happiness.
I had to read 3/4 of the book in 5 days and my brain felt like goo. So if you're going to read this book take your time or you will not like it.
But I still think that you should read the book because you start thinking over your life and what give you happiness.
pops7fda2's review
3.0
Actually this book is written by Dr Cutler - and has quotes etc from conversations the Dr had with the Dalai Lama. Not what I was wanting to read. Still had some good insight, but I thought this was a book the Dalai Lama was deeply involved in writing, not a collection of quotes and insights from a few conversations over a couple years. Dissapointed that it was misrepresented by putting the Dalai Lama as an author.
stefanieh's review
4.0
I was going through a bad patch at work and this really helped me clear my head and change my attitude. The Dalai Lama is smart and funny and wise and just a regular guy. I have never read any of his books before but after this I will definitely be reading others.
katefinityreads's review
3.0
Not my favorite Dalai Lama book, but maybe best for people who haven't read anything from him before. There was a little too much focus on psychology and case studies for my liking.
heatherreadsbooks's review
3.0
I can't help but like the Dalai Lama. I've heard many people say that his work can change lives and change people's opinions and actions, and I thought I'd form my own opinion.
And, lord, does he seem so nice. In honesty, what he says isn't wholly my cup of tea but I couldn't help but be drawn in to someone so innocent in thought and so pure in spirit. I found him a bit too idealistic, to be perfectly honest, and that was my main frustration with the book. I am a bit of a cynic, and I do not see a world without guns or violence (note: I don't suppose either of those), so the parts in which he explains his beliefs in how to achieve world peace weren't something I bought into.
But I did like his approach to life, and it was kind of refreshing to find someone to straight forward in their ideals. I liked the stories about his heritage and the work he does - that much was interesting to me. It was just difficult to completely enjoy the book because, while being so positive is wonderful, it just isn't realistic. (You have no idea how much of a cynic you feel to type something like that, but it's not meant in such black and white terms).
And, lord, does he seem so nice. In honesty, what he says isn't wholly my cup of tea but I couldn't help but be drawn in to someone so innocent in thought and so pure in spirit. I found him a bit too idealistic, to be perfectly honest, and that was my main frustration with the book. I am a bit of a cynic, and I do not see a world without guns or violence (note: I don't suppose either of those), so the parts in which he explains his beliefs in how to achieve world peace weren't something I bought into.
But I did like his approach to life, and it was kind of refreshing to find someone to straight forward in their ideals. I liked the stories about his heritage and the work he does - that much was interesting to me. It was just difficult to completely enjoy the book because, while being so positive is wonderful, it just isn't realistic. (You have no idea how much of a cynic you feel to type something like that, but it's not meant in such black and white terms).
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