The Art of Happiness audiobook cover - A Handbook for Living

The Art of Happiness

A Handbook for Living

Dalai Lama

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Religion & SpiritualityMindfulness & Happiness

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The Art of Happiness
The Source of Happiness+
Pillars of a Happier Life+
Overcoming Suffering+
Eliminating Negative States+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 9
What happens to a person's level of happiness after experiencing a major external event, such as winning the lottery or facing a tragic health diagnosis?
  • A. It permanently shifts to a higher or lower level based on the event.
  • B. It fluctuates unpredictably for the rest of their life.
  • C. It tends to revert back to a certain baseline soon after the event.
  • D. It becomes entirely dependent on the actions of other people.
Question 2 of 9
How does the Dalai Lama define true, universal compassion?
  • A. A deep emotional attachment to your close friends and family members.
  • B. A nonaggressive state of mind wishing all living creatures to be free from suffering.
  • C. A feeling of pity for those who are less fortunate or living in poverty.
  • D. A willingness to give away all material possessions to help others.
Question 3 of 9
Why does the Dalai Lama view the Western concept of romantic love as potentially problematic?
  • A. It often distracts people from pursuing their career goals and financial stability.
  • B. It relies too heavily on arranged marriages rather than personal choice.
  • C. It limits the definition of intimacy, making those without romantic partners feel lonely.
  • D. It encourages people to form deep connections with strangers, which can be dangerous.
Question 4 of 9
Which of the following best describes 'basic spirituality' as outlined in the text?
  • A. A strict adherence to the daily prayers and mantras of a major world religion.
  • B. The practice of meditating for at least four hours every day.
  • C. The cultivation of basic human qualities like goodness and compassion, attainable by anyone.
  • D. The belief in a higher power that controls the external circumstances of our lives.
Question 5 of 9
According to the text, what is a common way that people inadvertently magnify their own suffering?
  • A. By accepting that suffering is a universal and perfectly natural quality of life.
  • B. By resisting constant, universal change and clinging to things they care about.
  • C. By analyzing the root causes of their suffering and taking responsibility for it.
  • D. By living in close proximity to poverty and observing the daily struggles of others.
Question 6 of 9
The Dalai Lama's approach to eliminating negative mental states shares essential ideas with which Western practice?
  • A. Psychoanalysis
  • B. Cognitive therapy
  • C. Electroconvulsive therapy
  • D. Exposure therapy
Question 7 of 9
What is the primary benefit of developing a 'supple mind'?
  • A. It allows you to rigidly enforce your value system on others.
  • B. It helps you completely avoid negative situations and people.
  • C. It enables you to quickly grow strong roots during a sudden crisis.
  • D. It gives you the mental flexibility to shift perspectives and find meaning in difficult situations.
Question 8 of 9
What is the recommended response when you feel anger or hatred arising?
  • A. Vent the anger immediately through shouting to release the negative energy.
  • B. Suppress the feelings entirely so they do not affect your outward behavior.
  • C. Take a time-out to logically analyze the situation and apply patience and tolerance.
  • D. Direct the anger toward a constructive physical activity like exercise.
Question 9 of 9
How does the Dalai Lama suggest combating the extreme mental state of self-hatred?
  • A. By striving to achieve perfection in your daily tasks and career.
  • B. By reminding yourself of the marvelous intellect and potential for development within every human being.
  • C. By comparing your struggles to those of people living in extreme poverty.
  • D. By seeking constant validation and romantic intimacy from others.

The Art of Happiness — Full Chapter Overview

The Art of Happiness Summary & Overview

The Art of Happiness (1998) is based on interviews of His Holiness the Dalai Lama conducted by the psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler. The combination of Tibetan Buddhist spiritual tradition with Dr. Cutler’s knowledge of Western therapeutic methods and scientific studies makes this a very accessible guide to everyday happiness. The book spent 97 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list.

Who Should Listen to The Art of Happiness?

  • Anyone interested in how they can deal with suffering and find lasting happiness
  • Anyone interested in how the Dalai Lama’s teachings intersect with Western therapeutic methods and scientific studies
  • Anyone struggling with anger, anxiety, guilt or other negative mental states

About the Author: Dalai Lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a Nobel Peace Prize recipient and the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. He has lived in exile in Dharamsala, India, since Chinese forces invaded and annexed Tibet in 1959, and he acted as the Tibetan head of state until his retirement in 2011.

Dr. Howard C. Cutler is an American psychiatrist who has studied Tibetan medicine and interviewed the Dalai Lama on several occasions.

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