Yes, we all have to learn how to be happier. It is a skill we have to develop.
The portions of the book that cover the conversations with the Dalai Lama are fascinating. So are the stories about how he reacts to certain questions or situations.
Flow: 4/5
Actionability: 4/5
Mindset: 5/5
Some of My Highlights:
“If you want others to be happy practice compassion; and if you want yourself to be happy practice compassion.”
“A key element to this process entails cultivating some degree of greater awareness with respect to one’s own mental states, especially one’s emotions and moods.”
“At Harvard University, for instance, ‘The Happiness Course’ has now replaced Introductory Economics as the most popular undergraduate course, with enrollment quickly soaring to well over 1,400 students each semester.”
“…it could be argued that if you are truly concerned about the welfare of others and building a better world, it is your duty to be happy, or to do what you can to become happier.”
“…when the Buddha first began to teach, he advised his disciples not to blindly accept his teachings out of faith, but rather to investigate the validity of his theories and test his methods for themselves.”
“There is an inextricable link between one’s personal happiness and kindness, compassion, and caring for others.”
“The very act of concern for others’ well-being creates a greater sense of well-being within oneself.”
“In fact, survey after survey has shown that it is unhappy people who tend to be most self-focused and are often socially withdrawn, brooding, and even antagonistic.”
“…the subjects who were feeling happy were more likely to help someone or to lend money than another ‘control group’.”
“…whether we are feeling happy or unhappy at any given moment often has very little to do with our absolute conditions but, rather it is a function of how we perceive our situation, how satisfied we are with what we have.”
“Having a calm or peaceful state of mind doesn’t mean being totally spaced out or completely empty. Peace of mind or a calm state of mind is rooted in affection and compassion.”
“The second, and more reliable, method is not to have what we want but rather to want and appreciate what we have.”
“…the highest happiness is when one reaches the stage of Liberation, at which there is no more suffering.”
“So, the first step in seeking happiness is learning.”
“Achieving genuine happiness may require bringing about a transformation in your outlook, your way of thinking, and this is not a simple matter.”
“And in the same way, transforming your mind takes time. There are a lot of negative mental traits, so you need to address and counteract each of these. That isn’t easy. It requires the repeated application of various techniques and taking the time to familiarize yourself with the practices.”
“…bringing about discipline within one’s mind is the essence of the Buddha’s teaching.”
“When I speak of discipline, I’m referring to self-discipline, not discipline that’s externally imposed on you by someone else.”