Rating: 
Summary: A Short answer
Review: Anyone who condemns the author for selfish motives has not yet set upon the true path nor gotten the message as intended.
Rating:
Summary: A deceptively simple book
Review: Most of the reviews I've seen here are either "I just loved this book and you will too!" or "I hated this book -- it's all about Howard Cutler". Both opinions are valid -- in fact, opinions are by definition valid, at least as far as the opinionated person is concerned. This book is largely about Mr. Cutler's opinions -- and though of course he sometimes comes across as an uptight, elitist dolt, one has to admire his courage in portraying himself in that way. Surely nobody would be so stupid as to think that what occasionally comes across as Dr. Cutler's wrongheadedness was not *intentionally* scripted as part of the book. Yet obviously some of the reviewers here have entirely missed this not-terribly-subtle point. Cutler is courageous in portraying himself honestly -- as somebody who does not know it all -- and also in portraying the Dalai Lama as someone who, in spite of his truly exceptional wisdom and compassion, is still actively engaged in learning about the human condition. This book is record of a cultural dialogue between two people, and is also to some degree a template for the kind of cultural dialogue which must inevitably take place if Buddhism is to be a vital and constructive force for change in the lives of Western people. Western Buddhist elitists may feel cheated by this book because this it teaches what they think they already know; but this reaction itself just serves to show the arrogance of some educated Western Buddhists or Buddhist sympathizers. Other people, who failed to read the book's reviews beforehand, might feel cheated because the book is not written by the Dalai Lama -- but it's their own fault for not researching the book before they bought it. (In this Cutler's book is hardly unique -- a number of other titles with the Dalai Lama's name on them have been created from transcriptions of his talks and conversations, and edited by other people.) Still others may criticize Cutler for being a cynical opportunist who used the Dalai Lama to write a bestseller-- but that's just jealousy of another's success. What's valuable about this book is that it is informative, but not overly subtle, and it is honest. Cutler, as the writer, and the Dalai Lama, as collaborator, have allowed us to glimpse their humanity, which is a sincere and noble gesture.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Introduction for Newcomers
Review: This book is a great introduction to Buddhism and to H.H. Dalai Lama. My mother, a non-religious, intelligent recent stroke survivor, is looking for a clearer spiritual path to help her deal with many issues which may have contributed to her stroke (anger, for example). This book offers her a comfortable entrance. To those who underrate it because this book doesn't fit their needs, I would ask that they do as the Dalai Lama does - recognize there is more than one doorway to peace, tranquility and illumination. I was impressed in this book to find that rather than passing judgments, the Dalai Lama had answers for non-Buddhists and athiests (non-believers)who are looking for 'happiness'. For many comfortable with the Western way (psychotherapy), this book will offer an opportunity to seek and find true happiness.
Rating:
Summary: This Book Should Be a Required Text in Every High School
Review: For over 60 years I have read thousands of books. The subjects have ranged from technical to spiritual, from historical to fictional and from entertaining to instructive. Although I have been cognitively informed by many books and spiritually lifted by some, none has been more significent in leading me to see the way to true spiritual happiness than Howard C.Cutler's book The Art of Happiness. This book is truly one of the best books I have ever read. This book fulfills its promise that through the wisdom of the Dalai Lama one can have a Handbook for Living. I am a school teacher and minister for Christ in the state reform school in Anchorage, Alaska. I use teachings of Dr. Cutler and the Dalai Lama to guide my students to a better path. When I read one of the passages to my classes they become calmer and more settled that usual. Thank you Dr. Cutler and Bstan-dzin-rgya-mtsho for your wise and wonderful counsel. Rev. Dr. Michael K. Mitchell Teacher and Minister Anchorage, Alaska
Rating: 
Summary: Too little Lama, Way Too Much "Analysis"
Review: Both stars are for the miniscule amount actually involving the Dalai Lama. I am surprised though that he allowed Dr. Cutler to pretend that the book was written by the Dalai Lama. It is a series of interviews in which Cutler asks questions which seem based more on his own ideological hang-ups than on a true attempt to avail himself (and thus his readers) of the wisdom and incredibly valuable time of this great man. Indeed Cutler readily admits that certain questions were based on recent events in his life -- hardly well investigated and reasoned questions. He then exhaustively analyzes what was said (the bulk of the book is his tedious analysis), often missing the point completely. Having said that, the Dalai Lama did the best he could to answer these sometimes ridiculous questions. For the person unfamiliar with bhuddism, this book may help make you feel good, like one of those pick-me-up E-mails from a friend. For the person more familiar with the teachings of His Holiness, you may gain a little by ignoring all but the interview passages (making it about a 20-page book tops). For the truly unhappy person, you will find little. But I urge you not to give up. True happiness is in the mind as the Dalai Lama says, and there are better books to bridge the gap between west and east. Although Taoism and Bhuddism differ, I recommend The Tao of Pooh as a good start to exploring a very different way of looking at your life.
Rating: 
Summary: Skip this one!
Review: It's quite obvious that Dr. Cutler either lacks an understanding of the Dalai Lama's teachings, or is simply using His words to convey Dr. Cutler's own views and concepts. It was frustrating to constantly run into misinterpretations and inappopriate conjectures. I found myself repeatedly re-reading passages while shaking my head and muttering "no, no, no" to myself. This is a thinly veiled self-help book, attempting to use the Dalai Lama's name and words to lend credence to simplistic, formulaic bookshelf "wisdom". Skip this one!
Rating:
Summary: Happiness from a different point of view
Review: The happiness explained by the Dalai Lama does not work from the same dynamics usually found in the western world. This book offers a new perspective on happiness to the western mind. Understanding will come with the desire do gain from this book. I think that all readers just being introduced to the Dalai Lama will find it useful and interesting to understand the history of his nature, position in life and his country. I would also reccomend "Tears of Blood" by Mary Craig and "In Exile from the Land of Snows" by John Avedon. I would also suggest reading them in that order. The spirit of any person will gain a great deal weather they look at only this book or look for deepr understanding. Buy this book and give it a read.
Rating:
Summary: The art of hapyness
Review: It was a wonderful book that changed the way of my life. I strong recommend it to every body.
Rating:
Summary: Pass on this book if you're still capable of thinking
Review: 1. This book isn't the Dalai Lama's writing. 2. This book is a clever way of "earning" some money based on the Dalai Lama's cult of personality. 3. The simplistic nonsense passing for deep thoughts can be discounted by anyone who knows anything about logic, history, religion, or is above the age of ten. 4. The Dalai Lama is just another in a line of theocrats and would-be theocrats who have polluted the Earth for too many centuries. 5. You should learn what Tibet was like under the religious dictatorship of the previous Lamas before making any positive comments about them or their philosophy. 6. None of the above points are intended to excuse the horrific crimes that the Chinese government has committed in Tibet.
Rating:
Summary: This one goes on the boat
Review: The messages within this book are invaluable. They have helped focus my interests in such a manner that the dreams of building and subsequently living aboard a bluewater troller yacht (48' or 68') have taken a quantum leap toward becoming reality. Rest assured, when that boat leaves port, a copy of this book will be onboard.
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