The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living

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Summary: *Insight That is Hard to Come By*
Review: This book has given me the greatest advice that I have ever received: The goal of all humans is to achieve happiness. Besides this insight, every chapter opened my eyes to new happiness inducing ideas. I recommend that everyone read this book because when you're happier, your family and friends become happier as well. I think we owe it to all our loved ones to reach our highest level of happiness possible and I think this book is capable of doing just that.

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Summary: Different eyes
Review: It never ceases to amaze me how differently we all see the world. I though that Howard Cutler's personal comments and research added a great deal to the book. In fact, my husband couldn't relate to some of the Dalai Lama's concepts, but Cutler's explanations removed the haze for him. I especially liked learning how Western research supports concepts that are 2,500 years old. Books are like people - they have their strengths and weaknesses. The choice of which end of the continuum to focus always remains ours. This is a book that I treasure.

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Summary: This book is a gift to humanity
Review: This book is a must read for all people that are interested in the concepts of Buddism but are somewhat intimidated by the sheer volume of material out there on Buddism. If you want to find out about Buddism then of course you should go right to the source, the Dalai Lama. Dr. Cutler did that and has been able to organize some rather complex concepts into a very readable style that could be understood by anyone. In addition, I feel that this book will stimulate further interest in Buddist teachings. I know that I for one intend to read more books on Buddism and try to learn even more about it based on the fact that the book sparked my interest to learn more. Dr. Cutler effectively used examples from everyday life in order to better illustrate how the Dalai Lama's teaching can be turned into practical guides to handle everyday problems. All in all, I found reading this book to be a very rewarding experience and I would recommend it to anyone.

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Summary: The Dalai Lama is an Ocean of Wisdom
Review: In The Art of Happiness, H. H. the Dalai Lama XIV truly demonstrates the translation of his title: Ocean of Wisdom. The book addresses concisely the questions that most westerners have towards eastern thought. In addition, the text easily provides day-to-day solutions for the human soul. While Mr. Cuttler's narative and point of view can be distracting, his input does tend to mirror what I, and seemingly others, were thinking at the time. Not only should this book be a staple for all adults, but should also be part of the educational canon within all schools.

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Summary: Simple Wisdom
Review: This is a life changing book. A handbook that I will refer to frequently. The Dalai Lama's sweet nature shines through in every page.

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Summary: A good place to start
Review: Like many who have reviewed this book I found Mr. Cutler's attitudes and opinions binding, distracting, and annoying. Most of all I had trouble with the western arrogance that Mr. Cutler represents. The underlying attitude seems to be that Americans (read: westeners) have the answers to everything. We've analized, sorted, categorized and studied every aspect of human nature (so we think), and we've got a good handle on everything. The only problem is that we are one of the largest groups of disassociated, disenfranchised, lonely and miserable groups of people walking the planet. Mr. Cutler should have acknowledged and appreciated that fact before wasting the Dalai Lama's time. The fact that His Holiness suffered this fool gladly is a testiment to the fact that he is one of the most incredible human beings on the planet and there is much to be learned for him. The passages of this book that contained the words of the Dalai Lama changed my life and my attitudes and have started me down the path to becoming a Buddhist. I recommend this book for anyone seeking new ways to look at your life...ways to break out of narrow western views. Hopefully the next time a spokesperson from the western world is chosen to write a book with His Holiness it will be one who has a more open mind, heart, and a bit more reverence for a man who has seen every horrible thing known to human beings and still teaches love and forgiveness.

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Summary: Important reading for today!
Review: I was changed by this book within the first thirty pages. From the very start the book helps you to apply teachings of His Holiness to your own life and in day to day situations. I found that Cutler did a great job of interveiwing and applying Western reality to the Eastern thought. In the past week after finishing the book, I Apply as much as I can in my daily life and others have noticed the change in my attitude. I recommend this book to anyone who deals with a lot of stress in their daily life.

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Summary: A wonderful book
Review: Although I haven't finished reading this book yet, I felt compelled to comment based on the negative reviews it has received. Yes, Dr. Cutler appears in the book as a typically self-centered, selfish Westerner, but this should not come as a surprise. The tenets of Buddhism challenge many of our commonly-held beliefs and ways of thinking. As a newcomer to Buddhism, I found Dr. Cutler's reactions to the Dalai Lama similar to my own, for example in their discussion of material possessions. And certainly having your belief system challenged is not easy. I actually had to put the book down for a while to fully take in the implications of what the Dalai Lama was saying. So I would urge readers to give the book another try. I find it an enlightening and accessible book.

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Summary: A Handbook to Change Your Heart
Review: The Art of Happiness is a gentle, comfortable read. The Dali Lama's quiet words guide and encourage the reader to make simple, internal changes in order to realize the universal goal of happiness. This volume does not stray from the goal of realizing internal happines through compassion towards others, but also assists the reader in eliminating negative feelings such as guilt and anger. I have shared it with those close to me, every time being thanked from the heart for this life-changing gem.

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Summary: Slow as Molasses
Review: A clumsy attempt that does not do the Dalai Lama, or his message, justice. Cutler comes across as a self absorbed, immature elitist -- the stereotypical example of a person with a lot of book learning and no common sense. And, judging from his childish reactions to the people he encounters (the couple in the restaurant, the lady on the airplane,...), I certainly wouldn't rush to this guy for therapy!