Posted on by Phil

My Learnings from The Book of Joy

This past summer a good friend of mine bought me a copy of “The Book of Joy.”  In the last year I’d been getting into meditation/spirituality, and his wife had loved it.

While the book isn’t very long, it did take me a long time to read it for the simple reason that there is SO MUCH wisdom sprinkled throughout.   For those that don’t know, this book is basically a summary of a week of conversation between the Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu.  It outlines many of their core philosophies.

There are a ton of great tidbits in this book for anyone with an open mind, and I highly suggest you go buy it if you’re at all curious.

I knew it’d be a worthwhile exercise for my own self to codify some (I can’t stress ‘some’ enough – this book is full of interesting and useful wisdom) of the key lessons that I took away, and thought “why not write them up on that blog I never post to!”

So, here are a few of the lessons I took away:

  • “The purpose of life is to find happiness” – The Dalai Lama says this in the opening part of the week, and I completely agree.  Of course, finding and pursuing happiness are quite different and will lead to divergent outcomes.  As is mentioned later in the book, happiness is a byproduct of generosity, compassion, self love, and a host of other worthy pursuits.  Pursuing it directly usually ends in distraction and a focus on things like fast cars or big boats.
  • Compassion = Happiness – Do you ever have one of those days where you strike up a genuine conversation with a stranger, or get to help out someone in need?  As the book says “If you develop a strong sense of concern for the well-being of others, this will make you happy in the morning, even before coffee.”  This is very true, and you can lean test it by smiling and saying hello to each person you meet with today – I guarantee you’ll notice the change in yourself.  Of course, you can supercharge your effort through generosity.
  • A grateful mind breeds happiness – Having a bad day?  Think of something you’re truly grateful for and focus on it.  Maybe it’s as trivial as how warm your coffee is, or maybe it’s something as important as your health.  Focusing on things we’re grateful for is transformative, and a worthwhile daily practice.
  • We’re all people – This is very related to the compassion point, but I wanted to write down a key consideration made throughout the book around the negative side of personal interactions.  Ever have a boss that is horrible, or have a run in with a bully?  Realistically, these people are critical because they see the world as critical, or aggressive because they are fragile.  Forgiveness and empathy, even to people who “don’t deserve it” leads to happiness.  Side note: I’ll admit it, I can hold grudges…but letting them go feels so much better than ruminating (with the exception of when I’m trying to beat a 3 mile time and need some extra adrenaline for that final push).
  • Stress and hardship are just a part of life – According to the book, stress is actually key to our development in utero (disclaimer:  I’m no doctor).  We can all agree that it’d be crazy not to recognize the amazing role that hardship and failure play in the evolution of us as individuals.  So, try to see the bright side of your next challenge, and realize that every human on earth has to go through something similar in their lives (easier said that done!).  Apparently, the first noble truth of Buddhism is that life is full of suffering.  If you need some extra inspiration here, I highly recommend Viktor Frankel’s Man’s Search for Meaning.
  • It ain’t all fluff  – A lot of the above sounds like something a non analytical thinker would believe in, or what you may simply learn at Kindergarten (and what’s wrong with that???).  However, nothing could be further from the truth.  Following the teachings laid out in this book will actually make you happier, allow you to think clearer, and live a more “productive” life.  Beyond my own experience,  you can see that these teachings align with how humans came to be through the evolution of our species.  For example, building meaningful relationships with others is a sure fire way to be happy, which makes sense as that’s how we used to (and still do) get stuff done in society.  In fact, the book is sprinkled with actual scientific studies that detail things like lowered hypertension in people who gave away money…just in case you’re a skeptic and need some data along with the wise words 🙂

One fun thought experiment is to think about the various things future generations will know as truth that we can’t see right now.  For example, we now look back at history and think “how could they not know smoking was bad for them?” or “how could anyone not see the CDO market was a house of cards that posed a major systemic risk to the economy?”  Meditation is a great way to think more clearly about the question of what we just aren’t understanding now…and, perhaps its future adoption will be another answer to this thought experiment.

8,699 Replies to “My Learnings from The Book of Joy”

  1. You are so awesome! I do not suppose I’ve read anything like that before.
    So great to find another person with some original thoughts
    on this topic. Seriously.. thanks for starting this up.
    This website is something that is needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!

  2. important review. As well visit the site to attempt slot deposit pulsa tanpa
    potongan. This type of extraordinary web page has received recognition out of situs slot online video games competitors in Indonesia.

    Generally there tend to be a great deal of suitable promos because you join in the
    present day.

  3. Hi there mates, how is all, and what you want to say regarding this piece of writing, in my
    view its really amazing in favor of me.

  4. I really like what you guys are usually up too. This type of clever work
    and reporting! Keep up the very good works guys I’ve added you guys to my own blogroll.

  6. Hi there would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using?
    I’m going to start my own blog soon but I’m having a hard time choosing
    between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique.
    P.S Apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  8. I really like your blog.. very nice colors & theme. Did you make this website yourself or did you hire someone to
    do it for you? Plz respond as I’m looking to design my own blog and would like to know where u got this from.
    cheers

  10. Magnificent goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to and you are just extremely
    wonderful. I really like what you’ve acquired here, certainly like what you’re saying and the
    way in which you say it. You make it enjoyable and you still care for to keep it wise.
    I cant wait to read far more from you. This is actually a tremendous site.

  11. Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering
    which blog platform are you using for this site? I’m getting sick and tired of WordPress because I’ve had problems with hackers and
    I’m looking at alternatives for another platform. I would
    be great if you could point me in the direction of a good
    platform.

  13. I don’t know if it’s just me or if everybody else encountering issues with your blog.
    It appears as though some of the written text on your content are running off the screen. Can someone else
    please provide feedback and let me know if this is happening to them as well?
    This may be a issue with my browser because I’ve had this happen previously.
    Thank you

  14. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this
    blog loading? I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my
    end or if it’s the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.

  18. Today, I went to the beachfront with my kids.
    I found a sea shell and gave it to my 4 year old daughter and said “You can hear the ocean if you put this to your ear.” She placed the shell to her ear and screamed.
    There was a hermit crab inside and it pinched her
    ear. She never wants to go back! LoL I know this is totally
    off topic but I had to tell someone!

  19. crucial review. Also visit the best site to perfect it agen slot pulsa.
    Fantastic site has received reputation originating from slot pulsa tanpa potongan casino associates in Dalam
    negeri. At this time there will be lots of lovely promos cleaning soap join at this time.

  22. It is really a great and useful piece of info.
    I am glad that you shared this helpful information with us.
    Please stay us informed like this. Thank you for sharing.

  23. Hey would you mind letting me know which web host you’re utilizing?
    I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different web browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most.
    Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price?
    Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!

  24. I do not even know how I finished up here, but I thought this publish was good.
    I do not recognize who you are however certainly you are going to a famous blogger
    in the event you aren’t already. Cheers!

  28. What i don’t realize is in fact how you are now not actually a lot more smartly-appreciated than you might be
    right now. You are so intelligent. You recognize thus considerably in the
    case of this subject, produced me in my view believe it from so many various angles.
    Its like women and men are not fascinated unless it’s something to do with Girl gaga!

    Your individual stuffs excellent. All the time deal with it
    up!

  32. Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic however I’d figured I’d ask.
    Would you be interested in trading links or maybe guest writing a blog post or vice-versa?

    My website covers a lot of the same topics as yours and I feel we could greatly
    benefit from each other. If you happen to be interested feel free
    to send me an email. I look forward to hearing from you!
    Awesome blog by the way!

  33. really interesting review. Just like visit in addition site to use slot pulsa tanpa potongan.
    The unbelievable web site has received attractiveness from the comfort of
    slot pulsa gambling house gamers in Dalam negeri. Certainly, there are usually a lot
    of a lot more pleasing promos should you join nowadays.

  36. I think this is one of the most important information for me.
    And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The
    site style is wonderful, the articles is really nice : D.
    Good job, cheers

  38. I just like the valuable information you supply to your
    articles. I’ll bookmark your blog and check again here frequently.
    I am reasonably certain I’ll be told lots of new stuff
    proper right here! Best of luck for the next!

  39. Hiya very cool blog!! Man .. Beautiful ..
    Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also?
    I am satisfied to find so many helpful information right here within the submit, we’d like develop extra
    strategies in this regard, thank you for sharing.
    . . . . .

  40. I’ll immediately snatch your rss feed as I can’t in finding your e-mail subscription hyperlink or newsletter
    service. Do you’ve any? Please permit me understand so that I may subscribe.
    Thanks.

  41. Today, while I was at work, my sister stole my iphone and tested
    to see if it can survive a 30 foot drop, just so
    she can be a youtube sensation. My apple ipad is now broken and she has 83 views.
    I know this is entirely off topic but I had to share
    it with someone!

  42. You’re so awesome! I do not suppose I’ve read
    something like this before. So wonderful to find somebody with a
    few unique thoughts on this subject. Seriously..
    many thanks for starting this up. This web site is one thing that is
    required on the web, someone with a little originality!

  43. Helpful info. Fortunate me I discovered your website unintentionally, and I’m stunned why
    this accident didn’t came about in advance! I bookmarked it.

  44. Thank you for the good writeup. It if truth be told used to be a
    leisure account it. Glance advanced to more brought agreeable from you!
    By the way, how can we be in contact?

  46. It’s a shame you don’t have a donate button! I’d without a doubt
    donate to this outstanding blog! I suppose for now i’ll settle for bookmarking and
    adding your RSS feed to my Google account. I look forward to new updates and will share
    this blog with my Facebook group. Talk soon!

  48. Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the pictures on this blog loading?
    I’m trying to figure out if its a problem on my end or if it’s
    the blog. Any feed-back would be greatly appreciated.

  49. Greate post. Keep posting such kind of info on your site.
    Im really impressed by it.
    Hey there, You’ve performed an incredible job. I will definitely digg it and in my opinion suggest
    to my friends. I’m confident they will be benefited from this site.

  50. Hello would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re working with?
    I’m planning to start my own blog in the near future but I’m having a
    difficult time deciding between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal.
    The reason I ask is because your design and style seems
    different then most blogs and I’m looking for something completely unique.
    P.S Sorry for getting off-topic but I had to
    ask!

Comments are closed.