The Art of Peace and Relaxation Workbook Summary Chapter 3
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| Author | Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler |
|---|---|
| Language | English language |
| Genre | Philosophy |
| Publisher | Easton Press |
| Publication appointment | 1998 |
| Media type | Impress |
| ISBN | 1-57322-111-2 |
| Dewey Decimal | 294.3/444 21 |
| LC Class | BQ7935.B774 A78 1998 |
The Art of Happiness (Riverhead, 1998, ISBN 1-57322-111-2) is a book by the 14th Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler, a psychiatrist who posed questions to the Dalai Lama. Cutler quotes the Dalai Lama at length, providing context and describing some details of the settings in which the interviews took identify, as well as calculation his ain reflections on issues raised.[1]
The volume explores preparation the human outlook that alters perception. The concepts that the purpose of life is happiness, that happiness is determined more by the state of one'south mind than by i's external weather, circumstances, or events—at least in one case ane'south basic survival needs are met and that happiness can be accomplished through the systematic preparation of our hearts and minds.[2] [3]
Chapter summaries [edit]
Part I. The Purpose of Life [edit]
Chapter 1: The Correct to Happiness [edit]
"I believe that the very purpose of our life is to seek happiness. That is clear, whether one believes in religion or non, whether one believes in this organized religion or that religion, we all are seeking something meliorate in life. Then, I think, the very motion of our life is towards happiness…" (thirteen). The Dalai Lama spoke this powerful statement at a conference in Arizona amid a oversupply of people. Chapter ane, The Right to Happiness, introduces what the book; the Fine art of Happiness is about.[4]
Psychiatrist Howard Cutler followed the Dalai Lama around on this tour. Cutler, equally well as many of his patients, believed that happiness was "ill defined, elusive, and ungraspable" (14). He also noted that the word 'happy' was derived from the term luck or chance (14). His stance on happiness inverse subsequently spending some fourth dimension with this peace leader.[4]
"When I say 'training the mind,' in this context I'chiliad not referring to 'mind' merely as one'due south cognitive power or intellect. Rather I'm using the term in the sense of the Tibetan word Sem, it includes intellect and feeling, heart and mind. By bringing about a certain inner discipline we tin undergo a transformation of our attitude, our entire outlook and approach to living" (15).[4]
The purpose of our life is to seek happiness was the phrase that stuck with him out of every other word the Dalai Lama spoke. After after examining some previous experiments, he came to this decision: unhappy people tend to be self-focused, withdrawn, brooding and even antagonistic. "On the other hand, happy people tend to be more sociable, flexible, and creative and are able to tolerate life's daily frustrations more hands than unhappy people." (xvi)
The Dalai Lama sees happiness as an objective: people setting goals and working to attain them thus creating happiness in oneself.
Chapter ii: The Sources of Happiness [edit]
Affiliate 1 talks about how to train the mind to become happier; with Chapter two, we can effigy out our sources of happiness or unhappiness. This affiliate starts past explaining how a woman being able to retire at age 32 is at a higher level of happiness, just she shortly returns to her happiness level earlier early retirement. Compared to this story, a homo is told he'southward HIV positive, which brings him to a lower level of happiness, but he soon begins to appreciate every day life more than (19–20). These two examples in the volume help explain how "happiness is determined more past i's state of mind than past external events" (20). Being at a life'due south high, winning the lottery, or being at a low, diagnosed with cancer, we somewhen get back to our baseline level. This baseline level is described in the volume as how nosotros react to life-changing news; even and so our lives volition accomplish a normal baseline again (21).
Relating to the baseline theory, we have very comparing minds with i some other and within ourselves. The book explains how we compare incomes and success, which leads to unhappiness, but we need to flip this state of mind to compare with the less fortunate to appreciate what we have (22–23). According to the Dalai Lama, "If you harbor hateful thoughts or intense anger deep inside yourself, and so it ruins your health; thus it destroys one of the factors for happiness" (25). We are born into a certain state of mind nearly happiness, but we can change our outlook by being happier in each moment. For example, we can find more happiness with ourselves through self-worth. Self-worth, co-ordinate to the Dalai Lama, is having a source of affection, compassion, and a sense of dignity (32). Nosotros need a strong sense of contentment to experience happier without obtaining objects, which assists in finding self-worth. Forth with material things, we need to be able to make up one's mind what is going to bring us happiness or just pleasance. We have to reflect on what will ultimately bring united states positive or negative consequences when dealing with a positive or negative action we perform to bring us satisfaction (28). We must enquire ourselves if a certain object/action volition make us happier or bring usa pleasure.
Affiliate 3: Training the Mind for Happiness [edit]
First footstep is learning. Analyse thoughts and emotions to make up one's mind if they are beneficial or hurtful. Try not to "want." If you know something may tempt you avoid it. Positive desires are skillful.
Affiliate 4: Reclaiming our Innate State of Happiness [edit]
The power to be happy is in everyone'due south nature. Happiness is found through love, affection, closeness and compassion. Not just do humans take the capability of being happy, but too the Dalai Lama believes that each human naturally has a gentle quality inside them. The Dalai Lama supports this theory by mentioning 'Buddha nature', the Buddhist doctrine, but as well saying that gentleness is non only affected by faith but in everyday life. With gentleness comes aggression, nevertheless. People argue that aggression is the dominant beliefs for the human being race. In response, the Dalai Lama says, "anger, violence and aggression may certainly arise, only I recollect it'due south on a secondary or more superficial level; in a sense, they arise when nosotros are frustrated in our efforts to attain dear and affection" (54–55). Although assailment can occur, overall our fundamental nature is gentleness. The Dalai Lama believes that because of the advocacy in man intelligence we are believed to be capable of controlling our assailment versus our kindness; even so, if the intellect level were to decrease then the effect would exist destructive. So, overall, the Dalai Lama believes that although information technology is possible to get down the path of aggression in that location is always the natural ability to be empathetic once more. The pity towards i's self equally humans has to be equally distributed to others. "Reaching out to assistance others may be equally central to our nature as communication" (59). This suggests the idea that humans are "programmed with the capacity and purpose of bringing pleasance and joy to others" (61). Overall, happiness is reached by keeping peace with others and 1's self, which can exist reached through meditation and community service. Therefore, the Dalai Lama concludes that the purpose isn't to create tension just a positive temper. This gives our life significant, which leads to overall happiness. That positive atmosphere can be found through closeness and compassion.
Part II. Human Warmth and Compassion [edit]
Chapter 5: A New Model for Intimacy [edit]
Pity and intimacy are two of the strongest emotions a person can achieve. It is impossible to discover these emotions solely within ourselves. We are constantly trying to search for another to be compassionate virtually, or intimate with. I needs to arroyo others with a positive mental attitude, to create an open up and friendly atmosphere. Being openly friendly with others, allows 1 to exist empathetic. "Nosotros have to maintain an mental attitude of friendship and warmth in gild to lead a way of life in which there is enough interaction with other people to relish a happy life" (Dalai Lama, 69).
Intimacy is the central core of our existence. Information technology creates openness with others, which is necessary for a happy lifestyle. According to the Dalai Lama intimacy is "...having one special person with whom you can share your deepest feelings, fears, and then on" (76). The Dalai Lama's opinion is supported by research of Cutler, as he writes "Medical researchers have found that people who take close friendships, and have people they can turn to for affidavit, empathy, and affection are more likely to survive wellness challenges such as center attacks, major surgeries and are less likely to develop diseases and cancer" (78). Intimacy is besides physical closeness. "The desire for intimacy is the want to share ones innermost self with another" (The Dalai Lama, 81). One tin express himself likewise much besides. In one case a person has opened oneself completely to everyone, the special intimacy is lost, and it is hard to satisfy the need of connection with one special person. "The model intimacy is based on the willingness to open ourselves to many others, to family, friends, and even strangers, forming genuine and deep bonds based on mutual humanity" (Dalai Lama, 84). Past opening oneself to the world around us, it creates the opportunity to form special bonds with someone new, or build upon a relationship 1 may already take.
Affiliate half-dozen: Deepening Our Connection to Others [edit]
According to Chapter five, Howard C. Cutler also asks The Dalai Lama a question about connections and relationships between people: "What would you lot say is the most effective method or technique of connecting with others in a meaningful way and of reducing conflicts with others?" The Dalai Lama says that at that place is no formula or exact example for all problems.(87) The Dalai Lama believes that empathy is the central to exist more warm and compassionate in connections to others. He thinks that it is very important and extremely helpful to be able to try to put ourselves in the other person's place and see how would nosotros react to the situation.(89) To show compassion and try to understand the background of other people. Cutler as well writes a few stories/experiences from his life. For case when he was in an argument with someone and his reaction was inappropriate without trying to sympathise and appreciate what the other person might call up – no empathy.
The Dalai Lama does non just refer to caring for each other; he also finds relationships very important and differentiates them in two ways.(111) The first is when you are in a relationship with someone because of wealth, power or position (textile) – when these things disappear, the relationship normally ends. The second way is based on truthful human feelings (spiritual). The Dalai Lama also informs about sexual relationships. You can have a sexual human relationship with no respect for each other. Usually it is just temporary satisfaction. Or sexual relationships bonded with a person who nosotros think is kind, squeamish and gentle.(101–102)
After discussing relationships and sexual relationships in full general, The Dalai Lama continues to speak virtually love. He does not believe in true love – in falling in love. His stance on this subject is very negative; he describes arcadian romantic love every bit a fantasy and that it is unattainable – merely simply not worth it. (111) But he also says that closeness and intimacy are some of the about important components of human happiness.(112)
Co-ordinate to Affiliate 6 we can say that the Dalai Lama clearly represents his opinions on homo relationships, empathy and sexual allure, and he tries to explain them in a simple way. These are the most important and virtually discussed topics in Chapter vi. We find out how empathy is needed in human relationships. That agreement and trying to appreciate the other person'south emotional groundwork is priceless. Likewise that relationships are either materially or spiritually based. On the other hand, the Dalai Lama does not believe in beloved and describes it as a fantasy or imagination, although he thinks that true relationships are based on true human feelings. All these new information are related to Chapter seven's primary topic which is basically nearly the value and benefits of pity.
Chapter 7: The Value and Benefits of Compassion [edit]
This chapter is composed of defining pity and the value of homo life. The Dalai Lama defines compassion every bit a "state of mind that is irenic, nonharming, and nonaggressive" (114). This feeling of pity is broken down into two types. First is compassion associated with attachment. Using this type of pity alone is biased and unstable, which causes certain emotional attachments that are not necessarily good. The 2nd blazon is genuine compassion that "is based on others' fundamental rights rather than your ain mental projection" (115). This type of compassion is also defined "every bit the feeling of unbearableness" (116). Accepting another's suffering brings that person a sense of connectedness and gives united states of america a willingness to attain out for others. Associating oneself with this blazon of primal rights generates love and compassion. According to the Dalai Lama the reason he separated compassion into 2 types was because "the feeling of genuine compassion is much stronger, much wider [and] has a profound quality" (116). Using genuine compassion creates a special connection that you cannot achieve with associating pity with attachments.
The Dalai Lama believes that compassion "provides the basis of human survival" (119). People reverberate off their ain experiences and this contributes to their noesis of compassion. If people feel there is no need to develop pity and so it'due south because they are being blocked past "ignorance and shortsightedness" (121). This can be caused past not seeing the physical and emotional benefits of having a empathetic mindset. When one completely understands the importance of pity, and then it "gives you a feeling of confidence and determination" (125). Having this decision tin bring ane to have a compassionate mindset.
There have been numerous studies that support the idea that "developing pity and altruism has a positive impact on our concrete and emotional health" (126). James House found that "interacting with others in warm and compassionate ways, dramatically increased life expectancy, and probably overall vitality as well" (126). These studies have concluded that there is a straight correlation to compassion and physical and emotional health. The next chapter tells how to cope with suffering, from the loss of a loved one.
Part Iii. Transforming Suffering [edit]
Chapter 8: Facing Suffering [edit]
Throughout this chapter the Dalai Lama gives examples of how unlike people dealt with losing a loved one. The Dalai Lama states that he believes it is a good idea to fix yourself ahead of time for the kinds of suffering you might encounter, because sometime in life you are going to feel some blazon of suffering, so if you set yourself you will know what to look. He goes on well-nigh how anybody is going to face suffering sometime in their life and if we view suffering as something natural then we can begin to live a happier life. If you lot can prepare yourself for the fact that in your life you're going to experience a traumatic issue, for example a death of a family member, y'all can confront the fact that everybody in life somewhen passes on and you'll exist able to get over the grieving procedure sooner and bear on with a happier life knowing that they're in a meliorate place. The Buddhist recognizes the possibility of immigration the mind and achieving a country in which there is no more suffering in people's lives. If you come to the fact and realize you lot are suffering you'll overcome it faster rather than denying that everything is all right.
Getting through suffering is a very difficult thing to achieve but at that place are people out there who can help you lot overcome yous losing a loved ane or any you may exist suffering from. Anybody has to go through suffering sometime in their life, just how people get over it shows how strong that person is. How someone perceives life as a whole plays a huge role in a person'south attitude nigh hurting and suffering. There is a possibility of freedom from suffering. That is possible past removing the causes of suffering and living a happier life.
Affiliate 9: Cocky-Created Suffering [edit]
Chapter 10: Shifting Perspective [edit]
The chapter begins with many quotes from the Dalai Lama. He talks about how you tin can always change your perspective of something if you just step back and change your view. Also in this chapter he goes on to talk about your enemies in life. The Dalai Lama talks well-nigh how having enemies in life in the finish helps yous out, you simply take to alter your view or perspective. The author also goes on to talk nigh how all this stuff is still practical in today's world. In this chapter the Dalai Lama keeps stressing the importance of practicing patience. I big part of this chapter was the talk about finding remainder. The Dalai Lama goes on to talk almost how living well has to practise with a big office of having balance in your life. He also talks about how you need both physical and emotional balance in your life. He besides goes on to say that one should non go to extremes with anything; if you lot have a balanced life you will not go to extremes with anything. He thinks that narrow-minded people are the ones who go to extremes and this results in trouble and danger.
Affiliate 11: Finding Pregnant in Pain and Suffering [edit]
While chapter ten talks about shifting your perspective, chapter 11 talks about finding the pregnant in pain and suffering, turning them into something you tin can reverberate upon yourself. Viktor Frankl was a Jewish psychiatrist and was imprisoned past the Nazis. He had a fell feel in a concentration army camp and gained insight into how people survived the atrocities (199). He observed that those who survived did then not considering of youth or physical strength, simply the strength derived from purpose. Being able to observe meaning in suffering is powerful because information technology helps us cope even during the most difficult times in our lives. Being able to feel the rewards, nosotros must search for meaning when things are going well for us as well (200). For many people the search starts with religion. They give some examples from Buddhist and Hindu models. For our faith and trust in His program allows the states to tolerate our suffering more easily and trusting His plan he has for us. They requite an case on how hurting can be a good thing such every bit childbirth. It is very painful to give birth but the advantage is having the kid. Having suffering can strengthen usa in many ways because it can exam and strengthen our faith, information technology can bring u.s. closer to God in a very fundamental and intimate way, or it can loosen the bonds to the material world and make us clever to God as our refuge (201). Clever to God means existence or feeling closer to him and knowing what you should do.
They talk about the Mahayana visualization practice, it'south where you lot mentally visualize taking on some other person'due south pain and suffering and in render you lot requite them all of your resources, skilful health, fortune then on (203). When doing this y'all reflect on yourself and look at your state of affairs and so look at the others and see if their situation is worse and if so you tell yourself that you could have it as bad as them or worse. By realizing your suffering you volition develop greater resolve to put an end to the causes of suffering and the unwholesome deeds that lead to suffering. It will increase your enthusiasm for engaging in the wholesome deportment and deeds that lead to happiness and joy. When yous are aware of your pain and suffering it helps you to develop your amount of empathy. Allow you to relate to other people's feelings and suffering. Our attitude may begin to change considering our sufferings may non be equally worthless and as bad every bit nosotros may think. Dr. Paul Brand went to Republic of india and explored over there and looked at how people suffered physical pain. He says information technology is a skilful thing we accept concrete pain because if we didn't then how would nosotros know that something is wrong with our bodies? (207) If nosotros did not feel hurting we would harm our bodies because we could stick our hands into fire. Non every exercise may piece of work for everyone. Anybody just has to try and figure out their ain mode of dealing with suffering and turning it into a positive feedback.
Function 4. Overcoming Obstacles [edit]
Chapter 12: Bringing About Change [edit]
The Dalai Lama thought of bringing alter to the cause of the pain and suffering in this chapter.
Chapter thirteen: Dealing with Anger and Hatred [edit]
The Dalai Lama says how to deal with Anger and hatred, he keeps on going to say to deal with acrimony we should have positive thoughts.
Chapter 14: Dealing with Anxiety and Building Self-Esteem [edit]
He also says to build Self-Esteem we should take social friends and exist happy throughout his life he takes example of Jake he was a little kid who was playing out of his house in his front grand.Then a kidnapper took the child home , but the child said I will call the police.
Role V. Closing Reflections on Living a Spiritual Life [edit]
Chapter xv: Basic Spiritual Values [edit]
The beginning of the chapter discusses how the art of happiness has many different components. It talks about what the book has established so far most happiness—how we need to sympathize the truest sources of happiness and prepare our priorities in life based on the cultivation of those sources. Then information technology introduces us to the final chapter about spirituality.
The author goes on to talk about how when people hear the give-and-take "spirituality" they automatically think it goes with religion. He says that despite the Dalai Lama having a shaved head and wearing robes, they had normal conversations like two normal people.
The Dalai Lama says that having a procedure of mental development is primal. Nosotros need to appreciate our potential as homo beings and recognize the importance of our inner transformation. He talks nigh how there are ii dissimilar levels of spirituality (295). One level is to do with religious beliefs; he says that he thinks each private should take their own spiritual path that best fits them and their mental disposition, natural inclination, temperament, and cultural groundwork (305).
Lama says that all religions can make an effective contribution for the benefit of humanity; they are designed to brand the individual a happier person and the world a better place and we should respect them (305).
At the end of the chapter he talks most how deep religious faith has sustained countless people through hard times. He tells a story about a human named Terry Anderson who was kidnapped off the streets in Beirut in 1985. After seven years of existence held as a prisoner by Hezbollah, a group of Islamic fundamentalist extremists, he was finally released. The world found him a man overjoyed and happy to exist reunited with his family and he said that prayers and religion got him through those vii years (303). This is the main example Lama used.
Other editions [edit]
Easton Printing recently published a leather-bound edition.
Other books past the Dalai Lama [edit]
- A sequel, The Art of Happiness at Work, was published in 2003 by Riverhead Press (ISBN one-57322-261-five), too with Howard Cutler.
- Ethics for the New Millennium (1999). Riverhead Press. (ISBN 1-57322-025-half-dozen).
- An Open Heart, edited by Nicholas Vreeland. Dorsum Bay Books. (ISBN 0-316-98979-7).
For other books, see Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama: Other writings
References [edit]
- ^ The Fine art of Happiness. November 2010. ISBN9780733626753 . Retrieved 18 July 2013 – via Google Books.
- ^ "The Art of Happiness - Dalai Lama, Howard Cutler". Ciao Great britain. Retrieved 18 July 2013.
- ^ "The Fine art of Happiness by the Dalai Lama". Abode of eBooks . Retrieved 18 July 2013.
- ^ a b c "The Art of Happiness, 10th Anniversary Edition: A..." Shara Books . Retrieved 18 July 2013.
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Art_of_Happiness
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