Have you ever wondered what it would be like to sit down with the Dalai Lama and really press him about life's persistent questions? Why are so many people unhappy? How can I abjure loneliness? How can we reduce conflict? Is romantic love true love? Why do we suffer? How should we deal with unfairness and anger? How do you handle the death of a loved one? These are the conundrums that psychiatrist Howard Cutler poses to the Dalai Lama during an extended period of interviews in The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living. At first, the Dalai Lama's answers seem simplistic, like a surface reading of Robert Fulghum: ask yourself if you really need something; our enemies can be our teachers; compassion brings peace of mind. Cutler pushes: but some people do seem happy with lots of possessions; but "suffering is life" is so pessimistic; but going to extremes provides the zest in life; but what if I don't believe in karma? As the Dalai Lama's responses become more involved, a coherent philosophy takes shape. Cutler then develops the Dalai Lama's answers in the context of scientific studies and cases from his own practice, substantiating and elaborating on what he finds to be a revolutionary psychology. Like any art, the art of happiness requires study and practice--and the talent for it, the Dalai Lama assures us, is in our nature. --Brian Bruya

good book, easy to read and understand, 20 Jul 2008
I personally found this book very helpful and enjoyed reading it. It is nice to be able to see things from a positive perspective and this book helps you to do that. Although it is probably worth mentioning that none of the wonderful ideas in this book will work without alott of effort and self discipline. It covers attitude and philosophy and does not include any real techniques or methods, but there are other books that do, and i find this book to compliment them well.

If you have a problem with the idea of trying to be a better person and the effort that it involves, then you may not find this book useful.

This book is mostly just words.(no pun intended)
Although if you consider the harm that cruel words can do, then surely kind words can help to ease the pain of others? As long as the words are sincere, then actions will, by definition, follow. I think sometimes it helps just to know that someone cares.

I am happier as a result of reading the ideas in this book!, 14 Apr 2008
This is an excellent book. Easy to read, uplifting, clear and full of strong and deep ideas.
If you are in any way hesitating about buying this book, don't! You will be very glad you did.....and happier.....

Drivel, 26 Mar 2008
If pretty words, wishful thinking and prayer (all the same thing, actually) changed the world, we'd all be already living in a better world. But they don't - you have to grow up and stop living the dream, yours, or even worse, somebody else's. And stop hankering after 'lost wisdom' from the 'mystic east' and other such childishness.

The style of this book lets it down, 21 Feb 2008
I first came to this book after one of my counselling clients mentioned that he had been reading it, and that he thought it had helped him to further understand how he needed to change. Intrigued, I decided to get my hands on the book to see if I could discover why he found it so useful.

As you could expect from a book that has the involvement of the Dalai Lama, what I found was a very spiritual, compassionate discourse on life. However, like a previous reviewer, I also found that the voice of Howard Cutler lets this book down. Although I can understand why they have decided to tackle this subject in the way they have - the book is set out as an interview between the two men, interspersed with anecdotes from Cutler's own experience - I feel that it takes focus away from the Dalai Lama's voice. I would prefer this book if it was just a commentary by the Dalai Lama.

That gripe aside, I think THE ART OF HAPPINESS is a delightful way to bring Western thinkers around to another way of seeing life and themselves. As a way of introducing Tibetan Buddhism, this book is a triumph - it is engaging, enjoyable, thought-provoking and an easy way of beginning an interest in this philosophy.
If you read this and enjoy it, I would also recommned that you then go and read some work by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who writes beautiful books on Buddhism.

I loved this book.., 10 Feb 2008
Common sense and easy.. Smile when you are happy, smile when you are sad..
result
happier living :o)

good book, easy to read and understand, 20 Jul 2008
I personally found this book very helpful and enjoyed reading it. It is nice to be able to see things from a positive perspective and this book helps you to do that. Although it is probably worth mentioning that none of the wonderful ideas in this book will work without alott of effort and self discipline. It covers attitude and philosophy and does not include any real techniques or methods, but there are other books that do, and i find this book to compliment them well.

If you have a problem with the idea of trying to be a better person and the effort that it involves, then you may not find this book useful.

This book is mostly just words.(no pun intended)
Although if you consider the harm that cruel words can do, then surely kind words can help to ease the pain of others? As long as the words are sincere, then actions will, by definition, follow. I think sometimes it helps just to know that someone cares.

I am happier as a result of reading the ideas in this book!, 14 Apr 2008
This is an excellent book. Easy to read, uplifting, clear and full of strong and deep ideas.
If you are in any way hesitating about buying this book, don't! You will be very glad you did.....and happier.....

Drivel, 26 Mar 2008
If pretty words, wishful thinking and prayer (all the same thing, actually) changed the world, we'd all be already living in a better world. But they don't - you have to grow up and stop living the dream, yours, or even worse, somebody else's. And stop hankering after 'lost wisdom' from the 'mystic east' and other such childishness.

The style of this book lets it down, 21 Feb 2008
I first came to this book after one of my counselling clients mentioned that he had been reading it, and that he thought it had helped him to further understand how he needed to change. Intrigued, I decided to get my hands on the book to see if I could discover why he found it so useful.

As you could expect from a book that has the involvement of the Dalai Lama, what I found was a very spiritual, compassionate discourse on life. However, like a previous reviewer, I also found that the voice of Howard Cutler lets this book down. Although I can understand why they have decided to tackle this subject in the way they have - the book is set out as an interview between the two men, interspersed with anecdotes from Cutler's own experience - I feel that it takes focus away from the Dalai Lama's voice. I would prefer this book if it was just a commentary by the Dalai Lama.

That gripe aside, I think THE ART OF HAPPINESS is a delightful way to bring Western thinkers around to another way of seeing life and themselves. As a way of introducing Tibetan Buddhism, this book is a triumph - it is engaging, enjoyable, thought-provoking and an easy way of beginning an interest in this philosophy.
If you read this and enjoy it, I would also recommned that you then go and read some work by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who writes beautiful books on Buddhism.

I loved this book.., 10 Feb 2008
Common sense and easy.. Smile when you are happy, smile when you are sad..
result
happier living :o)

Look no further - the best meditation manual available., 13 Aug 2008
I have been interested in Buddhism and meditation for many years and have been waiting all that time for a book that is a true 'nuts and bolts' manual of how to meditate. This is the first book I have found that I can totally recommend. It covers the subject with honesty, humour and an amazing level of clarity. For a beginner or experienced meditator, there is no better book that I have seen.

Also, the author has integrity and comes from the traditional Theravada school of Buddhism - beware that there are quite a few dodgy modern 'schools' that use the name of Buddhism in vain. If you are new to Buddhism, I strongly recommend the Theravada school (e.g. Amaravati monastery in the UK).

A minor point and it doesn't detract at all from the book, but I feel that maybe the title is a bit misleading as it isn't very clear that it is a 'manual' of meditation - perhaps 'Meditation demystified' or 'How to meditate' would be clearer.

See for yourself, 30 Jun 2008
I do not have much too add not already said by other reviewers, but would like to point out that the whole book can be found online so you can preview it before you order the book. Just search for the title.

A True Meditation Manual, 11 Mar 2008
This book is fantastic! From the reviews, I was expecting a manual on Vipassana (insight) meditation only. But Bhante G covers both Shamatha (concentration) and Vipassana (insight) meditation in thorough detail, in a step-by-step, very user-friendly and practical way. By far the best book I have read on the two core Buddhist meditation practices. He deals in great detail with the things us beginners struggle with, like the many distractions that can assail us during our practice, & the five hindrances, along with very useful techniques for over-coming these obstacles. If you are at all interested in Buddhist meditation, then I am sure you will find this book invaluable.

One of many personal responses, 23 Nov 2007
After I had read this book I was very enthusiastic about it, because it is certainly a very good manual in comparison to any other I have read. I started 'practicing Vipassana' after reading the 3-page summary of the technique in Fontana's Meditation Manual. For a technique that is said to take you to enlightenment, that is a decidedly concise account; concise enough for me to utterly misunderstand the practice.

Things to know about Vipassana:

There are Buddhists who sideline Vipassana because it is powerful enough to 'unbalance' an unwary practitioner. Too strong an opinion perhaps - but neither is it necessarily as "gentle" as the author of this book describes it!

There are as many variants of the technique as there are traditions. Some are very different to others, however this is not to say that there is only one effective technique. This book represents just one of many traditions.

----------------

I learnt Vipassana on an intensive ten-day course as taught by S.N. Goenka. Only by the tenth day - and not before - did I feel like I had grasped the technique. There are limits to what you can learn on your own from a book. The technique I was taught was different to that in the book - and, in my opinion, far superior.

I have a particular reservation with the way in which this book advocates 'mindfulness' of mental objects. Merely watching the sensations is all we need consciously do, the mindfulness is a process that happens by itself. I do not think mindfulness can be achieved deliberately.

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is a very experienced man, and I'm sure his opinion is worth more than mine. But for what it is worth, take a look at S.N. Goenkas 10-day course instead.

Mindfulness in real life, 06 Jul 2007
The theme of the book is Mindfulness: actually seeing what is there in front of us.

Bhante's premise (which is difficult to ague with ) is that we see life through a screen of thoughts and concepts. As he puts it, we get so caught up in this endless thought-stream that reality flows by unnoticed.

Meditation can sometimes seem daunting and mystical but its goal is to simply free us from not being aware of our lives as they unfold.

Bhante's gift, which shines through every page of this book, is to break down some of the myths and make them real and practical.

What is left is a remarkably lucid, accessible and sensible account of how mindfulness meditation (in the Vipassana tradition - though that detail isn't important) can literally chance your life: your reactions, your perception, your ability to life for the moment.

There is no hint of high-mindedness in his tone, which is grounded, realistic, and thoroughly human.

Consider this, from page one: "There you are, and you suddenly realise that you are spending your whole life just barely getting by. You keep up a good front. You manage to make ends meet somehow and look okay from the outside.

"But those periods of desperation, those times when you feel everything caving in on you - you keep those to yourself. You are a mess, and you know it.

"Meanwhile, way down under all of that, you just know that there has to be some other way to live, a better way to look at the world, a way to touch life more fully.... life is an emotional roller coaster, and you spend a lot of your time down at the bottom of the ramp, yearning for heights."

So what's wrong with you, Bhante asks? You are simply human, battling with all the usual human hallmarks of jealousy, suffering, discontent and stress.

Meditation isn't a quick-fix solution to the human condition, he says. In this age of instant gratification, this can be a hard pill to swallow.

"But what it does do is teach you to watch the functioning of your own mind in a calm and detached manner so you can gain insight into your own behaviour. The goal is awareness."

With a good deal of patience and commitment, meditation can simply teach you to stand aside from your own thought processes and not get involved.

Step by step, it will become clear that agitation is actually a superficial mental stage. It comes and goes, he says, and has no real grip on you at all.

There are so many pearls of hope and wisdom in this bok, but I particularly like this one, for its searing truth and humanity. Bhante writes:

"Somewhere in this process, you will come face to face with the sudden and shocking realisation that you are completely crazy. Your mind is a shrieking, gibbering madhouse, utterly out of control and helpless.

"No problem. You are not crazier than you were yesterday. It has always been this way, and you just never noticed. You are no crazier than everybody else around you.

The only real difference is that you have confronted the situation and they have not."

This review is taken from a blog from www.yoga-abode.com

good book, easy to read and understand, 20 Jul 2008
I personally found this book very helpful and enjoyed reading it. It is nice to be able to see things from a positive perspective and this book helps you to do that. Although it is probably worth mentioning that none of the wonderful ideas in this book will work without alott of effort and self discipline. It covers attitude and philosophy and does not include any real techniques or methods, but there are other books that do, and i find this book to compliment them well.

If you have a problem with the idea of trying to be a better person and the effort that it involves, then you may not find this book useful.

This book is mostly just words.(no pun intended)
Although if you consider the harm that cruel words can do, then surely kind words can help to ease the pain of others? As long as the words are sincere, then actions will, by definition, follow. I think sometimes it helps just to know that someone cares.

I am happier as a result of reading the ideas in this book!, 14 Apr 2008
This is an excellent book. Easy to read, uplifting, clear and full of strong and deep ideas.
If you are in any way hesitating about buying this book, don't! You will be very glad you did.....and happier.....

Drivel, 26 Mar 2008
If pretty words, wishful thinking and prayer (all the same thing, actually) changed the world, we'd all be already living in a better world. But they don't - you have to grow up and stop living the dream, yours, or even worse, somebody else's. And stop hankering after 'lost wisdom' from the 'mystic east' and other such childishness.

The style of this book lets it down, 21 Feb 2008
I first came to this book after one of my counselling clients mentioned that he had been reading it, and that he thought it had helped him to further understand how he needed to change. Intrigued, I decided to get my hands on the book to see if I could discover why he found it so useful.

As you could expect from a book that has the involvement of the Dalai Lama, what I found was a very spiritual, compassionate discourse on life. However, like a previous reviewer, I also found that the voice of Howard Cutler lets this book down. Although I can understand why they have decided to tackle this subject in the way they have - the book is set out as an interview between the two men, interspersed with anecdotes from Cutler's own experience - I feel that it takes focus away from the Dalai Lama's voice. I would prefer this book if it was just a commentary by the Dalai Lama.

That gripe aside, I think THE ART OF HAPPINESS is a delightful way to bring Western thinkers around to another way of seeing life and themselves. As a way of introducing Tibetan Buddhism, this book is a triumph - it is engaging, enjoyable, thought-provoking and an easy way of beginning an interest in this philosophy.
If you read this and enjoy it, I would also recommned that you then go and read some work by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who writes beautiful books on Buddhism.

I loved this book.., 10 Feb 2008
Common sense and easy.. Smile when you are happy, smile when you are sad..
result
happier living :o)

Look no further - the best meditation manual available., 13 Aug 2008
I have been interested in Buddhism and meditation for many years and have been waiting all that time for a book that is a true 'nuts and bolts' manual of how to meditate. This is the first book I have found that I can totally recommend. It covers the subject with honesty, humour and an amazing level of clarity. For a beginner or experienced meditator, there is no better book that I have seen.

Also, the author has integrity and comes from the traditional Theravada school of Buddhism - beware that there are quite a few dodgy modern 'schools' that use the name of Buddhism in vain. If you are new to Buddhism, I strongly recommend the Theravada school (e.g. Amaravati monastery in the UK).

A minor point and it doesn't detract at all from the book, but I feel that maybe the title is a bit misleading as it isn't very clear that it is a 'manual' of meditation - perhaps 'Meditation demystified' or 'How to meditate' would be clearer.

See for yourself, 30 Jun 2008
I do not have much too add not already said by other reviewers, but would like to point out that the whole book can be found online so you can preview it before you order the book. Just search for the title.

A True Meditation Manual, 11 Mar 2008
This book is fantastic! From the reviews, I was expecting a manual on Vipassana (insight) meditation only. But Bhante G covers both Shamatha (concentration) and Vipassana (insight) meditation in thorough detail, in a step-by-step, very user-friendly and practical way. By far the best book I have read on the two core Buddhist meditation practices. He deals in great detail with the things us beginners struggle with, like the many distractions that can assail us during our practice, & the five hindrances, along with very useful techniques for over-coming these obstacles. If you are at all interested in Buddhist meditation, then I am sure you will find this book invaluable.

One of many personal responses, 23 Nov 2007
After I had read this book I was very enthusiastic about it, because it is certainly a very good manual in comparison to any other I have read. I started 'practicing Vipassana' after reading the 3-page summary of the technique in Fontana's Meditation Manual. For a technique that is said to take you to enlightenment, that is a decidedly concise account; concise enough for me to utterly misunderstand the practice.

Things to know about Vipassana:

There are Buddhists who sideline Vipassana because it is powerful enough to 'unbalance' an unwary practitioner. Too strong an opinion perhaps - but neither is it necessarily as "gentle" as the author of this book describes it!

There are as many variants of the technique as there are traditions. Some are very different to others, however this is not to say that there is only one effective technique. This book represents just one of many traditions.

----------------

I learnt Vipassana on an intensive ten-day course as taught by S.N. Goenka. Only by the tenth day - and not before - did I feel like I had grasped the technique. There are limits to what you can learn on your own from a book. The technique I was taught was different to that in the book - and, in my opinion, far superior.

I have a particular reservation with the way in which this book advocates 'mindfulness' of mental objects. Merely watching the sensations is all we need consciously do, the mindfulness is a process that happens by itself. I do not think mindfulness can be achieved deliberately.

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is a very experienced man, and I'm sure his opinion is worth more than mine. But for what it is worth, take a look at S.N. Goenkas 10-day course instead.

Mindfulness in real life, 06 Jul 2007
The theme of the book is Mindfulness: actually seeing what is there in front of us.

Bhante's premise (which is difficult to ague with ) is that we see life through a screen of thoughts and concepts. As he puts it, we get so caught up in this endless thought-stream that reality flows by unnoticed.

Meditation can sometimes seem daunting and mystical but its goal is to simply free us from not being aware of our lives as they unfold.

Bhante's gift, which shines through every page of this book, is to break down some of the myths and make them real and practical.

What is left is a remarkably lucid, accessible and sensible account of how mindfulness meditation (in the Vipassana tradition - though that detail isn't important) can literally chance your life: your reactions, your perception, your ability to life for the moment.

There is no hint of high-mindedness in his tone, which is grounded, realistic, and thoroughly human.

Consider this, from page one: "There you are, and you suddenly realise that you are spending your whole life just barely getting by. You keep up a good front. You manage to make ends meet somehow and look okay from the outside.

"But those periods of desperation, those times when you feel everything caving in on you - you keep those to yourself. You are a mess, and you know it.

"Meanwhile, way down under all of that, you just know that there has to be some other way to live, a better way to look at the world, a way to touch life more fully.... life is an emotional roller coaster, and you spend a lot of your time down at the bottom of the ramp, yearning for heights."

So what's wrong with you, Bhante asks? You are simply human, battling with all the usual human hallmarks of jealousy, suffering, discontent and stress.

Meditation isn't a quick-fix solution to the human condition, he says. In this age of instant gratification, this can be a hard pill to swallow.

"But what it does do is teach you to watch the functioning of your own mind in a calm and detached manner so you can gain insight into your own behaviour. The goal is awareness."

With a good deal of patience and commitment, meditation can simply teach you to stand aside from your own thought processes and not get involved.

Step by step, it will become clear that agitation is actually a superficial mental stage. It comes and goes, he says, and has no real grip on you at all.

There are so many pearls of hope and wisdom in this bok, but I particularly like this one, for its searing truth and humanity. Bhante writes:

"Somewhere in this process, you will come face to face with the sudden and shocking realisation that you are completely crazy. Your mind is a shrieking, gibbering madhouse, utterly out of control and helpless.

"No problem. You are not crazier than you were yesterday. It has always been this way, and you just never noticed. You are no crazier than everybody else around you.

The only real difference is that you have confronted the situation and they have not."

This review is taken from a blog from www.yoga-abode.com

Overly brief and trite..., 03 Oct 2004
This is a book of fortune cookie style utterances. It'll teach you little about Buddhism and is more of a novelty item. It's small though so it would actually fit inside a large fortune cookie!

A little gem, 09 Apr 2004
A perfect little book, so tiny yet full on easy to digest text from the most inspirational man. If you have an interest in Buddhism but are worried it will all be too much to take on board, this along with the Dalai Lama's other little books will give you the perfect start. You will want to read all his books once you start.

A Little Book with Much Depth, 25 Mar 2003
This book reminds me alot of my favorite book, The Little Guide To Happiness. Heck, even the title is similiar. Like that book, it talks about how to get a hold of what's most important in life. Then, at the end of the book are quotes to follow it up. I love both books. Though, I honestly like The Little Guide To Happiness a notch, just a slight one, more. That's because it's my favorite.

Interesting, 17 Oct 2001
In this small book the Dalai Lama speaks of compassion, anger, forgiveness of enemies, and living life in a truly more loving way. Though much of it seems familar to western ears [the ideas of love compassion and service are not unknown in western religion and philosophy], the simplicity of much of what the dalai lama says is refreshing. His own struggles with anger are interesting, and the prose, gleaned from past lectures, smooth and clean. I also highly recommend "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Eastern Wisdom" by Taro Gold which I found wonderfully enlightening.

Excellent little gem giving inspiration and insight., 28 May 2001
The power and insight given by this little gem of a book comes from the simplicity of the Dalai Lama's words. His words and explanations speak directly to your heart showing how to bring love, peace and creative energy into the world. This little book is small enough to carry in your pocket - I find that whenever I need uplifting or inspiration I open it to exactly the right page!

Will Buddhism solve the problems of everyday life? No. As the Buddha says, if you've got 83 problems, he can only help with your 84th problem, which is that "You want not to have any problems".

Steve Hagen, a Zen priest from Minnesota, shows a plain and simple route to the heart of the Buddhist way. He offers engaging parables, some drawn from his own experience and some from Buddhist tradition. And he guides the reader through the more difficult concepts without need of baffling Zen riddles. He makes enlightening yourself sound so easy.

By applying the Buddha's four truths and eightfold path to life today, the book aims to let the reader see the world in a new way.

When the Buddha was asked to sum up his teaching in a single word, he said, "awareness". This is a book about awareness. Not awareness of something in particular, but awareness itself--being awake, alert, in touch with what is actually happening.

The few special terms, such as samma and duhkha, are all explained thoroughly the first time they are used. Those unfamiliar with the ideas should make sure they read the book in sequence. But with a book this approachable and conversational, that isn't hard to do.

As with the best devotional books, readers will get as much from it as they are willing to put in. Can you accept the challenge to reconsider your life and outlook on the world? --Frank Pennycook

good book, easy to read and understand, 20 Jul 2008
I personally found this book very helpful and enjoyed reading it. It is nice to be able to see things from a positive perspective and this book helps you to do that. Although it is probably worth mentioning that none of the wonderful ideas in this book will work without alott of effort and self discipline. It covers attitude and philosophy and does not include any real techniques or methods, but there are other books that do, and i find this book to compliment them well.

If you have a problem with the idea of trying to be a better person and the effort that it involves, then you may not find this book useful.

This book is mostly just words.(no pun intended)
Although if you consider the harm that cruel words can do, then surely kind words can help to ease the pain of others? As long as the words are sincere, then actions will, by definition, follow. I think sometimes it helps just to know that someone cares.

I am happier as a result of reading the ideas in this book!, 14 Apr 2008
This is an excellent book. Easy to read, uplifting, clear and full of strong and deep ideas.
If you are in any way hesitating about buying this book, don't! You will be very glad you did.....and happier.....

Drivel, 26 Mar 2008
If pretty words, wishful thinking and prayer (all the same thing, actually) changed the world, we'd all be already living in a better world. But they don't - you have to grow up and stop living the dream, yours, or even worse, somebody else's. And stop hankering after 'lost wisdom' from the 'mystic east' and other such childishness.

The style of this book lets it down, 21 Feb 2008
I first came to this book after one of my counselling clients mentioned that he had been reading it, and that he thought it had helped him to further understand how he needed to change. Intrigued, I decided to get my hands on the book to see if I could discover why he found it so useful.

As you could expect from a book that has the involvement of the Dalai Lama, what I found was a very spiritual, compassionate discourse on life. However, like a previous reviewer, I also found that the voice of Howard Cutler lets this book down. Although I can understand why they have decided to tackle this subject in the way they have - the book is set out as an interview between the two men, interspersed with anecdotes from Cutler's own experience - I feel that it takes focus away from the Dalai Lama's voice. I would prefer this book if it was just a commentary by the Dalai Lama.

That gripe aside, I think THE ART OF HAPPINESS is a delightful way to bring Western thinkers around to another way of seeing life and themselves. As a way of introducing Tibetan Buddhism, this book is a triumph - it is engaging, enjoyable, thought-provoking and an easy way of beginning an interest in this philosophy.
If you read this and enjoy it, I would also recommned that you then go and read some work by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who writes beautiful books on Buddhism.

I loved this book.., 10 Feb 2008
Common sense and easy.. Smile when you are happy, smile when you are sad..
result
happier living :o)

Look no further - the best meditation manual available., 13 Aug 2008
I have been interested in Buddhism and meditation for many years and have been waiting all that time for a book that is a true 'nuts and bolts' manual of how to meditate. This is the first book I have found that I can totally recommend. It covers the subject with honesty, humour and an amazing level of clarity. For a beginner or experienced meditator, there is no better book that I have seen.

Also, the author has integrity and comes from the traditional Theravada school of Buddhism - beware that there are quite a few dodgy modern 'schools' that use the name of Buddhism in vain. If you are new to Buddhism, I strongly recommend the Theravada school (e.g. Amaravati monastery in the UK).

A minor point and it doesn't detract at all from the book, but I feel that maybe the title is a bit misleading as it isn't very clear that it is a 'manual' of meditation - perhaps 'Meditation demystified' or 'How to meditate' would be clearer.

See for yourself, 30 Jun 2008
I do not have much too add not already said by other reviewers, but would like to point out that the whole book can be found online so you can preview it before you order the book. Just search for the title.

A True Meditation Manual, 11 Mar 2008
This book is fantastic! From the reviews, I was expecting a manual on Vipassana (insight) meditation only. But Bhante G covers both Shamatha (concentration) and Vipassana (insight) meditation in thorough detail, in a step-by-step, very user-friendly and practical way. By far the best book I have read on the two core Buddhist meditation practices. He deals in great detail with the things us beginners struggle with, like the many distractions that can assail us during our practice, & the five hindrances, along with very useful techniques for over-coming these obstacles. If you are at all interested in Buddhist meditation, then I am sure you will find this book invaluable.

One of many personal responses, 23 Nov 2007
After I had read this book I was very enthusiastic about it, because it is certainly a very good manual in comparison to any other I have read. I started 'practicing Vipassana' after reading the 3-page summary of the technique in Fontana's Meditation Manual. For a technique that is said to take you to enlightenment, that is a decidedly concise account; concise enough for me to utterly misunderstand the practice.

Things to know about Vipassana:

There are Buddhists who sideline Vipassana because it is powerful enough to 'unbalance' an unwary practitioner. Too strong an opinion perhaps - but neither is it necessarily as "gentle" as the author of this book describes it!

There are as many variants of the technique as there are traditions. Some are very different to others, however this is not to say that there is only one effective technique. This book represents just one of many traditions.

----------------

I learnt Vipassana on an intensive ten-day course as taught by S.N. Goenka. Only by the tenth day - and not before - did I feel like I had grasped the technique. There are limits to what you can learn on your own from a book. The technique I was taught was different to that in the book - and, in my opinion, far superior.

I have a particular reservation with the way in which this book advocates 'mindfulness' of mental objects. Merely watching the sensations is all we need consciously do, the mindfulness is a process that happens by itself. I do not think mindfulness can be achieved deliberately.

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is a very experienced man, and I'm sure his opinion is worth more than mine. But for what it is worth, take a look at S.N. Goenkas 10-day course instead.

Mindfulness in real life, 06 Jul 2007
The theme of the book is Mindfulness: actually seeing what is there in front of us.

Bhante's premise (which is difficult to ague with ) is that we see life through a screen of thoughts and concepts. As he puts it, we get so caught up in this endless thought-stream that reality flows by unnoticed.

Meditation can sometimes seem daunting and mystical but its goal is to simply free us from not being aware of our lives as they unfold.

Bhante's gift, which shines through every page of this book, is to break down some of the myths and make them real and practical.

What is left is a remarkably lucid, accessible and sensible account of how mindfulness meditation (in the Vipassana tradition - though that detail isn't important) can literally chance your life: your reactions, your perception, your ability to life for the moment.

There is no hint of high-mindedness in his tone, which is grounded, realistic, and thoroughly human.

Consider this, from page one: "There you are, and you suddenly realise that you are spending your whole life just barely getting by. You keep up a good front. You manage to make ends meet somehow and look okay from the outside.

"But those periods of desperation, those times when you feel everything caving in on you - you keep those to yourself. You are a mess, and you know it.

"Meanwhile, way down under all of that, you just know that there has to be some other way to live, a better way to look at the world, a way to touch life more fully.... life is an emotional roller coaster, and you spend a lot of your time down at the bottom of the ramp, yearning for heights."

So what's wrong with you, Bhante asks? You are simply human, battling with all the usual human hallmarks of jealousy, suffering, discontent and stress.

Meditation isn't a quick-fix solution to the human condition, he says. In this age of instant gratification, this can be a hard pill to swallow.

"But what it does do is teach you to watch the functioning of your own mind in a calm and detached manner so you can gain insight into your own behaviour. The goal is awareness."

With a good deal of patience and commitment, meditation can simply teach you to stand aside from your own thought processes and not get involved.

Step by step, it will become clear that agitation is actually a superficial mental stage. It comes and goes, he says, and has no real grip on you at all.

There are so many pearls of hope and wisdom in this bok, but I particularly like this one, for its searing truth and humanity. Bhante writes:

"Somewhere in this process, you will come face to face with the sudden and shocking realisation that you are completely crazy. Your mind is a shrieking, gibbering madhouse, utterly out of control and helpless.

"No problem. You are not crazier than you were yesterday. It has always been this way, and you just never noticed. You are no crazier than everybody else around you.

The only real difference is that you have confronted the situation and they have not."

This review is taken from a blog from www.yoga-abode.com

Overly brief and trite..., 03 Oct 2004
This is a book of fortune cookie style utterances. It'll teach you little about Buddhism and is more of a novelty item. It's small though so it would actually fit inside a large fortune cookie!

A little gem, 09 Apr 2004
A perfect little book, so tiny yet full on easy to digest text from the most inspirational man. If you have an interest in Buddhism but are worried it will all be too much to take on board, this along with the Dalai Lama's other little books will give you the perfect start. You will want to read all his books once you start.

A Little Book with Much Depth, 25 Mar 2003
This book reminds me alot of my favorite book, The Little Guide To Happiness. Heck, even the title is similiar. Like that book, it talks about how to get a hold of what's most important in life. Then, at the end of the book are quotes to follow it up. I love both books. Though, I honestly like The Little Guide To Happiness a notch, just a slight one, more. That's because it's my favorite.

Interesting, 17 Oct 2001
In this small book the Dalai Lama speaks of compassion, anger, forgiveness of enemies, and living life in a truly more loving way. Though much of it seems familar to western ears [the ideas of love compassion and service are not unknown in western religion and philosophy], the simplicity of much of what the dalai lama says is refreshing. His own struggles with anger are interesting, and the prose, gleaned from past lectures, smooth and clean. I also highly recommend "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Eastern Wisdom" by Taro Gold which I found wonderfully enlightening.

Excellent little gem giving inspiration and insight., 28 May 2001
The power and insight given by this little gem of a book comes from the simplicity of the Dalai Lama's words. His words and explanations speak directly to your heart showing how to bring love, peace and creative energy into the world. This little book is small enough to carry in your pocket - I find that whenever I need uplifting or inspiration I open it to exactly the right page!

Life changing book, 21 Aug 2008
I'm no Buddhist and don't claim to understand Buddhism to any degree, but despite the title I'm going to suggest that's not the core message of the book. The core message is about seeing what's really there, being open and receptive to reality as it is, not as we imagine or desire it to be. The fantasy we live in and the pain we cause ourselves because of it.

This is one of two books that I would say changed my life. After reading it the message and insights affected my mindset and outlook so much it remained with me for more than a year before diminishing. To this day it is the book I have given away more copies of than any other because I wanted others to learn from it as I had.

One example - n the book is an image but it's unclear what it is. It's used as an example of what enlightenment is and it blew me away. I stared and stared but couldn't work it out so I looked at the answer. I looked back and still couldn't see it, then suddenly `boom' there it was, my enlightenment moment. That sealed it for me.


Should say "introduction to zen buddhism", 25 Dec 2007
This was the first book I ever read on buddhism. Since then I have never stopped practising and reading around, and it's been three years. This book ignited a strong interest but it in no way helped me be lessed stressed. I tried to put what the book said into practise - but all it suggested was to "see". I saw myself being miserable, didn't help.
I feel really lucky that I discovered "mindfulness in plain englsish - bhante gunaratana" which gave instructions on how to practise meditation. After that buddhism really helped me. Meditation in Hagen's book is mentioned almost as a side point, something not particularly important.
After reading around for three years it's also clear that this book offers an intro to "zen buddhism", not to "buddhism". The eightfold path for example is given the most basic of elaborations, which all fit in with his idea of "just seeing". The elaborations of the eightfold path in the original suttas in the pali canon are extensive and say an awful lot more than "just see". I could go on.
Overall if you want some nice philosophy this book is great.
If you want real advice on "self help" from a buddhist standpoint get something else which actually has practical instructions and advice.
If you want an introduction to buddhism, go somewhere else. If you read the suttas most reliably attributed to the buddha you'll be amazed how different they are to Hagen's assertions.
If you want to read something on Buddhism by someone who has practised Buddhism intensely for almost his whole life, read "path to arahantship" by Ajahn maha boowa.

Not a religion, 12 May 2007
I have read this book twice, it explains Buddhism as a way of thinking and understanding life, not a religion as I thought. If you want to learn about Buddhism, rather than being told about rituals and how to practice a belief you must read a copy. It informs you rather than convert you.

A positive step towards awakening, 22 Feb 2007
The best compliment I can give this book is that if someone is interested in learning what Buddhism "is", this is the book that I give them.

You might get the impression from one or two of the other reviews on this page that this is "Buddhism Lite" i.e. that it lacks the comprehensiveness and history of some other books. I don't really think that's the case personally. If the essense and purpose of Buddhism is to become awake, then to me this is the most emphatically "Buddhist" of books. Certainly I would start here, as you can always progress onto more detailed books about the Buddha's life in due course.

Indeed I wouldn't say that this book is only for the novice either, as it would also serve as a useful reminder and meditation to someone more versed in Buddhism. One review below states that it's message is rather repetitive, but I imagine that this is on purpose, and it didn't deter me at all. Without constantly reminding yourself of the message contained within (through various means), the ego tends to re-impose itself, so repetition is necessary.

If you're interested in this subject, I whole-heartedly recommend this book.

Easy Peasy!! Get this one FIRST., 09 Feb 2007
This HAS to be one of the BEST {["Introductions"]} to Buddhism I've ever come across. Plain (yes it is!!) simple - yes, & easy to understand & digest. Short, concise & to the point. In fact it's ALL of the positive comments made here above already. Refreshing & intelligently written. More importantly it's very "enlightening" (pun intended).

A perfect starter book if you want to get an inkling for what "all the rage" is about, especially if you're a student of any kind and short on study time.

Even if you're not a Buddhist, or not even thinking about becoming one, it's good to have some understanding of this "up and coming" religion so that you may have a better and more informed understanding of the people from the lands that practice it and where you may go one day on holiday too!

good book, easy to read and understand, 20 Jul 2008
I personally found this book very helpful and enjoyed reading it. It is nice to be able to see things from a positive perspective and this book helps you to do that. Although it is probably worth mentioning that none of the wonderful ideas in this book will work without alott of effort and self discipline. It covers attitude and philosophy and does not include any real techniques or methods, but there are other books that do, and i find this book to compliment them well.

If you have a problem with the idea of trying to be a better person and the effort that it involves, then you may not find this book useful.

This book is mostly just words.(no pun intended)
Although if you consider the harm that cruel words can do, then surely kind words can help to ease the pain of others? As long as the words are sincere, then actions will, by definition, follow. I think sometimes it helps just to know that someone cares.

I am happier as a result of reading the ideas in this book!, 14 Apr 2008
This is an excellent book. Easy to read, uplifting, clear and full of strong and deep ideas.
If you are in any way hesitating about buying this book, don't! You will be very glad you did.....and happier.....

Drivel, 26 Mar 2008
If pretty words, wishful thinking and prayer (all the same thing, actually) changed the world, we'd all be already living in a better world. But they don't - you have to grow up and stop living the dream, yours, or even worse, somebody else's. And stop hankering after 'lost wisdom' from the 'mystic east' and other such childishness.

The style of this book lets it down, 21 Feb 2008
I first came to this book after one of my counselling clients mentioned that he had been reading it, and that he thought it had helped him to further understand how he needed to change. Intrigued, I decided to get my hands on the book to see if I could discover why he found it so useful.

As you could expect from a book that has the involvement of the Dalai Lama, what I found was a very spiritual, compassionate discourse on life. However, like a previous reviewer, I also found that the voice of Howard Cutler lets this book down. Although I can understand why they have decided to tackle this subject in the way they have - the book is set out as an interview between the two men, interspersed with anecdotes from Cutler's own experience - I feel that it takes focus away from the Dalai Lama's voice. I would prefer this book if it was just a commentary by the Dalai Lama.

That gripe aside, I think THE ART OF HAPPINESS is a delightful way to bring Western thinkers around to another way of seeing life and themselves. As a way of introducing Tibetan Buddhism, this book is a triumph - it is engaging, enjoyable, thought-provoking and an easy way of beginning an interest in this philosophy.
If you read this and enjoy it, I would also recommned that you then go and read some work by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who writes beautiful books on Buddhism.

I loved this book.., 10 Feb 2008
Common sense and easy.. Smile when you are happy, smile when you are sad..
result
happier living :o)

Look no further - the best meditation manual available., 13 Aug 2008
I have been interested in Buddhism and meditation for many years and have been waiting all that time for a book that is a true 'nuts and bolts' manual of how to meditate. This is the first book I have found that I can totally recommend. It covers the subject with honesty, humour and an amazing level of clarity. For a beginner or experienced meditator, there is no better book that I have seen.

Also, the author has integrity and comes from the traditional Theravada school of Buddhism - beware that there are quite a few dodgy modern 'schools' that use the name of Buddhism in vain. If you are new to Buddhism, I strongly recommend the Theravada school (e.g. Amaravati monastery in the UK).

A minor point and it doesn't detract at all from the book, but I feel that maybe the title is a bit misleading as it isn't very clear that it is a 'manual' of meditation - perhaps 'Meditation demystified' or 'How to meditate' would be clearer.

See for yourself, 30 Jun 2008
I do not have much too add not already said by other reviewers, but would like to point out that the whole book can be found online so you can preview it before you order the book. Just search for the title.

A True Meditation Manual, 11 Mar 2008
This book is fantastic! From the reviews, I was expecting a manual on Vipassana (insight) meditation only. But Bhante G covers both Shamatha (concentration) and Vipassana (insight) meditation in thorough detail, in a step-by-step, very user-friendly and practical way. By far the best book I have read on the two core Buddhist meditation practices. He deals in great detail with the things us beginners struggle with, like the many distractions that can assail us during our practice, & the five hindrances, along with very useful techniques for over-coming these obstacles. If you are at all interested in Buddhist meditation, then I am sure you will find this book invaluable.

One of many personal responses, 23 Nov 2007
After I had read this book I was very enthusiastic about it, because it is certainly a very good manual in comparison to any other I have read. I started 'practicing Vipassana' after reading the 3-page summary of the technique in Fontana's Meditation Manual. For a technique that is said to take you to enlightenment, that is a decidedly concise account; concise enough for me to utterly misunderstand the practice.

Things to know about Vipassana:

There are Buddhists who sideline Vipassana because it is powerful enough to 'unbalance' an unwary practitioner. Too strong an opinion perhaps - but neither is it necessarily as "gentle" as the author of this book describes it!

There are as many variants of the technique as there are traditions. Some are very different to others, however this is not to say that there is only one effective technique. This book represents just one of many traditions.

----------------

I learnt Vipassana on an intensive ten-day course as taught by S.N. Goenka. Only by the tenth day - and not before - did I feel like I had grasped the technique. There are limits to what you can learn on your own from a book. The technique I was taught was different to that in the book - and, in my opinion, far superior.

I have a particular reservation with the way in which this book advocates 'mindfulness' of mental objects. Merely watching the sensations is all we need consciously do, the mindfulness is a process that happens by itself. I do not think mindfulness can be achieved deliberately.

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is a very experienced man, and I'm sure his opinion is worth more than mine. But for what it is worth, take a look at S.N. Goenkas 10-day course instead.

Mindfulness in real life, 06 Jul 2007
The theme of the book is Mindfulness: actually seeing what is there in front of us.

Bhante's premise (which is difficult to ague with ) is that we see life through a screen of thoughts and concepts. As he puts it, we get so caught up in this endless thought-stream that reality flows by unnoticed.

Meditation can sometimes seem daunting and mystical but its goal is to simply free us from not being aware of our lives as they unfold.

Bhante's gift, which shines through every page of this book, is to break down some of the myths and make them real and practical.

What is left is a remarkably lucid, accessible and sensible account of how mindfulness meditation (in the Vipassana tradition - though that detail isn't important) can literally chance your life: your reactions, your perception, your ability to life for the moment.

There is no hint of high-mindedness in his tone, which is grounded, realistic, and thoroughly human.

Consider this, from page one: "There you are, and you suddenly realise that you are spending your whole life just barely getting by. You keep up a good front. You manage to make ends meet somehow and look okay from the outside.

"But those periods of desperation, those times when you feel everything caving in on you - you keep those to yourself. You are a mess, and you know it.

"Meanwhile, way down under all of that, you just know that there has to be some other way to live, a better way to look at the world, a way to touch life more fully.... life is an emotional roller coaster, and you spend a lot of your time down at the bottom of the ramp, yearning for heights."

So what's wrong with you, Bhante asks? You are simply human, battling with all the usual human hallmarks of jealousy, suffering, discontent and stress.

Meditation isn't a quick-fix solution to the human condition, he says. In this age of instant gratification, this can be a hard pill to swallow.

"But what it does do is teach you to watch the functioning of your own mind in a calm and detached manner so you can gain insight into your own behaviour. The goal is awareness."

With a good deal of patience and commitment, meditation can simply teach you to stand aside from your own thought processes and not get involved.

Step by step, it will become clear that agitation is actually a superficial mental stage. It comes and goes, he says, and has no real grip on you at all.

There are so many pearls of hope and wisdom in this bok, but I particularly like this one, for its searing truth and humanity. Bhante writes:

"Somewhere in this process, you will come face to face with the sudden and shocking realisation that you are completely crazy. Your mind is a shrieking, gibbering madhouse, utterly out of control and helpless.

"No problem. You are not crazier than you were yesterday. It has always been this way, and you just never noticed. You are no crazier than everybody else around you.

The only real difference is that you have confronted the situation and they have not."

This review is taken from a blog from www.yoga-abode.com

Overly brief and trite..., 03 Oct 2004
This is a book of fortune cookie style utterances. It'll teach you little about Buddhism and is more of a novelty item. It's small though so it would actually fit inside a large fortune cookie!

A little gem, 09 Apr 2004
A perfect little book, so tiny yet full on easy to digest text from the most inspirational man. If you have an interest in Buddhism but are worried it will all be too much to take on board, this along with the Dalai Lama's other little books will give you the perfect start. You will want to read all his books once you start.

A Little Book with Much Depth, 25 Mar 2003
This book reminds me alot of my favorite book, The Little Guide To Happiness. Heck, even the title is similiar. Like that book, it talks about how to get a hold of what's most important in life. Then, at the end of the book are quotes to follow it up. I love both books. Though, I honestly like The Little Guide To Happiness a notch, just a slight one, more. That's because it's my favorite.

Interesting, 17 Oct 2001
In this small book the Dalai Lama speaks of compassion, anger, forgiveness of enemies, and living life in a truly more loving way. Though much of it seems familar to western ears [the ideas of love compassion and service are not unknown in western religion and philosophy], the simplicity of much of what the dalai lama says is refreshing. His own struggles with anger are interesting, and the prose, gleaned from past lectures, smooth and clean. I also highly recommend "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Eastern Wisdom" by Taro Gold which I found wonderfully enlightening.

Excellent little gem giving inspiration and insight., 28 May 2001
The power and insight given by this little gem of a book comes from the simplicity of the Dalai Lama's words. His words and explanations speak directly to your heart showing how to bring love, peace and creative energy into the world. This little book is small enough to carry in your pocket - I find that whenever I need uplifting or inspiration I open it to exactly the right page!

Life changing book, 21 Aug 2008
I'm no Buddhist and don't claim to understand Buddhism to any degree, but despite the title I'm going to suggest that's not the core message of the book. The core message is about seeing what's really there, being open and receptive to reality as it is, not as we imagine or desire it to be. The fantasy we live in and the pain we cause ourselves because of it.

This is one of two books that I would say changed my life. After reading it the message and insights affected my mindset and outlook so much it remained with me for more than a year before diminishing. To this day it is the book I have given away more copies of than any other because I wanted others to learn from it as I had.

One example - n the book is an image but it's unclear what it is. It's used as an example of what enlightenment is and it blew me away. I stared and stared but couldn't work it out so I looked at the answer. I looked back and still couldn't see it, then suddenly `boom' there it was, my enlightenment moment. That sealed it for me.


Should say "introduction to zen buddhism", 25 Dec 2007
This was the first book I ever read on buddhism. Since then I have never stopped practising and reading around, and it's been three years. This book ignited a strong interest but it in no way helped me be lessed stressed. I tried to put what the book said into practise - but all it suggested was to "see". I saw myself being miserable, didn't help.
I feel really lucky that I discovered "mindfulness in plain englsish - bhante gunaratana" which gave instructions on how to practise meditation. After that buddhism really helped me. Meditation in Hagen's book is mentioned almost as a side point, something not particularly important.
After reading around for three years it's also clear that this book offers an intro to "zen buddhism", not to "buddhism". The eightfold path for example is given the most basic of elaborations, which all fit in with his idea of "just seeing". The elaborations of the eightfold path in the original suttas in the pali canon are extensive and say an awful lot more than "just see". I could go on.
Overall if you want some nice philosophy this book is great.
If you want real advice on "self help" from a buddhist standpoint get something else which actually has practical instructions and advice.
If you want an introduction to buddhism, go somewhere else. If you read the suttas most reliably attributed to the buddha you'll be amazed how different they are to Hagen's assertions.
If you want to read something on Buddhism by someone who has practised Buddhism intensely for almost his whole life, read "path to arahantship" by Ajahn maha boowa.

Not a religion, 12 May 2007
I have read this book twice, it explains Buddhism as a way of thinking and understanding life, not a religion as I thought. If you want to learn about Buddhism, rather than being told about rituals and how to practice a belief you must read a copy. It informs you rather than convert you.

A positive step towards awakening, 22 Feb 2007
The best compliment I can give this book is that if someone is interested in learning what Buddhism "is", this is the book that I give them.

You might get the impression from one or two of the other reviews on this page that this is "Buddhism Lite" i.e. that it lacks the comprehensiveness and history of some other books. I don't really think that's the case personally. If the essense and purpose of Buddhism is to become awake, then to me this is the most emphatically "Buddhist" of books. Certainly I would start here, as you can always progress onto more detailed books about the Buddha's life in due course.

Indeed I wouldn't say that this book is only for the novice either, as it would also serve as a useful reminder and meditation to someone more versed in Buddhism. One review below states that it's message is rather repetitive, but I imagine that this is on purpose, and it didn't deter me at all. Without constantly reminding yourself of the message contained within (through various means), the ego tends to re-impose itself, so repetition is necessary.

If you're interested in this subject, I whole-heartedly recommend this book.

Easy Peasy!! Get this one FIRST., 09 Feb 2007
This HAS to be one of the BEST {["Introductions"]} to Buddhism I've ever come across. Plain (yes it is!!) simple - yes, & easy to understand & digest. Short, concise & to the point. In fact it's ALL of the positive comments made here above already. Refreshing & intelligently written. More importantly it's very "enlightening" (pun intended).

A perfect starter book if you want to get an inkling for what "all the rage" is about, especially if you're a student of any kind and short on study time.

Even if you're not a Buddhist, or not even thinking about becoming one, it's good to have some understanding of this "up and coming" religion so that you may have a better and more informed understanding of the people from the lands that practice it and where you may go one day on holiday too!

Cool stuff, 08 Jun 2008
The sort of book that makes you think lifes not so bad after all...worth having

Something for Everybody, 06 Apr 2006
The little book of happiness should be owned by everyone. This tiny little book has a simple, non-cryptic message on every page and is perfect to dip into for a little inspiration.

Perfect for even non-spiritual people, this book suggests small and practical ways to change the way we think and interact with people to help us be happier in our every day life.

The Dalai Lama takes a non-dogmatic approach to showing us that we don't need to change our environment to achieve happiness, but by making small changes to the way we think inside, we can achieve true and lasting happiness, not just for ourselves but for the people around us and the world as a whole.

I'm not even the slightest bit spiritual, but after reading this book, I was inspired to read "The Art of Happiness", also by the Dalai Lama. By taking on-board the simple advice offered, I am no longer stressed-out all the time, and find life a lot easier to take.

I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone at all.

inspiring, 12 Jun 2002
I find this book amazing. Even for people who aren't buddhists, like me, it is inspiring. Just short little bites of wisdom that are easy to digest and I find really can help sort your head out in those very stressful times

will bring enlightenment to even the darkest souls., 10 Apr 2001
beautiful and kind words that can help with even the darkest times in our lives. Easy to read and easy to learn the wisdom that His Holiness the Dalai Lama writes, a must for everyone.

good book, easy to read and understand, 20 Jul 2008
I personally found this book very helpful and enjoyed reading it. It is nice to be able to see things from a positive perspective and this book helps you to do that. Although it is probably worth mentioning that none of the wonderful ideas in this book will work without alott of effort and self discipline. It covers attitude and philosophy and does not include any real techniques or methods, but there are other books that do, and i find this book to compliment them well.

If you have a problem with the idea of trying to be a better person and the effort that it involves, then you may not find this book useful.

This book is mostly just words.(no pun intended)
Although if you consider the harm that cruel words can do, then surely kind words can help to ease the pain of others? As long as the words are sincere, then actions will, by definition, follow. I think sometimes it helps just to know that someone cares.

I am happier as a result of reading the ideas in this book!, 14 Apr 2008
This is an excellent book. Easy to read, uplifting, clear and full of strong and deep ideas.
If you are in any way hesitating about buying this book, don't! You will be very glad you did.....and happier.....

Drivel, 26 Mar 2008
If pretty words, wishful thinking and prayer (all the same thing, actually) changed the world, we'd all be already living in a better world. But they don't - you have to grow up and stop living the dream, yours, or even worse, somebody else's. And stop hankering after 'lost wisdom' from the 'mystic east' and other such childishness.

The style of this book lets it down, 21 Feb 2008
I first came to this book after one of my counselling clients mentioned that he had been reading it, and that he thought it had helped him to further understand how he needed to change. Intrigued, I decided to get my hands on the book to see if I could discover why he found it so useful.

As you could expect from a book that has the involvement of the Dalai Lama, what I found was a very spiritual, compassionate discourse on life. However, like a previous reviewer, I also found that the voice of Howard Cutler lets this book down. Although I can understand why they have decided to tackle this subject in the way they have - the book is set out as an interview between the two men, interspersed with anecdotes from Cutler's own experience - I feel that it takes focus away from the Dalai Lama's voice. I would prefer this book if it was just a commentary by the Dalai Lama.

That gripe aside, I think THE ART OF HAPPINESS is a delightful way to bring Western thinkers around to another way of seeing life and themselves. As a way of introducing Tibetan Buddhism, this book is a triumph - it is engaging, enjoyable, thought-provoking and an easy way of beginning an interest in this philosophy.
If you read this and enjoy it, I would also recommned that you then go and read some work by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who writes beautiful books on Buddhism.

I loved this book.., 10 Feb 2008
Common sense and easy.. Smile when you are happy, smile when you are sad..
result
happier living :o)

Look no further - the best meditation manual available., 13 Aug 2008
I have been interested in Buddhism and meditation for many years and have been waiting all that time for a book that is a true 'nuts and bolts' manual of how to meditate. This is the first book I have found that I can totally recommend. It covers the subject with honesty, humour and an amazing level of clarity. For a beginner or experienced meditator, there is no better book that I have seen.

Also, the author has integrity and comes from the traditional Theravada school of Buddhism - beware that there are quite a few dodgy modern 'schools' that use the name of Buddhism in vain. If you are new to Buddhism, I strongly recommend the Theravada school (e.g. Amaravati monastery in the UK).

A minor point and it doesn't detract at all from the book, but I feel that maybe the title is a bit misleading as it isn't very clear that it is a 'manual' of meditation - perhaps 'Meditation demystified' or 'How to meditate' would be clearer.

See for yourself, 30 Jun 2008
I do not have much too add not already said by other reviewers, but would like to point out that the whole book can be found online so you can preview it before you order the book. Just search for the title.

A True Meditation Manual, 11 Mar 2008
This book is fantastic! From the reviews, I was expecting a manual on Vipassana (insight) meditation only. But Bhante G covers both Shamatha (concentration) and Vipassana (insight) meditation in thorough detail, in a step-by-step, very user-friendly and practical way. By far the best book I have read on the two core Buddhist meditation practices. He deals in great detail with the things us beginners struggle with, like the many distractions that can assail us during our practice, & the five hindrances, along with very useful techniques for over-coming these obstacles. If you are at all interested in Buddhist meditation, then I am sure you will find this book invaluable.

One of many personal responses, 23 Nov 2007
After I had read this book I was very enthusiastic about it, because it is certainly a very good manual in comparison to any other I have read. I started 'practicing Vipassana' after reading the 3-page summary of the technique in Fontana's Meditation Manual. For a technique that is said to take you to enlightenment, that is a decidedly concise account; concise enough for me to utterly misunderstand the practice.

Things to know about Vipassana:

There are Buddhists who sideline Vipassana because it is powerful enough to 'unbalance' an unwary practitioner. Too strong an opinion perhaps - but neither is it necessarily as "gentle" as the author of this book describes it!

There are as many variants of the technique as there are traditions. Some are very different to others, however this is not to say that there is only one effective technique. This book represents just one of many traditions.

----------------

I learnt Vipassana on an intensive ten-day course as taught by S.N. Goenka. Only by the tenth day - and not before - did I feel like I had grasped the technique. There are limits to what you can learn on your own from a book. The technique I was taught was different to that in the book - and, in my opinion, far superior.

I have a particular reservation with the way in which this book advocates 'mindfulness' of mental objects. Merely watching the sensations is all we need consciously do, the mindfulness is a process that happens by itself. I do not think mindfulness can be achieved deliberately.

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is a very experienced man, and I'm sure his opinion is worth more than mine. But for what it is worth, take a look at S.N. Goenkas 10-day course instead.

Mindfulness in real life, 06 Jul 2007
The theme of the book is Mindfulness: actually seeing what is there in front of us.

Bhante's premise (which is difficult to ague with ) is that we see life through a screen of thoughts and concepts. As he puts it, we get so caught up in this endless thought-stream that reality flows by unnoticed.

Meditation can sometimes seem daunting and mystical but its goal is to simply free us from not being aware of our lives as they unfold.

Bhante's gift, which shines through every page of this book, is to break down some of the myths and make them real and practical.

What is left is a remarkably lucid, accessible and sensible account of how mindfulness meditation (in the Vipassana tradition - though that detail isn't important) can literally chance your life: your reactions, your perception, your ability to life for the moment.

There is no hint of high-mindedness in his tone, which is grounded, realistic, and thoroughly human.

Consider this, from page one: "There you are, and you suddenly realise that you are spending your whole life just barely getting by. You keep up a good front. You manage to make ends meet somehow and look okay from the outside.

"But those periods of desperation, those times when you feel everything caving in on you - you keep those to yourself. You are a mess, and you know it.

"Meanwhile, way down under all of that, you just know that there has to be some other way to live, a better way to look at the world, a way to touch life more fully.... life is an emotional roller coaster, and you spend a lot of your time down at the bottom of the ramp, yearning for heights."

So what's wrong with you, Bhante asks? You are simply human, battling with all the usual human hallmarks of jealousy, suffering, discontent and stress.

Meditation isn't a quick-fix solution to the human condition, he says. In this age of instant gratification, this can be a hard pill to swallow.

"But what it does do is teach you to watch the functioning of your own mind in a calm and detached manner so you can gain insight into your own behaviour. The goal is awareness."

With a good deal of patience and commitment, meditation can simply teach you to stand aside from your own thought processes and not get involved.

Step by step, it will become clear that agitation is actually a superficial mental stage. It comes and goes, he says, and has no real grip on you at all.

There are so many pearls of hope and wisdom in this bok, but I particularly like this one, for its searing truth and humanity. Bhante writes:

"Somewhere in this process, you will come face to face with the sudden and shocking realisation that you are completely crazy. Your mind is a shrieking, gibbering madhouse, utterly out of control and helpless.

"No problem. You are not crazier than you were yesterday. It has always been this way, and you just never noticed. You are no crazier than everybody else around you.

The only real difference is that you have confronted the situation and they have not."

This review is taken from a blog from www.yoga-abode.com

Overly brief and trite..., 03 Oct 2004
This is a book of fortune cookie style utterances. It'll teach you little about Buddhism and is more of a novelty item. It's small though so it would actually fit inside a large fortune cookie!

A little gem, 09 Apr 2004
A perfect little book, so tiny yet full on easy to digest text from the most inspirational man. If you have an interest in Buddhism but are worried it will all be too much to take on board, this along with the Dalai Lama's other little books will give you the perfect start. You will want to read all his books once you start.

A Little Book with Much Depth, 25 Mar 2003
This book reminds me alot of my favorite book, The Little Guide To Happiness. Heck, even the title is similiar. Like that book, it talks about how to get a hold of what's most important in life. Then, at the end of the book are quotes to follow it up. I love both books. Though, I honestly like The Little Guide To Happiness a notch, just a slight one, more. That's because it's my favorite.

Interesting, 17 Oct 2001
In this small book the Dalai Lama speaks of compassion, anger, forgiveness of enemies, and living life in a truly more loving way. Though much of it seems familar to western ears [the ideas of love compassion and service are not unknown in western religion and philosophy], the simplicity of much of what the dalai lama says is refreshing. His own struggles with anger are interesting, and the prose, gleaned from past lectures, smooth and clean. I also highly recommend "Open Your Mind, Open Your Life: A Little Book of Eastern Wisdom" by Taro Gold which I found wonderfully enlightening.

Excellent little gem giving inspiration and insight., 28 May 2001
The power and insight given by this little gem of a book comes from the simplicity of the Dalai Lama's words. His words and explanations speak directly to your heart showing how to bring love, peace and creative energy into the world. This little book is small enough to carry in your pocket - I find that whenever I need uplifting or inspiration I open it to exactly the right page!

Life changing book, 21 Aug 2008
I'm no Buddhist and don't claim to understand Buddhism to any degree, but despite the title I'm going to suggest that's not the core message of the book. The core message is about seeing what's really there, being open and receptive to reality as it is, not as we imagine or desire it to be. The fantasy we live in and the pain we cause ourselves because of it.

This is one of two books that I would say changed my life. After reading it the message and insights affected my mindset and outlook so much it remained with me for more than a year before diminishing. To this day it is the book I have given away more copies of than any other because I wanted others to learn from it as I had.

One example - n the book is an image but it's unclear what it is. It's used as an example of what enlightenment is and it blew me away. I stared and stared but couldn't work it out so I looked at the answer. I looked back and still couldn't see it, then suddenly `boom' there it was, my enlightenment moment. That sealed it for me.


Should say "introduction to zen buddhism", 25 Dec 2007
This was the first book I ever read on buddhism. Since then I have never stopped practising and reading around, and it's been three years. This book ignited a strong interest but it in no way helped me be lessed stressed. I tried to put what the book said into practise - but all it suggested was to "see". I saw myself being miserable, didn't help.
I feel really lucky that I discovered "mindfulness in plain englsish - bhante gunaratana" which gave instructions on how to practise meditation. After that buddhism really helped me. Meditation in Hagen's book is mentioned almost as a side point, something not particularly important.
After reading around for three years it's also clear that this book offers an intro to "zen buddhism", not to "buddhism". The eightfold path for example is given the most basic of elaborations, which all fit in with his idea of "just seeing". The elaborations of the eightfold path in the original suttas in the pali canon are extensive and say an awful lot more than "just see". I could go on.
Overall if you want some nice philosophy this book is great.
If you want real advice on "self help" from a buddhist standpoint get something else which actually has practical instructions and advice.
If you want an introduction to buddhism, go somewhere else. If you read the suttas most reliably attributed to the buddha you'll be amazed how different they are to Hagen's assertions.
If you want to read something on Buddhism by someone who has practised Buddhism intensely for almost his whole life, read "path to arahantship" by Ajahn maha boowa.

Not a religion, 12 May 2007
I have read this book twice, it explains Buddhism as a way of thinking and understanding life, not a religion as I thought. If you want to learn about Buddhism, rather than being told about rituals and how to practice a belief you must read a copy. It informs you rather than convert you.

A positive step towards awakening, 22 Feb 2007
The best compliment I can give this book is that if someone is interested in learning what Buddhism "is", this is the book that I give them.

You might get the impression from one or two of the other reviews on this page that this is "Buddhism Lite" i.e. that it lacks the comprehensiveness and history of some other books. I don't really think that's the case personally. If the essense and purpose of Buddhism is to become awake, then to me this is the most emphatically "Buddhist" of books. Certainly I would start here, as you can always progress onto more detailed books about the Buddha's life in due course.

Indeed I wouldn't say that this book is only for the novice either, as it would also serve as a useful reminder and meditation to someone more versed in Buddhism. One review below states that it's message is rather repetitive, but I imagine that this is on purpose, and it didn't deter me at all. Without constantly reminding yourself of the message contained within (through various means), the ego tends to re-impose itself, so repetition is necessary.

If you're interested in this subject, I whole-heartedly recommend this book.

Easy Peasy!! Get this one FIRST., 09 Feb 2007
This HAS to be one of the BEST {["Introductions"]} to Buddhism I've ever come across. Plain (yes it is!!) simple - yes, & easy to understand & digest. Short, concise & to the point. In fact it's ALL of the positive comments made here above already. Refreshing & intelligently written. More importantly it's very "enlightening" (pun intended).

A perfect starter book if you want to get an inkling for what "all the rage" is about, especially if you're a student of any kind and short on study time.

Even if you're not a Buddhist, or not even thinking about becoming one, it's good to have some understanding of this "up and coming" religion so that you may have a better and more informed understanding of the people from the lands that practice it and where you may go one day on holiday too!

Cool stuff, 08 Jun 2008
The sort of book that makes you think lifes not so bad after all...worth having

Something for Everybody, 06 Apr 2006
The little book of happiness should be owned by everyone. This tiny little book has a simple, non-cryptic message on every page and is perfect to dip into for a little inspiration.

Perfect for even non-spiritual people, this book suggests small and practical ways to change the way we think and interact with people to help us be happier in our every day life.

The Dalai Lama takes a non-dogmatic approach to showing us that we don't need to change our environment to achieve happiness, but by making small changes to the way we think inside, we can achieve true and lasting happiness, not just for ourselves but for the people around us and the world as a whole.

I'm not even the slightest bit spiritual, but after reading this book, I was inspired to read "The Art of Happiness", also by the Dalai Lama. By taking on-board the simple advice offered, I am no longer stressed-out all the time, and find life a lot easier to take.

I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone at all.

inspiring, 12 Jun 2002
I find this book amazing. Even for people who aren't buddhists, like me, it is inspiring. Just short little bites of wisdom that are easy to digest and I find really can help sort your head out in those very stressful times

will bring enlightenment to even the darkest souls., 10 Apr 2001
beautiful and kind words that can help with even the darkest times in our lives. Easy to read and easy to learn the wisdom that His Holiness the Dalai Lama writes, a must for everyone.

Essential reading, 15 Dec 2007
This book is a life-saver, I have already worn out my first copy and am on to the second. I can honestly say that it is the most helpful book I have ever read. Pema Chodron gets to the heart of life's problems and gives genuine, useful, sane advice. Buy it!

Comfort in a Book, 05 Dec 2007
A very gentle, calming, comfortable read, this book is taken from the transcripts of various talks which Chodron edited while taking a year out. She looks in detail at suffering and how to live with it rather than how to obliterate it. She mentions loss, addiction, distraction, boredom - the whole picture of what might be described as negativity. Not once does she say, 'Pull yourself together.' Instead the advice is to sit with your feelings, make friends with them and yourself, label your thoughts, meditate, treat yourself (and others) with loving-kindness. I feel like I've been hugged by a very wise and very compassionate being and will seek out more of her work.

Excellent, 17 May 2007
Amazing book in that everything the author wrote really connected with what I was feeling. You don't have to know anything about Buddhism to read this book - it is a great book for anyone who is struggling with life and looking for happiness.

A delight to read, 18 Dec 2003
I found this book lying around a house I've recently moved from. I don't know who bought it or what it was doing there, but the timing for finding it couldn't be better. I was having a bit of a hard time, and life was generally pants. I picked up the book as the title intrigued me, and to be honest, it was the best medicine I could have hoped for. No matter who you are, or where you come from, there's is guaranteed to be something to relate to in here. I personally read so much that rang true, it made me feel glad to be part of this world.

I read the book a while ago, and will definately be buying it for myself, it's enlightening to read, no words can describe how wonderful it is.

A life changing book that I read time and time again, 15 Aug 2001
I bought this book eighteen months ago when I was struggling with life. Pema Chodron's compassion, experience and wisdom provided immediate comfort, transformed my outlook on life and started me on the road to learning more about meditation and later Buddhism. I often re-read chapters and have sent several copies to friends who have found it equally rewarding. The cassette tape version provides a useful alternative method of 'reading' the same book and complements the hardcopy version. A 'must have' for anyone in a hard place.

good book, easy to read and understand, 20 Jul 2008
I personally found this book very helpful and enjoyed reading it. It is nice to be able to see things from a positive perspective and this book helps you to do that. Although it is probably worth mentioning that none of the wonderful ideas in this book will work without alott of effort and self discipline. It covers attitude and philosophy and does not include any real techniques or methods, but there are other books that do, and i find this book to compliment them well.

If you have a problem with the idea of trying to be a better person and the effort that it involves, then you may not find this book useful.

This book is mostly just words.(no pun intended)
Although if you consider the harm that cruel words can do, then surely kind words can help to ease the pain of others? As long as the words are sincere, then actions will, by definition, follow. I think sometimes it helps just to know that someone cares.

I am happier as a result of reading the ideas in this book!, 14 Apr 2008
This is an excellent book. Easy to read, uplifting, clear and full of strong and deep ideas.
If you are in any way hesitating about buying this book, don't! You will be very glad you did.....and happier.....

Drivel, 26 Mar 2008
If pretty words, wishful thinking and prayer (all the same thing, actually) changed the world, we'd all be already living in a better world. But they don't - you have to grow up and stop living the dream, yours, or even worse, somebody else's. And stop hankering after 'lost wisdom' from the 'mystic east' and other such childishness.

The style of this book lets it down, 21 Feb 2008
I first came to this book after one of my counselling clients mentioned that he had been reading it, and that he thought it had helped him to further understand how he needed to change. Intrigued, I decided to get my hands on the book to see if I could discover why he found it so useful.

As you could expect from a book that has the involvement of the Dalai Lama, what I found was a very spiritual, compassionate discourse on life. However, like a previous reviewer, I also found that the voice of Howard Cutler lets this book down. Although I can understand why they have decided to tackle this subject in the way they have - the book is set out as an interview between the two men, interspersed with anecdotes from Cutler's own experience - I feel that it takes focus away from the Dalai Lama's voice. I would prefer this book if it was just a commentary by the Dalai Lama.

That gripe aside, I think THE ART OF HAPPINESS is a delightful way to bring Western thinkers around to another way of seeing life and themselves. As a way of introducing Tibetan Buddhism, this book is a triumph - it is engaging, enjoyable, thought-provoking and an easy way of beginning an interest in this philosophy.
If you read this and enjoy it, I would also recommned that you then go and read some work by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk who writes beautiful books on Buddhism.

I loved this book.., 10 Feb 2008
Common sense and easy.. Smile when you are happy, smile when you are sad..
result
happier living :o)

Look no further - the best meditation manual available., 13 Aug 2008
I have been interested in Buddhism and meditation for many years and have been waiting all that time for a book that is a true 'nuts and bolts' manual of how to meditate. This is the first book I have found that I can totally recommend. It covers the subject with honesty, humour and an amazing level of clarity. For a beginner or experienced meditator, there is no better book that I have seen.

Also, the author has integrity and comes from the traditional Theravada school of Buddhism - beware that there are quite a few dodgy modern 'schools' that use the name of Buddhism in vain. If you are new to Buddhism, I strongly recommend the Theravada school (e.g. Amaravati monastery in the UK).

A minor point and it doesn't detract at all from the book, but I feel that maybe the title is a bit misleading as it isn't very clear that it is a 'manual' of meditation - perhaps 'Meditation demystified' or 'How to meditate' would be clearer.

See for yourself, 30 Jun 2008
I do not have much too add not already said by other reviewers, but would like to point out that the whole book can be found online so you can preview it before you order the book. Just search for the title.

A True Meditation Manual, 11 Mar 2008
This book is fantastic! From the reviews, I was expecting a manual on Vipassana (insight) meditation only. But Bhante G covers both Shamatha (concentration) and Vipassana (insight) meditation in thorough detail, in a step-by-step, very user-friendly and practical way. By far the best book I have read on the two core Buddhist meditation practices. He deals in great detail with the things us beginners struggle with, like the many distractions that can assail us during our practice, & the five hindrances, along with very useful techniques for over-coming these obstacles. If you are at all interested in Buddhist meditation, then I am sure you will find this book invaluable.

One of many personal responses, 23 Nov 2007
After I had read this book I was very enthusiastic about it, because it is certainly a very good manual in comparison to any other I have read. I started 'practicing Vipassana' after reading the 3-page summary of the technique in Fontana's Meditation Manual. For a technique that is said to take you to enlightenment, that is a decidedly concise account; concise enough for me to utterly misunderstand the practice.

Things to know about Vipassana:

There are Buddhists who sideline Vipassana because it is powerful enough to 'unbalance' an unwary practitioner. Too strong an opinion perhaps - but neither is it necessarily as "gentle" as the author of this book describes it!

There are as many variants of the technique as there are traditions. Some are very different to others, however this is not to say that there is only one effective technique. This book represents just one of many traditions.

----------------

I learnt Vipassana on an intensive ten-day course as taught by S.N. Goenka. Only by the tenth day - and not before - did I feel like I had grasped the technique. There are limits to what you can learn on your own from a book. The technique I was taught was different to that in the book - and, in my opinion, far superior.

I have a particular reservation with the way in which this book advocates 'mindfulness' of mental objects. Merely watching the sensations is all we need consciously do, the mindfulness is a process that happens by itself. I do not think mindfulness can be achieved deliberately.

Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is a very experienced man, and I'm sure his opinion is worth more than mine. But for what it is worth, take a look at S.N. Goenkas 10-day course instead.

Mindfulness in real life, 06 Jul 2007
The theme of the book is Mindfulness: actually seeing what is there in front of us.

Bhante's premise (which is difficult to ague with ) is that we see life through a screen of thoughts and concepts. As he puts it, we get so caught up in this endless thought-stream that reality flows by unnoticed.

Meditation can sometimes seem daunting and mystical but its goal is to simply free us from not being aware of