Book review of “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, & Douglas Carlton Abrams

Introduction

Embark on a journey of joy as two global icons, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, share their extraordinary friendship in the documentary “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World.” In just five days, a crew of researchers filmed these venerable figures as they revealed a side of themselves never seen before, offering teachings, shedding tears, and infusing humor into their profound connection. Through this unique interfaith dialogue, they explore the universal question of happiness, making it clear that joy can be found even in the face of adversity.

Mission: JOY Finding Happiness in Troubled Times

The documentary, a delightful exploration of the infectious joy shared by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, captures the essence of true happiness. Described as two 80-year-old kids, their camaraderie is nothing short of contagious. Despite their challenging journeys, they’ve made joy a habit, demonstrating the resilience to find joy amidst life’s difficulties and their commitment to creating a better world.

Upon a recommendation from my wife, I found myself hooked almost instantly. The wisdom shared by these iconic figures challenges our conventional notions of happiness. The Dalai Lama aptly points out, “The ultimate source of a happy life – even physical health – lies not outside, but within.” This fundamental insight reframes our pursuit of joy, urging us to look beyond material possessions and external achievements.

The project encompasses a documentary film, a book, and a website, creating a unique interfaith dialogue that blends humor, wisdom, and science. The collaboration might sound like the setup for a joke – “A secular Jew films a Buddhist monk and Christian…” – but it’s precisely this diversity that makes the project intriguing. The convergence of faith and science underscores the universal nature of joy. Regardless of one’s religious beliefs, the source of joy appears to be universal, with neuroscience supporting age-old wisdom and offering practical steps to experience immediate joy.

While the documentary and the book don’t delve into Stoicism, it’s worth noting that similar concepts can be found there. This reinforces the idea that, as a species, we share universal truths. The practical applications shared by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu within the book offer invaluable insights, referencing scientific studies to support the practices that anyone can begin incorporating into their lives today.

The decision to interview the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu carries weight, considering the depth of suffering both men have witnessed. Neither claims sainthood; the Archbishop sees himself as far from it, and the Dalai Lama humbly considers himself a simple monk. Their ability to find joy in the face of life’s inevitable suffering is enlightening and serves as a beacon of hope.

A fascinating point raised in the book revolves around two popular conceptions of happiness in psychology: hedonic and eudaimonic. Hedonic happiness stems from experiences of pleasure, offering short-lived joy tied to specific activities. In contrast, eudaimonic happiness, rooted in meaning and purpose, provides enduring fulfillment that can transcend challenging circumstances.

Do you want to:

• be more resilience to stress and trauma?
• be more productive at work and more creative?
• be more helpful and philanthropic?
• be more likely to marry and have fulfilling marriages, and less likely to divorce?
• be stronger, healthier, and even live longer?
• have more friends and social support?
• be a more effective leader and negotiator?

225 scientific studies show that people with more joy (eudaimonic happiness) are more likely to achieve those aspirations. https://missionjoy.org/science/

Conclusion

“The Book of Joy” not only offers a glimpse into the remarkable friendship between two iconic figures but also provides a roadmap for discovering lasting happiness. The wisdom shared by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, backed by science and interwoven with humor, challenges us to redefine our pursuit of joy. In a world filled with uncertainties, their teachings inspire us to find joy within ourselves, regardless of the external circumstances.

“You see, usually everybody seeks happiness – joyfulness – but from outside, From Money, from power, from big car, from big house. Ultimate source of happy life – even physical health – indie not outside.” – His Holiness The Dalai Lama

For those seeking a transformative journey towards joy and a deeper understanding of lasting happiness, I wholeheartedly recommend starting with the documentary “Mission: Joy, Finding Happiness in Troubled Times” Available on various streaming services, this captivating film immerses viewers in the infectious joy shared by the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Their teachings, laughter, and profound insights make it an unparalleled experience. Once you’ve soaked in the joyous camaraderie on screen, I encourage diving into the book itself. “The Book of Joy” by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, & Douglas Carlton Abrams provides a more in-depth exploration, offering additional details, references to scientific studies, and practical applications. The combination of visual storytelling and the written word creates a comprehensive and life-changing narrative that has the potential to reshape perspectives on happiness and resilience.

Finding Joy and Happiness

His Holiness the Dalai Lama reunites online with  Archbishop Desmond Tutu from his residence in Dharamsala, HP, India on June 24, 2021, on the occasion of the release of their new movie “Mission: Joy – Finding Happiness in Troubled Times.”

Reflection

• Have you ever found joy in unexpected places or during challenging times? Share your experiences and explore how these moments have shaped your understanding of happiness.
• In the pursuit of joy, do you resonate more with hedonic happiness, derived from pleasurable experiences, or eudaimonic happiness, rooted in meaning and purpose? How can incorporating both perspectives enhance your overall well-being?
• The documentary and book highlight the intersection of faith, science, and the pursuit of joy. How do you perceive the role of spirituality, scientific insights, and personal practices in your own quest for lasting happiness? Share your thoughts on the interplay of these elements in your life.

Resources

• Mission Joy website https://missionjoy.org/
• The Book: The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, & Douglas Carlton Abrams https://amzn.to/42yLGDx
• Desmond Tutu https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Desmond_Tutu
• Dalai Lama https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dalai_Lama
• What’s the Difference Between Eudaimonic and Hedonic Happiness? https://www.thoughtco.com/eudaimonic-and-hedonic-happiness-4783750#Research%20on%20Hedonic%20and%20Eudaimonic%20Happiness