Latest news with #TheArtofHappiness
News18
06-07-2025
- General
- News18
A Way Of Life: Lessons On Happiness From The Dalai Lama
Last Updated: Amid global stress, confusion, and anxiety, the calm and compassionate voice of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama brings much-needed clarity In today's fast-paced world, many people find themselves caught in an endless race for success, money, fame, and comfort. We often believe that happiness lies in getting a better job, a bigger house, or more recognition. However, even after achieving these goals, many still feel a sense of emptiness. This growing dissatisfaction has led more people to ask a basic yet profound question: What does it truly mean to be happy? Amid global stress, confusion, and anxiety, the calm and compassionate voice of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama brings much-needed clarity. In conversations with Dr. Howard Cutler, an American psychiatrist, the Dalai Lama shares practical wisdom on leading a happier life. Their book, The Art of Happiness, is more than a book—it is a guide to a way of living that can help people from all walks of life. One of the central lessons from the Dalai Lama is that the true purpose of life is to be happy. But happiness, he explains, is not about constant laughter or a problem-free life. It's about cultivating a calm mind, balanced emotions, and a compassionate heart. According to him, happiness is not something that happens by chance—it's something we can develop from within. The Dalai Lama compares happiness to a habit or a skill. Just as we build physical strength through exercise, we can train our minds to be peaceful, resilient, and kind. This inner strength helps us remain calm, even in difficult times. To train our minds, he emphasises the importance of positive thinking, self-awareness, and emotional regulation. If we constantly focus on anger, jealousy, or fear, we will remain unhappy. But by practising kindness, gratitude, and mindfulness, we can develop emotional stability. Over time, this allows us to better handle challenges. For instance, during stress at work or in relationships, rather than reacting with anger or sadness, we can respond with calmness and clarity. Like any skill, this ability takes time and consistent effort to build. Another key teaching of the Dalai Lama is the importance of compassion—caring for others, wishing them well, and treating them with kindness. He explains that compassion is not limited to religion; it is a universal human quality. When we are kind to others, we also feel better ourselves. Simple acts of compassion—helping someone, listening to a friend, or offering a smile—can reduce our own stress and fear. They foster connection, trust, and a sense of community. In a world often driven by competition and selfishness, the Dalai Lama reminds us that caring for others gives life true meaning. We all experience anger, but he advises us to look deeper when we feel it. Instead of reacting immediately, we should pause and try to understand the other person's perspective. Perhaps the one who hurt us is also struggling. This approach doesn't mean accepting wrongdoing, but it allows us to respond with patience and understanding rather than anger or aggression. According to the Dalai Lama, patience is not weakness—it is true strength. In modern life, anxiety is widespread. People worry about exams, jobs, finances, health, and relationships. The fear of the future often robs us of peace of mind. The Dalai Lama offers a simple yet powerful solution: live in the present. If something can be changed, we should take calm and constructive steps. If it cannot be changed, worrying only adds to our suffering. This mindset helps reduce unnecessary mental distress. By staying focused on the present moment, we can enjoy life more and worry less. Many people struggle with low self-esteem, often comparing themselves to others or feeling inadequate. The Dalai Lama reminds us that all human beings are equal—we all share the same need to be loved, respected, and understood. Our worth does not come from wealth or fame, but from inner qualities like honesty, kindness, and compassion. This perspective helps us develop self-respect and reduces feelings of jealousy or inferiority. Instead of competing, we can support one another and grow together. Life inevitably includes pain and suffering. But instead of running from it, the Dalai Lama encourages us to accept it. Suffering, when approached with the right mindset, can make us wiser and more compassionate. It can teach us patience and deepen our empathy for others. This view transforms suffering from a burden into a powerful teacher. Rather than breaking us, it helps us grow. What makes the Dalai Lama's teachings so inclusive is that they are based on what he calls 'secular ethics." These are values like love, honesty, forgiveness, and compassion—principles rooted not in religion, but in common sense and shared human experience. People of any religion—or no religion—can follow this path. His message is truly universal. Dr. Howard Cutler, co-author of The Art of Happiness, supports these insights with modern science and psychology. He explains that the brain can change through practice—a concept called neuroplasticity. When we regularly practice gratitude, compassion, and mindfulness, we form new neural connections that make it easier to stay positive and calm. This means happiness is not just a theory—it's something we can train our brain to achieve. Perhaps the Dalai Lama's most powerful message is this: Happiness is a choice. It doesn't depend on external conditions but on our internal mindset. Through our daily thoughts, actions, and intentions, we either move closer to happiness or further away from it. Just as we nourish our bodies, we must take care of our minds and emotions through kindness, mindfulness, and compassion. Today's youth face unique challenges—social media pressure, competition, loneliness, and mental health struggles. Many feel lost, even when they appear successful on the outside. The Dalai Lama's teachings offer a path back to oneself. They encourage us to slow down, breathe, and focus on what really matters: inner peace, meaningful relationships, and self-respect. By practising compassion for ourselves and others, we can build a more peaceful and connected world, starting from within. As the Dalai Lama says, 'If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion." These words, from someone who has faced hardship with a smiling heart, offer a light in today's troubled times. They remind us that happiness is not far away—it lives within us, waiting to be nurtured. tags : Dalai Lama Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: July 06, 2025, 12:21 IST News opinion Opinion | A Way Of Life: Lessons On Happiness From The Dalai Lama
India.com
04-07-2025
- Health
- India.com
Feeling Low: 10 Soul Soothing Mental Health Books For Tough Days
photoDetails english 2926659 When you're feeling low, the right book can offer comfort, guidance, and a sense of hope. This list of 10 soul-soothing mental health books is perfect for tough days, offering insight, healing, and emotional support. Whether you're battling anxiety, grief, or simply feeling overwhelmed, these 10 thoughtfully selected reads provide practical advice, uplifting stories, and powerful reminders that you're not alone. Ideal for moments of reflection, each book is a gentle companion on the path to emotional well-being. Updated:Jul 04, 2025, 05:02 PM IST The Comfort Book by Matt Haig 1 / 10 The Comfort Book by Matt Haig It is a collection of short, soothing reflections, lists, quotes, and stories designed to offer comfort during tough times. Easy to read in small bites, making it perfect for days when your focus feels scattered. Gentle reminders of hope, resilience, and self-compassion. Personal insights from the author's struggles with depression and anxiety. It is best for moments when you need reassurance and gentle encouragement without pressure. Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig 2 / 10 Reasons to Stay Alive by Matt Haig It is a powerful memoir about Haig's experience with depression and anxiety. Honest, relatable, and ultimately uplifting. Practical coping strategies blended with personal reflections. Proof that recovery, even from the darkest moments, is possible. It is best for anyone looking for a heartfelt, non-clinical voice of hope and survival. The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama & Howard Cutler 3 / 10 The Art of Happiness by Dalai Lama & Howard Cutler A combination of Tibetan Buddhist wisdom and Western psychology and it offers timeless teachings on how to cultivate inner peace and joy. Insights on managing anxiety, suffering, and everyday stress, and practical exercises for shifting your mindset toward happiness. This is best for those looking for a spiritual and philosophical approach to mental wellness. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb 4 / 10 Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb A memoir by a therapist who becomes a therapy patient herself. Witty, heartwarming, and deeply human. It offers a behind-the-scenes look at therapy from both sides of the couch. Comfort in knowing that even professionals struggle and grow. It is best for anyone curious about therapy or seeking reassurance that growth is messy but worth it. Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann 5 / 10 Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari Challenges common beliefs about depression and anxiety, and it focuses on the root causes, such as disconnection and loneliness. It offers practical, research-based suggestions for reconnecting with yourself, others, and meaningful activities. An empowering message that healing often comes from restoring lost connections. It is best for readers interested in deeper social and psychological insights beyond just medication. The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris 6 / 10 The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris It is a practical guide based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and focuses on accepting emotions rather than avoiding them. This book offers tools for reducing anxiety, depression, and self-doubt by changing your relationship with difficult thoughts. Easy-to-follow exercises and strategies for daily practice. It is best for people who tend to overthink or struggle with emotional avoidance. How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera (The Holistic Psychologist) 7 / 10 How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera (The Holistic Psychologist) It combines psychology, neuroscience, and holistic healing practices and focuses on self-healing and breaking toxic patterns. It offers actionable advice for reprogramming your subconscious mind and healing childhood wounds. Exercises for journaling, boundary-setting, and self-reflection. This is best for readers ready to dive into deep inner work and long-term healing. Radical Acceptance by Dr. Tara Brach 8 / 10 Radical Acceptance by Dr. Tara Brach A compassionate guide to overcoming self-judgment and embracing yourself fully. Draws from Buddhist mindfulness teachings. It tells and suggests tools to recognize and release self-criticism, shame, and emotional pain. Guided meditations and personal stories for reflection. It is best for anyone struggling with low self-worth, perfectionism, or emotional overwhelm. Untamed by Glennon Doyle 9 / 10 Untamed by Glennon Doyle You can read it as it is a bold, personal manifesto on self-liberation and emotional truth. Honest, humorous, and raw storytelling about mental health, love, and identity. This offers encouragement to listen to your inner voice and break free from societal expectations. Themes of empowerment, self-acceptance, and authenticity. It is best for readers who love memoirs with a strong, empowering voice. You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment by Thich Nhat Hanh 10 / 10 You Are Here: Discovering the Magic of the Present Moment by Thich Nhat Hanh It is a peaceful, simple guide to mindfulness from a world-renowned Zen master. This focuses on using the present moment to ease suffering. It offers gentle mindfulness techniques to calm your mind and connect with yourself. Wisdom on handling negative emotions with kindness and awareness. It is best for anyone seeking a calming, spiritual guide for emotional balance.
