Book Study
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World
His Holiness the Dalai Lama & Archbishop Demond Tutu with Douglas Abrams
Home Practice
Between our weekly gatherings, participants commit to:
- Read and reflect on The Book of Joy. Topics and readings are below. An optional PDF study guide is available here the webpage version of the study guide is here.
- Meditate daily. The Book of Joy includes Joy Practices that correspond to chapters starting on page 307. You are strongly encouraged to do these practices during the week.
- Journal your gratitude daily in the Gratitude Journal
Topics and Readings
DAY ONE
Week 1: Part 1 – The Nature of True Joy
- The Invitation to Joy ix
- Introduction 1
- Arrival: We Are Fragile Creatures 11
- Why Are You Not Morose? 29
Week 2: Part 2 – The Nature of True Joy
- Nothing Beautiful Comes Without Some Suffering 43
- Have You Renounced Pleasure? 51
Week 3: Part 3 = The Nature of True Joy
- Our Greatest Joy 59
- Lunch: The Meeting of Two Mischievous People Is Wonderful 67
DAYS TWO and THREE
Week 4: Part 1 – Obstacles to Joy
- You Are A Masterpiece in the Making 83
- Fear, Stress and Anxiety: I Would Be Very Nervous 93
- Frustration and Anger: I Would Shout 101
Week 5: Part 2 – Obstacles to Joy
- Sadness and Grief: The Hard Times Knit Us More Closely Together 109
- Despair: The World Is in Such Turmoil 115
- Loneliness: No Need for Introduction 125
- Envy: That Guy Goes Past Yet Again in His Mercedes-Benz 135
Week 6: Part 3 – Obstacles to Joy
- Suffering and Adversity: Passing through Difficulties 145
- Illness and Fear of Death: I Prefer to Go to Hell 159
- Meditation: Now I’ll Tell You a Secret Thing 171
DAYS FOUR and FIVE
Week 7: Part 1 – The Eight Pillars of Joy
- Perspective: There are Many Different Angles 193
- Humility: I Tried to Look Humble and Modest 203
- Humor: Laughter, Joking Is Much Better 275
Week 8: Part 2 – The Eight Pillars of Joy
- Acceptance: The Only Place Where Change Can Begin 223
- Forgiveness: Freeing Ourselves from the Past 229
- Gratitude: I Am fortunate to Be Alive 241
Week 9: Part 3 – The Eight Pillars of Joy
- Compassion: Something We Want to Become 251
- Generosity: We Are Filled with Joy 263
Week 10: A Final Goodbye
- Celebration: Dancing in the Streets of Tibet 277
- Departure: A Final Goodbye
- What Will You Take Away? What Practices and Skills Will You Continue?
Structure of Our Weekly Classes
Each class will focus on key concepts from a few chapters of the book. Each two-hour class will be divided into three parts:
- Meditate on a concept from the book and discuss your experience with the meditation
- Interactively learn about and experience elements of what is in those chapters
- Discuss and practice skills to cultivate joy
Group Guidelines
In order to make sure everyone has an opportunity to participate, discussions will be facilitated. Please make every effort to follow these guidelines.
- One speaker at a time
- Speak mindfully to the topic at hand.
- Respect that each of us comes from different traditions and listen to understand.
- Listen mindfully. When your mind wanders, bring it back to the speaker
- Be mindful of time, recognizing others also have insights to share.
- Keep stories to a minimum. If you need an illustration to clarify, keep it short.
- Pause when you are speaking so others can jump in.
- Encourage and support each other. Avoid advice giving or trying to convince others.
- Mute your microphones when you are not speaking.
- Commit to attend all sessions
- Email or text if you will be late, need to leave early or miss a session
- Arrive a few minutes early so we can start on time
- Take care of your own needs during group sessions. (We will not have formal breaks)
- Find a quiet space where you can participate uninterrupted
- Turn off phones & other media in the background
- Contact me anytime with questions or concerns. We can “talk” by email or schedule a time for Zoom, FaceTime or phone.