The Essence of Happiness

The Dalai Lama and psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler present brief, easy-to-apply tips for everyday life that combine Buddhist wisdom and meditation with Western psychology (and even a touch of science). The aim is to overcome obstacles such as depression, anxiety, anger, jealousy, and other negative behaviors that rob us of happiness. Narrators Dion Graham and Linda Emond alternate chapters after Dr. Cutler presents the introduction. Both narrators, particularly Graham, have soothing voices that perfectly enhance the book's message. Interspersed with the advice are ancient and modern anecdotes such as the story of the hotel housekeepers who lined up daily simply to watch the Dalai Lama walk by. S.G.B. (c) AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine

May 15, 2011

This audio is a refined and reformulated extraction of key principles from the books in the "Art of Happiness" series, also cowritten by the Dalai Lama and psychiatrist Cutler. Five sections highlight the concepts essential to achieving happiness: purpose, warmth and compassion, suffering, the overcoming of obstacles, and a spiritual life. The narration by Linda Emond (www.lindaemond.com) and Dion Graham (see Behind the Mike, LJ 11/1/09), both of whom have extensive stage, film, and TV acting experience, soothes and lulls while still educating. The recording's brevity is perfect for the subject--one hour is long enough to allow for reflection while short enough to provide breathing room for the mind. For self-help, philosophy, and religion collections.--J. Sara Paulk, Wythe-Grayson Regional Lib., Independence, VA

Copyright 2011 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.