Is this book written entirely by the Dalai Lama?

The book is a collaborative effort where psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler conducts interviews with the Dalai Lama, then frames those conversations with his own psychological commentary and observations to bridge Eastern and Western perspectives.

How is the book structured for the reader?

The content is organized thematically into parts that address specific aspects of human experience, such as the purpose of life, compassion, and transforming suffering, rather than following a chronological narrative of the interviews.

The Art of Happiness A Handbook for Living

Wistful Bibliophile · 2026-09-10T19:29:42.000000Z

Now and then, I need a refreshing of Buddhist teachings, so I keep them at the forefront of my mind. This time around, I chose The Art of Happiness. Since the last century, we have all been very focused on our search for happiness. I believe the surest way to achieve long-lasting happiness is through Buddhist teachings and strict self-discipline. Like Mahatma Gandhi once said, "Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." Here the author mixes psychology studies and the Dalai Lama's teachings that sum up pretty well the essentials of achieving inner peace and happiness. Though, at times, it's painfully obvious that Howard C. Cutler isn't very adept in Buddhism, often sounding clueless.

Philosophy & Religion Self-Help & Psychology

Pages: 322
Published: 1998
Language: English

The Art of Happiness pairs the Dalai Lama's Buddhist teachings with the clinical perspective of American psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler, structured around a series of conversations recorded over several years. Together they examine how happiness can be trained as a skill rather than left to circumstance, addressing everyday struggles such as anxiety, anger, loneliness, and the pursuit of wealth and success.

Blending Buddhist philosophy with Western psychology, the book offers accessible guidance on cultivating compassion, managing suffering, and building genuinely satisfying relationships. It became a bestseller and launched a series exploring happiness through the same collaborative format.

Prose complexity: 4/10

Inspiring Reflective Philosophical

Authors

His Holiness Tenzin Gyatso the XIV Dalai Lama

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, a Buddhist monk, is the most influential figure in the Gelugpa sect of Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people.

Howard C. Cutler

Howard C. Cutler is a psychiatrist and author, recognized for his work exploring happiness and well-being. He is known for co-authoring The Art of Happiness: A Handbook for Living.

Frequently asked questions

Is this book written entirely by the Dalai Lama?
The book is a collaborative effort where psychiatrist Howard C. Cutler conducts interviews with the Dalai Lama, then frames those conversations with his own psychological commentary and observations to bridge Eastern and Western perspectives.
How is the book structured for the reader?
The content is organized thematically into parts that address specific aspects of human experience, such as the purpose of life, compassion, and transforming suffering, rather than following a chronological narrative of the interviews.