Proper utilization of time is so important. While we have this body, and especially this amazing human brain, I think every minute is something precious. Our day-to-day existence is very much alive with hope, although there is no guarantee of our future. There is no guarantee that tomorrow at this time we will be here. But still we are working for that purely on the basis of hope. So we need to make the best use of our time. (page 63)

This is my first read of this – it’s a book I’ve been meaning to read for many years now. In fact, I own the follow-up book, ‘The Art of Happiness at Work’ and found it very helpful.

I found this book a bit dense in spots and noticed that it didn’t flow very well. I grew bored as Howard Cutler delved into discussions of more psychological topics, straying away from the Dalai Lama’s ideas. In a few of the chapters, I wondered why the Dalai Lama was listed as the principle author, since this book was so obviously Howard Cutler’s (I should note that I didn’t feel this way about ‘The Art of Happiness at Work’).

However, there are some great quotes from His Holiness and some interesting dialogue between the Dalai Lama and Cutler. As I read some of the Dalai Lama’s thoughts, I found myself drawing upon my past studies of Buddhist and Hindu philosophy in order to understand where he was coming from. I’m curious how someone without a background in those philosophies would place those ideas in context.

Overall, this book does an excellent job of helping the reader understand how the Dalai Lama’s ideas apply to day-to-day living. I found the meditations in the book well-presented and useful. I found the book inspiring in many ways. I think this book will be interesting to people who know nothing about Buddhism and people who have studied Buddhist philosophy.

I recommend it to anyone who is interested in cultivating more contentment and genuine happiness in life.

Reading this book and applying some of the things that the Dalai Lama suggested has really put me more at peace. Now I just have to try and remember these things when everything around me gets very tense. :) I really enjoyed this book.

Finished this book today, and while it didn’t give me any startling insights it was full of simple and ‘down to earth’ thoughts about living a happy life. I would recommend this book to anyone, but particularly those of you wondering what’s the purpose of it all.