The Buddha's Way of Happiness: Healing Sorrow, Transforming Negative Emotion, and Finding Well-Being in the Present Moment

As trite as it may sound, I have to say that this book changed my life. I bought it on a whim - not even sure now how I found it or why I ordered it. Maybe it was kismet. I started reading mostly because, well, I had it so I may as well give it a try. I cruised through it until I hit an interesting question, "Why is your dog happier than you?".OK, I have never owned a dog nor am I interested in one, but the question forced me to wonder why all the dogs I know do seem happier than I am. Then the book piled the questions on pushing me into a deep introspection which led to a major change in how I view the world, my place in it as well as life in general. And yes, I am happier.The book's structure is fairly standard. A chapter covers a topic and then there are exercises at the chapter's end which will lead one to internalize the chapter's contents. I went way off the reservation on this one. I never performed the exercises but instead I did spend a good deal of time and effort thinking about the chapters' concepts. I wanted to internalize them because I saw that the chapters contained a good deal of wisdom. This wisdom tends to revolve around Buddhist thought but incorporates thoughts from other philosophies mostly Christianity and Judaism. I found the inclusion of these other than Buddhist thoughts to be quite valuable. Frex, I've spent a good deal of time thinking of Hillel's (Jewish) Three Questions and even have discussed them with friends.We've all found ourselves on line at a grocery store maybe due to someone in the 10 items line having 30 items. I used to get angry at this theft of my time. I'd endure the outrage concentrating hatred on the line pirate or the cashier and focusing my thoughts on speeding up the process. Today instead, I regard such a time as an opportunity to quietly observe and meditate rather than a time I must focus my hatred on my having been delayed moving on to the next thing I'd only rush through.This brings us to the final chapter - about death. I was initially put off by this chapter because it started with some talk about reincarnation and other supernatural fol-de-rol like monks dying but their bodies remaining warm. I'm a concrete guy. Yet I moved on to find, in the final sum of this chapter, one of the most deeply moving and lyrical discussions of life and death I've ever encountered. My entire view of life and death, both in the abstract and in the very concrete case of myself and loved ones has now changed. It was like being hit with a thunderbolt.My change in attitude due to this book, especially the final chapter, isn't one which is only internal to me. I've had friends and associates comment that lately I seem changed to them and changed for the better. I note that strangers react much more positively to me also. I guess I radiate a better aura or some such silliness - but there is a change either in them or me or both. How this causes even traffic to no longer get in my way or cut me off or other things I used to consider transgressions remains a mystery but I'm glad for it.Highly recommended to say the least.

Let me start with this book enabled a life changing and positive perspective. I was struggling and suffering in life due to many reasons, and was looking 'for a way out'. Instead I have found a way in.I started with the Buddha's Brain which I thought was an excellent neuro-physiological explanation for how the brain works and why we feel the way we feel. The concept that we are hard-wired to be anxious was liberating for me. This book builds on those concepts, but isn't required reading. This book is based on the Buddha's teachings but is very well written and gives lots of real examples that I thought were well done.This book brought the concept of "I am not my mind" and "permanence doesn't exist in reality, it is only an idea" into my life and consciousness and I haven't been the same since. For one I don't feel like I am suffering and am an isolated lonely insignificant person. I see my place in the world in a whole different framework and it is changing those around me as well. This book was an instrumental tool for changing my behavior as well as starting meditation practice. Together they have been a powerful tool.If you are looking for 'alternative' ways to beat anxiety, change your behavior or suffer less (or want to know more about the Buddhist Principles) then this book would be highly recommended.

I really like this book. If you need help with finding yourself and letting go of negative energies that you hold onto, this is the book you need. I have learned so much from it and it is a guide to get you to think of things you have never thought of before.

Purchased randomly. Read repeatedly. A life long guide and treasure. Simple. Concise. An enjoyable read offering insights to thoughts, behaviors and motivations.

This is the first book I have read by this author. American Buddhism has focused on the therapeutic value of Buddhism and this book does a great job of presenting the core practice of American Buddhism, which is mindfulness. The book mixes a little bit of personal stories, personal insight, along with exercises to practice.I would categorize this book under the heading self-help/Buddhism or Spirituality/Buddhism.

This is a great book if a goal of yours is to be happy. If not, this is Not the book for you!It has a lot of insight, and explains it in an easy to understand way. The topics discussed are very abstract and hard to grasp, but this book does an excellent job of trying to convey them.This book is not about the Buddhist religion. I would call it more the psychology of Buddhism. Its principles can be incorporated into any religion from Christianity to Islam to Atheism etc.Definitely recommended regardless of who you are!

If there is one book, I would recommend everyone to read, it would be this book. I loved it so much, I but a few copies as gifts for family this Christmas. This book should be read by all. It really helps you change your thought process, perspective, and it is so well written. I just loved it. You will not be dissapointed. A GREAT READ.

Lovely read. Easy read. Easy concept to understand. I felt it may have taken some time to start up but towards the middle to end i was able to relate.

Quite brilliant - a refreshing and extremely practical and informing book - suit beginners and advanced practitioners. Would highly recommend.

Teaches mindfulness, etc in a way that is very simple and easy to understand, as well as insightful and FULL of wisdom. Includes practices for you to try. Shipping was insanely fast; I received it in a day! This book has helped my severe depression SO much. Really take your time with it, and write down anything that really resonates with you. This book changed my life. I would recommend for anyone.