How do you cultivate Joy?

Jun 19

The Book of Joy

Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu and Douglas Abrams

Published Date: October 18, 2016

Published By: Random House

Month Read: June 2020

Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu meet to share their teachings on joy, latest science on joy and their personal stories.

Key Points:

Mudita - Sympathetic Joy
- Antidote to Envy - Feeling happy or joyful for others even when they get something you want
- Showing compassion for others as we recognize that we are interdependent and have a shared humanity
- Everyone has a desire for a happy life as life is not a zero sum game
- Simple Common Sense - Same society, same humanity, sense of “we”
- Concern for other’s well being as we want all beings to be free from suffering
- Preventative Measures - Calm mind, reduce attachment and envy
Adversity
- More adversity we go through, the more joy we can find
- Suffering makes you appreciate the joy that you cultivate
- 3 Categories of Seven-Point Mind Training
  - 3 groups of people to focus on - Family, Teachers, Enemies
  - Give rise to the 3 poisons - attachment, anger & delusion
  - Transform to the 3 roots of virtue - nonattachment, compassion & wisdom
- Path to joy is found going through adversity and suffering
- Important to find meaning in our suffering or adversity as it can either embitter us or ennoble us
8 Pillars of Joy
- Mind Qualities - Perspective, Humility, Humor and Acceptance
- Heart Qualities - Forgiveness, Gratitude, Compassion and Generosity
Gratitude - Wake up everyday and feel grateful to be alive
Compassion connects empathy to kindness and generosity

Have you read “The Book of Joy?” What were some key points that you picked up? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.