THE EIGHT PILLARS OF JOY
The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World is a book co-authored by the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. Published in 2016, the book is a transcript of a week-long conversation between the two spiritual leaders, held in Dharamsala, India in 2015. During their conversation, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu discussed the meaning of joy and how it can be achieved and sustained in the face of life's challenges.
The book outlines the Eight Pillars of Joy, which serve as a guide to cultivating joy in one's life. These pillars are:
Perspective: The ability to see the bigger picture and understand that joy is not dependent on external circumstances.
Humility: The understanding that one is not the center of the universe and that others are just as important as oneself.
Humor: The ability to see the lighter side of life and find joy in humor.
Acceptance: The acceptance of life's realities and the ability to move forward in joy despite difficulties.
Forgiveness: The release of anger and resentment towards others, which frees one from negative emotions and allows for joy.
Gratitude: The practice of being thankful for what one has, which leads to increased joy.
Compassion: The ability to empathize with others and feel their joy and pain, which leads to a greater sense of joy and interconnectedness.
Generosity: The act of giving to others, which leads to a sense of fulfillment and joy.
Throughout the book, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu share their personal experiences and insights on the topic of joy. They both believe that joy is not something that can be obtained through external means, but rather it is a state of mind that can be cultivated through the practice of the eight pillars. They also emphasize the importance of perseverance and maintaining a positive attitude, even in the face of adversity.
The Book of Joy is a thought-provoking and inspiring read for anyone seeking to find more joy and happiness in life. The conversation between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu serves as a reminder that joy is a choice and can be achieved through intentional effort and the cultivation of positive habits and attitudes. Whether one is facing difficult times or simply looking for ways to increase their overall happiness, the Eight Pillars of Joy provide a roadmap for finding lasting joy in a changing world.