The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness Kindle Edition

I bought this book about 4 years ago, and finally picked it up and read it about 8 months ago. I will be forever grateful that I did.Frankly, the science portion of the book (maybe the first third) is great for what it is, but the real gold comes from the author's gentle, encouraging and empowering words on meditation. I found myself thoroughly persuaded by his argument that all of us have the choice to be happy in this world. Beyond just words, Mingyur Rinpoche provides the actual instructions for finding inner peace.After reading the book I was inspired to start a daily meditation practice, which has provided me with much greater perspective on my life, with less stress over the daily nonsense we are all consumed with 99% of the time. Reading this is a step in the right direction for anyone looking to get more enjoyment and meaning from their life.As others have maybe said, this book is geared mostly towards people without too much experience with meditation, although I believe it would be of benefit to practitioners of all levels.

Im giving this a 3 stars out of respect for the author's effort.The book starts ok with the author talking a little bit about his personal story, which helps to create empathy and even identification among those readers who may suffer from anxiety.Then the author tries to pursue a scientific approach or explanation for why meditation helps to create happiness, joy, peace and clarity, all those things. This part of the book is rather boring and not convincing enough for my taste.If you want a more convincing case on the scientific side I'd recommend Rick Hanson's Buddah Brain. It is a little bit more heavy on the science but still very approachable.Then the author starts part II where he describes practical methods for meditation, which he calls "The Path".In this part he is also uncapable of making a convincing case. He is unable to set a motivational tone, to inspire one to meditate. He covers many techniques and left me lost as to which one to pursue, when and why.Overall this was a frustrating experience. It was a nice and light read but I couldnt reap much benefits.Im not talking about benefits regarding meditation. I know that it takes practice, time and discipline.Im very aware that one cannot expect to reap benefits from meditation overnight or just by reading a book.But I expected that "The Path" that he laid out was clear, structured and that it made sense from a logical and racional point of view. Just like many other buddist texts, we are just expected to "trust that it will work". What he calls "The Path" is just a jumble of techniques, not a step-by-step that the word "Path" implicitly conveys.By lacking structure in his "Path", the reader is left without any sense of direction or progress,where to go and what to expect, and therefore it is inevitable that the feeling we should accept things by faith arises.If I wanted to accept things by faith I'd have stayed within the realm of western religion dogma, thank you very much,and wouldnt be pursuing an alternative. What draws me to Buddhism the the fact that The Buddah said we shouldnt accept things by faith, we should let the experience teach us. And my experience so far has not been so positive.In the end this book left me pretty much in the same place I was before I started.There were a few interesting stories throughout the book, but overall the experience I got was disappointingand less positive, inspiring and encouraging than I'd have hoped for.Most people will read my comments and perhaps will want to reply by saying that a book alone cannot give you the insight you need or the benefits you expect to reap, and that only a master or experienced teacher can do that. Im aware that a master and the feedback he can give you can help clarify doubts, provide additional guidance and correct errors, and Im also aware that by only reading a book one cannot expect to go much further, in other words: we have to practice.Im aware that one cannot expect to learn to swim by reading a book, but you can get a glimpse of many aspects involved in the process, it can put you in the right mindset, motivate you and so on...I was expecting to finish the book at least with a refreshed state of mind, an excitement in knowing that what I have to do is clear, even if it takes years. But no... I was left with a jumble of techniques unconnected to one another, and that was called "The Path". Its even worse than a jigsay puzzle, because in the puzzle's case at least you KNOW you'll eventually accomplish what you want if you apply enough brute force.Maybe I expected too much.Im aware that one should not approach meditation with expectations, that would be clinging in itself, but Im talking about the book here. People purchase books for different reasons, and in each reason there is an implicit expectation.Anyway, sorry for the negativity, I just hope the next one will be better...

This is the second time I've bought this book (after lending it to someone who decided they liked it too much to return it!). It's a wonderful guide for anyone interested in meditation, and provides lots of ideas and strategies for practice. Rinpoche also explains the science behind meditation, which I think gives this book added depth. I often pick it up and read a chapter whenever I'm feeling tense and need a reminder on how to be mindful to get through tough times.

This book delivers what it promises: a practical guide to happiness, based on a unique fusion of Buddhist philosophy with modern psychology. It turns out that what we know about how the brain works has been practiced by Buddhists for years.I'm an atheist and I didn't find the religious aspects off-putting, because they were very downplayed. Instead, it reads more like a personal memoir and practical guide to meditation, with explanations of why meditation works (from both a scientific and Buddhist point of view).When it comes to some of the sketchier ideas like reincarnation, he addresses them in a practical way that explains why they are important to Buddhism and meditative practice, but doesn't try to convince you - he allows the reader to make her own choice of accepting these ideas or not, still making use of the rest of the book in either case.If you are unhappy in your life, want to try out meditation, want to learn more about Buddhist philosophy, or the science of happiness, have anxiety, depression, or too many racing thoughts, try this book.On a personal note, I have suffered from depression for many, many years, and this book helped me significantly. It didn't have an overnight effect, but it helped me frame my thoughts and troubles in a different way. The big challenge is making the concerted effort to put these concepts into practice on a daily basis, which is what is needed for real and dramatic change.

From time to time we are fortunate enough in life to meet deeply wise people. This time Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche has not met me, but I was able to meet a bit of him through this book. It has been an absolute pleasure.Each time I spent some time reading this book I would leave with an increased sense of clarity and peace. I have been practicing yoga and meditation for quite a few years now, this book is helping me mature those practices greatly. The sense of naturallity he gives to the meditation practice is beautiful. The techniques he explains are most useful, providing great insight. The details and references he gives into the scientific research around meditation is fantastic and provides a rational wrapper around the experience of mediation, great for the western mind.This is a great book. I very much recommend it to anyone who is curious about meditation, or for anyone that is walking the yoga and meditation path and wants to mature his/her practice.This book is a bliss. Thanks very much Yongey.

This is the best book I have ever read on the concepts of buddhism and meditation. and I have read many! Scientific studies are related to Buddhist beliefs in such a way that anyone can understand the concepts and understand how our unruly thought processes shape our lives for better or worse. Meditation is taught from basic level and with a sense of humour and the instructions are incredibly easy to understand and practice. I thought I had been successfully meditating for years only to learn that I had not.I was looking for a buddhist book that would teach me to live joyfully and spiritually and this was so easy to understand it was an absolute joy to read. I am now going to read every book I can find by this Author. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche was born to write and teach and I am thrilled to have discovered his work.

If you are going to read just one book about meditation please make it this one. It is clear, it is funny, it is full of wonderful stories - and it just might change your life :-)But even if it doesn’t, you will have learn something interesting and surely enjoyed the ride.

Nothing short of outstanding. A beautiful book and a joy to read on my kindle. Although someone should really invent a little bluetooth wireless page turner button so I done have to swipe my mobile every bloody few seconds.... I could just sit compfortably clicking a little button to turn the page forwards & backwrads..... I have the desing in my head... who wants to invest? 50/50 lol

This is a truly wonderful book. Although written by a Tibetan Tulka (reincarnate Lama) Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche, it is a true blend of science and Buddhism. For those who are interested in the scientific answers to the working of the human mind you will find the answers here.If like me, you follow a Buddhist Path this book is a truly remarkable piece of teaching from one of the Worlds most renowned Buddhist Teachers.In this book Rinpoche explains how from a very young age he suffered severe panic attacks, how he dealt with pain and a host of other problems that people face.I had the good fortune to have my copy signed at Kagyu Samye Ling Monastery in Scotland, while he was teaching there this summer 2007. He will be back there in 2008 - so, if you get the chance ... he is a wonderful person to meet - full of compassion and humour.