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The Book of Joy

The Sunday Times Bestseller

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The Book of Joy

By: Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu
Narrated by: Douglas Carlton Abrams, Francois Chau, Peter Francis James
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Brought to you by Penguin.


Two spiritual giants. Seven days. One timeless question.


'The ultimate source of happiness is within us.' DALAI LAMA

'We grow in kindness when our kindness is tested.' DESMOND TUTU

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama have been friends for many, many years. Between them, they have endured exile, violence and oppression. And in the face of these hardships, they have continued to radiate compassion, humour and above all, joy.

To celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday, Archbishop Tutu travelled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala. The two men spent a week discussing a single burning question: how do we find joy in the face of suffering?

This book is a gift from two of the most important spiritual figures of our time. Full of love, warmth and hope, The Book of Joy offers us the chance to experience their journey from first embrace to final goodbye.

© Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu 2016 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

 Consciousness & Thought Personal Development Personal Success Philosophy Religious Studies Inspiring
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Critic reviews

I want to wish all of you joy—because there is no better gift. Two spiritual masters, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, share their wisdom in this uplifting book. I promise you, it’s the best $26 you can spend. (Oprah Winfrey)
A wonderful and uplifting book from two inspirational spiritual leaders.
Absolutely incredible - lasting happiness in a changing world. (Gaby Roslin)
I read the most amazing book last year called The Book of Joy. It’s the most wonderful book of two old men, with beautiful photographs of them laughing together, just talking about stories about humans and how they’ve been uplifted in their life. It really is the book of Joy. I’d just have to take that [to the desert island] because it would make me smile all the time.
An extraordinary read from two global spiritual giants […] The topics they cover, from the nature of true joy to its obstacles, as well as joy-boosting practices, offer a heartfelt and uplifting read, with practical advice on bringing more joy into each day.
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Most relevant
If you're looking for spirit grouth, this is the book for you!
Preformed as a conversation between three people, it's easy to understand who is who and feel like you are in the room with them.
It moved me to tears and tought me from the experiences of these great man.
The narrator/interviewer poses difficult questions and shares his personal experiences, doesn't leave a stone unturned and really capturs the dynamic of the situation.
As I listened to it I felt elevated and found myself smiling to people I don't know on the street.
Truly a life-changing book that I'll definitely revisit.
I was exhausted before I read this book and I'm exited now

The book that actually made smile to strangers

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The category this book should be found in is the “help others” section.

Heraclitus once said “no man steps in the same river twice, for it is not the same river and he is not the same man.”
The exact same can be said for this book.

My second read, and I had the Audible reading it to me as I was following along on hardback. Depending where you are in your life and what is going on in the world, a repeated read of this is recommended, because just like stoicism is a corrective behavioural system, this book is also a type of operating system.

If you’re a “self help” consumer, then much of what you have learnt is in this book, but it’s more powerful because you get a perspective from a couple of fellas that the self help movement was built around.

Stories that captivate and tools that will help you operate. It’s a thought provoking, action taking, humble making and above all else, a joyous read.

Help others

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He avoided the question about what he would say to forgive his father and only apologised to his wife after being told to. Good concept but not too sure if the teachers practice what they preach

Great way to view life

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I recommend this book to every human being on the planet.
Douglas Abrams and the whole team have done a truly excellent job of bringing this book to the world.
I laughed; I cried; I was humbled and I prayed along with these two most ordinary ( in their eyes ) yet extraordinary men. Their sheer humanity makes this book an invaluable gift to the world. There is no secret formula here, just simply the absolute living belief in triumph over adversity, goodness in the midst of suffering, and complete faith in the potential for a compassionate human race to the benefit of all on the planet. We can all do this. Thank you for this book and the several guided meditations at the end.

Sensational, Moving, Inspirational!

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I loved this book, it was beautifully written and read and the words are a lifetime of practice. I hope you find as much joy in this book as I have done. I will revisit this when I feel the need to do so. X

This one is a keeper, revisit and practice…

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