The Book of Joy

Book by Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu with Douglas Abrams (2016)

This beautiful dialogue captures a week-long conversation in Dharamsala between two iconic spiritual leaders – one Buddhist, one Christian – on how to find joy in the face of life’s inevitable sorrows. Through laughter and tears, they discuss the importance of relationships, forgiveness, helping others, and a sense of belonging as key ingredients of joy. They also share daily practices (like gratitude, meditations, and candid storytelling of their own struggles). Notably, the book seamlessly blends their anecdotes with science, citing research on how compassion and social connection contribute to happiness. Reading this feels like sitting at the feet of two wise, playful elders. It is profoundly warm and human. The Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu tease each other, hug, and emphasize that joy springs from caring for others and realizing our shared humanity. For someone who is emotionally depleted, the message that turning toward friends, community, or spirituality can renew us, even in grief or stress, is deeply comforting. Culturally, the book serves as a bridge in itself, uniting two different faiths through their shared pursuit of universal truths. It embodies “soulful practices meet Western evidence,” since it offers both spiritual insight and references to studies on joy. You can find more about the book here.