The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

Archbishop Desmond Tutu discusses the inherent fragility of human life and its relation to the discovery of joy: “We are fragile creatures, and it is from this weakness, not despite it, that we discover the possibility of true joy” (11). Tutu reflects on the inevitability of fear, pain, and death, drawing from his own experience with prostate cancer. The journey to Dharamsala for an interfaith meeting between Tutu and the Dalai Lama is described. En route, they stop at the Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) in Amritsar, a symbol of openness to all religions and people. This visit underscores the significance of their upcoming interfaith dialogue. The Dalai Lama greets Tutu at the airport, a rare honor for visiting dignitaries. Their meeting is detailed and described in a warm and affectionate way, with physical gestures and conversations reflecting their close bond and mutual respect.

The discussions between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu delve into aspects of human experience, particularly the nature of joy and suffering. The Dalai Lama articulates his view that the purpose of life is to find sustained happiness and contentment. He emphasizes that true happiness and joy originate from within, rather than being dependent on external circumstances such as wealth, power, or status, noting that he has several friends who are unhappy despite having enormous wealth. The Dalai Lama further elaborates on the self-inflicted nature of many of life’s difficulties, suggesting that much of the suffering in daily life stems from negative mental states and emotional reactions. He suggests that by changing our attitudes and perspectives, we can cultivate more joy.

Archbishop Tutu speaks to the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak, yet proposes that embracing joy can transform our response to these challenges. He says, “Discovering more joy does not, I’m sorry to say, save us from the inevitability of hardship and heartbreak. In fact, we may cry more easily, but we will laugh more easily, too. Perhaps we are just more alive” (12).

Both leaders are overjoyed to see one another after many years apart, and the Dalai Lama thanks Archbishop Tutu for advocating on his behalf during a recent controversy: The Dalai Lama had been invited to be the guest of honor at Archbishop Tutu’s 80th birthday celebration, but South Africa’s ruling party, the African National Congress (ANC), under pressure from the Chinese government (a major buyer of South African minerals), refused to issue the Dalai Lama a visa. Archbishop Tutu decried this decision in no uncertain terms, calling the party’s leaders cowards and hypocrites.

The two tease each other affectionately about their relative popularity, and then the discussion turns to their respective spiritual practices, with Archbishop Tutu amazed at the Dalai Lama’s claim that he rises each morning at 3 am and spends five hours in meditation and contemplation. Their discussions highlight a shared belief in the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity to find joy even in the midst of suffering. Their mutual understanding and respect is showcased, with both leaders contributing their perspectives to a conversation that intertwines spirituality with practical wisdom on living a fulfilled life.