Happiness is overrated Simple lessons on finding meaning in each moment

Cuong Lu, 1968-

Book - 2023

"We spend so much time in pursuit of happiness-trying to purchase it, experience it, meditate our way towards it-but happiness is elusive and doesn't last. According to the teachings of the Buddha, this is not a problem! As Cuong Lu writes, "suffering is not a problem to be solved. It is a truth to be recognized." Happiness is Overrated invites us to look deeply at the truths in our lives-not glossing over or denying our suffering-and focus on the meaning and value already within us, and available to us in each moment. Each chapter of this direct and profound book shares a lesson drawn from Buddhist psychology and the Four Noble Truths, which are accessible to all readers and often illustrated with a stories from the aut...hor's life growing up in Vietnam, as a monk with Thich Nhat Hanh, and from his life after leaving the monastery. "Apps" at the end of each of the thirty short chapters help readers apply the teachings in their own lives through meditation and mindfulness practices that include paying attention to the breath, considering our minds, connecting with our hearts, interconnectedness with others, and more. Happiness is Overrated helps readers get in touch with their true selves and their true minds, which is the greatest happiness"--

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Location Call Number   Status
2nd Floor 294.342/Lu Checked In
Subjects
Published
Boulder, Colorado : Shambhala [2023]
Language
English
Main Author
Cuong Lu, 1968- (author)
Edition
First Edition
Physical Description
xi, 120 pages ; 18 cm
Bibliography
Includes bibliographical references.
ISBN
9781645471677
  • A Note to the Reader
  • 1. Finding Myself
  • 2. The Snake in the Classroom
  • 3. Connecting the Dots
  • 4. The Meaning of an Apple
  • 5. True Wealth
  • 6. Knowing Your Mind
  • 7. Life's Wonders
  • 8. Education
  • 9. Studying with a Teacher
  • 10. Four Noble Truths
  • 11. Suffering Is Not Enough
  • 12. Real Happiness
  • 13. Feeling Safe
  • 14. Equanimity
  • 15. Being and Nonbeing
  • 16. Emptiness
  • 17. Giving and Receiving
  • 18. Self-Consciousness
  • 19. Being Nobody, Doing Nothing
  • 20. The Raft Is Not the Shore
  • 21. Stillness
  • 22. Freedom
  • 23. Spirit of the Mountain
  • 24. Birth and Death
  • 25. Roots
  • 26. Cloud of Wisdom
  • 27. Death Gives Life Meaning
  • 28. Unified World
  • 29. Raw Mind
  • 30. Bringing the Practice Home
  • Afterword A Note about Buddhist Psychology
  • Further Reading about Buddhist Psychology
  • About the Author
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review

In this enlightening guide, Buddhist teacher Lu (The Buddha in Jail) lays out lessons on finding value in every emotion. Rather than seeking happiness at any cost, Lu writes, readers should realize that all feelings can spur growth, and even suffering can be a "doorway to awakening." To that end, Lu distinguishes between the "ordinary mind," which makes judgments, and the "raw mind," which "embraces everything" and involves a state of emotional openness. As well, death can "give meaning to life" (and accepting it lets one become more free), and suffering "helps us remember the past and become present with what is in our life now." Throughout, Lu supports his arguments with vignettes from his life at the French Plum Village monastic community; his relationship with Buddhist teacher Thich Nhat Hanh; and his work as a prison chaplain. The author skillfully distills Buddhist psychology down to graspable spiritual principles and delivers them in a compassionate tone, making for easy reading and lessons readers will be able to apply to their lives. This deceptively brief entry has insight to spare. (May)

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