3 years ago · Guest Author · 0 comments
Book Review: The Book of Joy
It seems to have become common to refer to humanity’s present reality with expressions like “these troubled times” or “this time of uncertainty.” The often referenced social mores of avoiding discussion of religion and politics seem to be increasingly relied upon to prevent conflict where division is becoming more pronounced – even within our immediate families. Are we running out of “safe” topics? Is it possible to share our thoughts, ideas, opinions, and beliefs with others, even if we don’t always see eye to eye?
Enter His Holiness the Dalai Lama and The Most Reverend Archbishop Despond Tutu.
I was drawn to the refreshing idea of a two religious leaders of two very different spiritual paths coming together to explore the human search for joy. Rather than attempting to convince or even convert one another, these two wise men (who sometimes are even snarky wise guys!) sought common ground and truth. In “The Book of Joy” we see just that. With author and editor Douglas Abrams facilitating, we readers have to opportunity to witness their conversation, story sharing, and truth seeking.
In the same spirit of interreligious dialogue, I, a practicing Roman Catholic Christian, invited my colleague Jodie McGovern, who follows a more Buddhist spiritual path to contribute to this review. I know Jodie to be a very skilled clinician as well as a seeker of peace and truth.
What follows is Jodie’s reflection and review.
I don’t recall where I first heard of this book, but I read it in the summer of 2018 while going through divorce and navigating a personal restructuring. This book was a dose of clarity and hope that I needed during those months of self-rediscovery. A friend, who is an author, university professor, and former religious leader, joined me in reading this book so that we could discuss our experience together. He was well aware of my spiritual journey of releasing my Christian upbringing and embracing more Buddhist beliefs and philosophies in my life. I was seeking peace and freedom. The conversations in this book are exactly that, ones of love, acceptance and spiritual liberation. This is a beautiful narrative of coexistence and true friendship.
Author Douglas Abrams coauthored this book with His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The book is a series of conversations and interactions quoted and depicted between the two spiritual leaders, as they meet in India to celebrate the Dalai Lama’s 80th birthday. Though I am not very familiar with Abram’s other works, they appear to be centered around sexuality and spirituality, making him a great candidate to present this material. He has worked on other projects with Desmond Tutu, and that personal awareness of him is reflected in the writing. Abram does a wonderful job of using his words to paint a picture and not get in the way.
The book allows us to feel like we are sitting at the table with these two, listening in on their conversations. It is a very candid glimpse of two leaders that make the reader feel at ease and gives a tangible experience of their humanity. The men talk at length about joy and life’s inevitable suffering, with which both of them have had a great deal of experience. They compare their faith practices and rituals, the Obstacles to Joy, the Eight Pillars of Joy and conclude with Joy Practices at the end of the book. Stories are woven in between the conversations.
The true joy this book brought me was the permission and acceptance I felt to walk away from one faith practice towards another. My faith experience in my youth was punitive, rigid and self-righteous. This book and these men are none of those things. Their intense respect and pure enjoyment of one another, combined with light-hearted humor give me hope for our humanity and the reconciliation of our spiritual lives.
What is remarkable about their stories is how they have moved in and out of intense suffering by retaining joy and being in service to others. As a clinician, this feels almost prescriptive for how others can grow after deep suffering and trauma. I hold onto that belief and infuse it into my practice, and I think others would glean that from this read as well. We are all seeking peace in our own lives and it is lovely to read about those who have found it.
Jodie and I give this book an A.
Typically at the close of one of my book reviews I offer a summary “grade” with the positives and negatives I took away from it. This time, I’m attempting to summarize Jodie’s take-aways as well as my own.
Positives: Jodie and I both enjoyed the humor and closeness of the friendship shared between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu. We enjoyed the descriptions Abrams shared of the unprecedented week leading up to the celebration of His Holiness’s 80th birthday. The specific Joy Practices at the close of the book are real-world, usable strategies that just about anyone can implement in some way.
Negatives: We struggled to find many downsides to the book, however, it seems crucial that the reader approach it with an openness and willingness to explore, with keen awareness of their biases and rigidly held belief systems. “The Book of Joy” is rich and profound at times. For me, it took time to digest the material and reflect on it meaningfully. This is not a quick simple read, if you intend to get the most out of it. Additionally, some readers may find some of the stories to be triggering, particularly stories related to oppression, grief, and experiences of suffering.
Overall, Jodie and I highly recommend the “Book of Joy.” Be ready to ask questions, reflect, pray, meditate, or even consult with a trusted clergy member, spiritual leader, or spiritual director.
Bstan-‘dzin-rgya-mtsho, D.L. XIV, & Tutu, D.,(2016). The book of joy: Lasting happiness in a changing world. Avery, Penguin Random House.
Jodie McGovern is a Trauma Therapist with a holistic approach to whole person healing. Her credentials include an MA in Clinical Psychology, Licensed Professional Counselor, EMDR Certified Therapist, and Registered Yoga Teacher. She has worked with a variety of populations in the US, Mexico, and Japan. She has experience and expertise in serving survivors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and sexual assault. Jodie is currently working private practice.
You can read more about her approach and experience here. https://jodiemcgovern.squarespace.com
Categories: Book Review
