"The Book of Joy" is an incredible book written as a collaboration between Archbishop Desmond Tutu, His Holiness The Dalai Lama, and Douglas Abrams, a Jewish man who is very close to the Archbishop. While a person's religious title or group doesn't much matter in most cases, in the case of "The Book of Joy" it does. 3 men from 3 incredibly different backgrounds give their spiritual guidance and love in an open and nondenominational way.
The intent of this book was to make Joy an accessible goal for every human and every sentient being. The Dalai Lama talks about his life in exile after being chased from his home and his people by the Chinese, and the Archbishop speaks of the deep inequality and struggles of the African people, all while Douglas Abrams brings science and everyday practicality to the words of these deeply loves spiritual leaders.
Some of the quotes from the book explain that finding joy is a combination of accepting ones circumstances and at the same time finding love in those circumstances take the quote "Wherever you have friends that’s your country, and wherever you receive love, that’s your home" by the Dalai Lama, in this quote he explains that his home is not in Tibet, but rather anywhere he finds love and acceptance.
Desmond Tutu explains how being fearful in the face of deep adversity and hatred can lead to lasting joy when he says "courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it". The Archbishop received many threats against his life and even one attempt, yet he explains how this fear had led him to a deeper joy. Both leaders were very adamant that joy can very well come from suffering.
Overall this book will not give you the secrets to a life void of suffering, but it will being to open doors to a deeper understanding of human nature, life, and the pursuit of love, joy, and happiness.
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