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The Book of Joy

The Sunday Times Bestseller

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The Book of Joy

By: Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu
Narrated by: Douglas Carlton Abrams, Francois Chau, Peter Francis James
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Brought to you by Penguin.


Two spiritual giants. Seven days. One timeless question.


'The ultimate source of happiness is within us.' DALAI LAMA

'We grow in kindness when our kindness is tested.' DESMOND TUTU

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama have been friends for many, many years. Between them, they have endured exile, violence and oppression. And in the face of these hardships, they have continued to radiate compassion, humour and above all, joy.

To celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday, Archbishop Tutu travelled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala. The two men spent a week discussing a single burning question: how do we find joy in the face of suffering?

This book is a gift from two of the most important spiritual figures of our time. Full of love, warmth and hope, The Book of Joy offers us the chance to experience their journey from first embrace to final goodbye.

© Dalai Lama & Desmond Tutu 2016 (P) Penguin Audio 2022

 Consciousness & Thought Personal Development Personal Success Philosophy Religious Studies Inspiring
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Critic reviews

I want to wish all of you joy—because there is no better gift. Two spiritual masters, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, share their wisdom in this uplifting book. I promise you, it’s the best $26 you can spend. (Oprah Winfrey)
A wonderful and uplifting book from two inspirational spiritual leaders.
Absolutely incredible - lasting happiness in a changing world. (Gaby Roslin)
I read the most amazing book last year called The Book of Joy. It’s the most wonderful book of two old men, with beautiful photographs of them laughing together, just talking about stories about humans and how they’ve been uplifted in their life. It really is the book of Joy. I’d just have to take that [to the desert island] because it would make me smile all the time.
An extraordinary read from two global spiritual giants […] The topics they cover, from the nature of true joy to its obstacles, as well as joy-boosting practices, offer a heartfelt and uplifting read, with practical advice on bringing more joy into each day.
All stars
Most relevant
I’ve just completed listening to this book on joy with a renewed way to live life. I’ve learned so much to learn from Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dalai Lama and Douglas C Abrams.

Committed to living joy

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Listening to these 2 incredibly beautiful souls sharing their profound wisdom on the attainment if joy both in our own and the lives of all sentient being is just magical ✨️

I love the fact that they both come from different religions and unite in their deep belief that we are all the same and that all any of us want is happiness 😊 and that Compassion and love as well as the other pillars discussed provide this for each and every one of us ❤️

I am full of gratitude 🙏 Thank you!

Just beautiful 😍

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How to live life purely and simply, by the two men I feel the utmost privilege to have been alive at the same time as they are.

My Bible

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I loved the dialogue between these two dear friends and the insights into that friendship

Their humility, human Ness, friendship and compassion. A beautiful book... so important for the world.

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I will be listening to this again and again. I should probably buy the printed book too, if only for the advice on meditation in the last chapter. Wisdom and joy from two of the wisest men of this or possibly any other century.

A book for all time

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