The art of happiness: 8 simple tips from the Dalai Lama

There’s a profound distinction between fleeting joy and lasting happiness.

The difference is based on depth. Fleeting joy is temporary, like a sugar rush, while lasting happiness is a deep-rooted state of mind.

Lasting happiness, as I’ve learned from the Dalai Lama, has its roots in mindfulness and simplicity. It’s about finding peace within yourself, not chasing after external symbols of success.

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder of Hack Spirit and an enthusiast of mindfulness and Buddhism. I’ve spent years exploring the teachings of the Dalai Lama, and I’ve discovered that there are certain tips that can guide you toward this state of enduring happiness.

Here are some simple yet effective tips from the Dalai Lama that can help you cultivate the art of happiness.

1) Practice mindfulness

“The development of our minds and our destination in future lives is in our hands. No one else can help us. It is very important that we each take responsibility for ourselves. Sustain mindfulness 24 hours a day. Thank you. That is all.” – Dalai Lama

In the pursuit of lasting happiness, the Dalai Lama emphasizes the role of mindfulness.

Mindfulness is a concept that has been gaining traction for years now, and for good reason.

It’s the practice of bringing your attention to the present moment. It’s about being aware of what’s happening right now, without judgement or distraction.

You see, we often get caught up in our thoughts, memories, or future anticipations, and this can lead to stress, anxiety, and a lack of happiness.

The Dalai Lama teaches us that by practicing mindfulness, we can stay present and appreciate the joy in every moment.

Imagine being deeply engrossed in the taste of your morning coffee, the sound of birds chirping outside your window, or the feeling of a warm breeze on your skin. This is mindfulness.

Being mindful allows us to fully experience life as it happens and helps us to cultivate a deeper sense of happiness.

But don’t forget, mindfulness is a practice. It takes time and patience. So be gentle with yourself as you embark on this journey towards lasting happiness.

2) Let go of attachments

“Attachment constrains our vision so that we are not able to see things from a wider perspective.” – Dalai Lama

This might sound a bit challenging, especially in a world where we’re often encouraged to acquire more. More money, more possessions, more achievements.

However, the Dalai Lama advises us to let go of our attachments, suggesting that they can often lead to suffering rather than happiness.

Speaking from personal experience, I’ve found that the more I’ve chased after material possessions or accolades, the less fulfilled I’ve felt. It’s a never-ending cycle that leaves us constantly wanting more.

It reminds me of a quote from Jon Kabat-Zinn, a renowned mindfulness expert. He once said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.”

To me, this means that we can’t stop life’s changes and challenges from coming at us. But we can change our attitude towards them. And part of that is letting go of our attachments and learning to ride the wave of life as it comes.

Consider this: maybe happiness lies not in having more, but in needing less.

3) Embrace impermanence

“Awareness of impermanence and appreciation of our human potential will give us a sense of urgency that we must use every precious moment.” – Dalai Lama

One of the central tenets of Buddhism is the concept of impermanence. It’s a hard pill to swallow, but it’s a reality we all face.

Nothing in this life is permanent. Not our possessions, not our relationships, not even our own lives. Everything is in a constant state of change.

It’s a sobering thought, but it doesn’t have to be a depressing one. In fact, the Dalai Lama teaches us that acknowledging and embracing impermanence can actually bring us closer to happiness.

Why? Because when we recognize that everything is fleeting, it encourages us to appreciate what we have while we have it. It helps us to live in the moment and cherish the experiences and people in our lives right now.

Impermanence also teaches us resilience. When we understand that change is inevitable, it helps us to adapt more readily when things don’t go as planned.

Rather than resisting change or fearing loss, try embracing the beautiful transience of life. It might just bring you closer to true happiness.

4) Cultivate compassion

“If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” – Dalai Lama

True happiness, as per the Dalai Lama’s teachings, isn’t a selfish pursuit. It’s deeply intertwined with our relationships with others and our ability to show compassion.

Practicing mindfulness isn’t just about being present for our own experiences. It’s also about being present for others and understanding their experiences.

Compassion is about acknowledging the suffering of others and wanting to alleviate it. It’s about empathy, understanding, and kindness.

But compassion isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s hard to feel for others when we’re dealing with our own struggles.

Yet, the Dalai Lama teaches us that it’s in these challenging moments that compassion becomes even more crucial. Because when we reach out to help others, we often find our own pain lessened.

The act of giving compassion can be a source of profound happiness. It reminds us of our shared humanity and helps us feel connected to the world around us.

If you seek lasting happiness, try cultivating compassion in your everyday life. Be kind to others, but also remember to be kind to yourself.

5) Live with minimum ego

“The goal is not to be better than the other man, but your previous self.” – Dalai Lama

This is a point that I delve deeper into in my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego”.

We live in a society that often celebrates ego. We’re told to promote ourselves, to compete, and to outshine others.

However, the Dalai Lama preaches a different path. He teaches us to live with minimum ego, suggesting that an inflated sense of self can lead to suffering and disconnect us from others.

It was this teaching that inspired me to write my book. In it, I explore the idea of reducing our ego for a more fulfilling life – not just from a Buddhist perspective, but from a practical standpoint that anyone can implement.

Living with minimum ego isn’t about diminishing your value or worth. Rather, it’s about acknowledging that we are all interconnected and that our actions have impacts beyond ourselves.

And in my experience, when you manage to live life with less ego and more compassion, you’ll find a deeper and more lasting form of happiness.

6) Practice gratitude

“When you are grateful, you act out of a sense of enough and not out of a sense of scarcity, and you are willing to share. If you are grateful, you are enjoying the differences between people and respectful to all people. The grateful world is a world of joyful people.” – Dalai Lama

Gratitude is a practice that has its roots in many spiritual and philosophical traditions, including Buddhism. And, according to the Dalai Lama, it’s a crucial component of happiness.

It’s easy to focus on what we lack in life. Our unfulfilled desires, our setbacks, our struggles. But when we do this, we overlook the abundance that already exists in our lives.

Gratitude is about shifting that focus. It’s about recognizing and appreciating the good in our lives. Whether it’s the love of our family, the beauty of nature, or the simple joy of a good meal – there is always something to be grateful for.

Practicing gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring life’s difficulties. Rather, it offers a balance. It reminds us that even amidst challenges, there are always aspects of life that are worth celebrating.

And when we cultivate a sense of gratitude, we open ourselves up to a deeper sense of happiness. Because happiness isn’t just about gaining more, but also appreciating what we already have.

7) Acceptance is key

“Acceptance means not fighting reality. Gratitude means embracing reality. It means moving from counting your burdens to counting your blessings, as the Archbishop had recommended, both as an antidote to envy and a recipe for appreciating our own lives.” – Dalai Lama

Life is full of ups and downs. We all face challenges, disappointments, and loss. These are inevitable parts of the human experience.

In the pursuit of happiness, acceptance plays a crucial role. The Dalai Lama teaches us that being able to accept life as it is, rather than how we wish it to be, is a path to peace and contentment.

Easier said than done, right? But this is where mindfulness comes in. By being present in each moment, we can observe our reality without judgment or resistance.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness advocate, once said: “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.”

Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation or passivity. It’s about acknowledging what is here, right now. It’s about seeing reality clearly and making peace with it.

Happiness isn’t just about experiencing joy and pleasure. It’s also about being able to sit with discomfort, to accept life’s challenges with grace and equanimity. This is the art of acceptance.

8) Embrace solitude

“Much depends on your attitude. If you are filled with negative judgment and anger, then you will feel separate from other people. You will feel lonely. But if you have an open heart and are filled with trust and friendship, even if you are physically alone, even living a hermit’s life, you will never feel lonely.” – Dalai Lama

In our hyper-connected world, the idea of embracing solitude might seem counterintuitive. But according to the Dalai Lama, spending time alone in reflection is a powerful way to cultivate happiness.

Solitude isn’t about isolation or loneliness. It’s about creating space for self-reflection and introspection. It’s a chance to step back from the noise and distractions of everyday life and connect with our own thoughts and feelings.

Mindfulness plays a key role here. When we’re alone, we can practice being fully present with our experiences, without the need to perform or please others.

In these quiet moments, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves, our desires, and our values. We can learn to be comfortable in our own company and find peace within ourselves.

Even though it might seem counterintuitive, try embracing solitude. You might be surprised at the happiness and clarity it can bring.

Conclusion

The art of happiness isn’t about chasing fleeting moments of joy or accumulating possessions. It’s about cultivating a state of mind that allows us to find contentment and peace within ourselves, and compassionately connect with others.

These teachings from the Dalai Lama offer profound yet practical insights that can guide us on our journey to lasting happiness. From practicing mindfulness to embracing impermanence, letting go of attachments and cultivating compassion – each step brings us closer to understanding the true essence of happiness.

For those interested in diving deeper into these principles, I invite you to check out my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It offers detailed insights into Buddhist teachings and practical steps to incorporate them into your everyday life.

Remember, the journey to happiness is just that – a journey. Be patient with yourself, practice these principles diligently, and experience the transformative power of mindfulness and Buddhism in your own life.