70 pages 2 hours read

Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu

The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2016

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Essay Topics

1.

Analyze how The Book of Joy integrates Buddhist and Christian perspectives to present a unified view of joy and suffering. What are the potential tensions and differences between these religious perspectives? What are the similarities? Discuss the role of this interfaith approach in contributing to the book’s themes.

2.

Examine how the personal stories of the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu contribute to the thematic development of The Book of Joy. How do their life experiences reinforce the book’s messages on resilience, compassion, and joy?

3.

Discuss the structure and significance of the “Eight Pillars of Joy” as outlined in the book. How do these pillars interconnect, and what is their collective impact on the book’s overall message?