"one begins by identifying those factors which lead to happiness and those factors which lead to suffering. Having done this, one then sets about gradually eliminating those factors which lead to suffering and cultivating those that lead to happiness. That is the way." - the Dalai Lama in The art of happiness.
This book is co-written, in a popular type of form, with a friend of the Dalai Lama's - a psyhiciatrist, Howard C. Cutler. Whereas the type of storytelling going on isn't my favourite format (pop psychology, no less) some of the Dalai Lama's thoughts have stood out in these the first 20 pages I've read.
Here's another:
"Now sometimes people confuse happiness with pleasure ... True happiness relates more to the mind and the heart. Happiness that depends mainly on physical pleasure is unstable; one day it's there, the next it may not be."
Earlier he also mentions the benefits of a calm and peaceful state of mind that has its roots in affection and compassion. Compassion is a key issue it seems - the trait that makes it possible for people to reach each other in their common humanness.
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