PSC 170 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1-3: Impermanence, Lojong
STUDY QUESTIONS, THE BOOK OF JOY
1. According to Archbishop Tutu, we are fragile creatures. It is from this weakness that we discover
that we discover the possibility of true joy.
2. The connection between feeling joy and facing suffering is that we create them both ourselves.
3. Happiness is based on external factors but joy comes from within. Joy transcends situation and
is a way of being, not just a temporary feeling.
4. The contradiction the Dalai Lama speaks of when discussing how to obtain inner peace is that
nobody wants to have problems or suffering, but there are many problems and much suffering,
most of our own creation.
5. At least 5 of the feelings that joy is associated with are: pleasure, excitement, relief,
amusement, and bliss.
6. Happiness depends on external circumstances, while joy does not, joy is much bigger than
happiness.
7. An example of examining an event from a wider perspective so that it reduces suffering is
focusing on others' suffering, which reduces our own suffering.
8. The Dalai Lama prefers the refugee life because he had more opportunities as a refugee in
Dharamsala then he would have, had he remained in Tibet.
9. Some advice from the Dalai Lama on how to handle suffering and frustration is shifting
perspectives, look at the same event from a wider perspective by uniting own situation with
others, recognize the 'connection'. Don't try to escape the situation, accept it and think about
how it can be viewed positively.
10. Tutu believes that trying to be joyful won't work because you open and blossom because of
other people, so focusing inward doesn't help in that respect.
11. Some ways in which there can be value in suffering is that suffering fosters compassion and
willingness to listen to the other side. The way we face the negative things in life makes us the
person we are. It is critical for self-development.
12. According to the Dalai Lama, the primary cause of human suffering is too much self-centered
thinking is the source of suffering. A compassionate concern for others well-being is the source
of happiness.
13. Lojong is a Buddhist practice of mind training by looking away from one's self.
14. The goal of all Buddhist mind training practices is lessening one's self-absorption, becoming
more compassionate, and being present.
15. The two main beliefs that Buddhists hold concerning the nature of joy are joy is our original
state of mind and our search for happiness is a way of rediscovering this state and experiencing
joy is a skill that can be cultivated, so much depends on where we place our attention: on our
own suffering, or that of others; on our own perceived separation, or our invisible
connectedness.
16. Happiness set point is where people have a pre-determined set point that determines their
happiness over the course of their life. We get accustomed to positive and adverse outcomes
and ultimately return to this set point.
17. The three factors have the greatest influence on our ability to increase our happiness are
cognitive reframing, expressing gratitude, and being kind and generous.
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