A wonderful blend of purpose, parable, and practice conveying the essential Buddhist insight that happiness and contentment are much closer than we think.
—Zindel V. Segal, Ph.D, coauthor of The Mindful Way Through Depression
In a delightfully unpretentious fashion, Thomas Bien provides a sophisticated introduction to Buddhist philosophy and practice. That he can pull that feat off in a book that contains a section called 'Why Your Dog Is Happier Than You Are' is both a testimony to his skill as a writer and to his contagiously easy relationship with these ancient teachings. I heartily recommend savoring these pages!
—Steven Forrest, author of The Inner Sky and Yesterday's Sky
Brilliant, captivating, and insightful, The Buddha's Way of Happiness will help all of us move toward greater degrees of joy, ease, and freedom. Bien's clinical wisdom, scientific rigor, and deep compassion are felt in each page of the book. These ideas and practices have the power to transform our individual and collective lives.
—Shauna L. Shapiro, Ph.D., associate professor at Santa Clara University and coauthor of The Art and Science of Mindfulness
This wonderful volume skillfully blends common sense and uncommon wisdom to lead readers toward what we all really want: happiness and contentment. With the care of a psychotherapist, the knowledge of a researcher, and the insight of one who has walked the walk, Bien shows us that happiness is found closer to home than we believed, and points out how we get there.
—Paul R. Fulton, Ed.D., director of mental health for Tufts Health Plan and president emeritus of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy
Reading these pages, you will understand the meaning and experience the wisdom of the ancient Eastern tradition. With warmth and compassion, Bien draws a wonderful road map to happiness. I highly recommend this book to anyone dealing with any form of suffering, but also to whomever wants to find a pathway leading to well-being and wishes to discover the magic and the healing power of being deeply present.
—Fabrizio Didonna, Psy.D., clinical psychologist and editor of The Clinical Handbook of Mindfulness
In Western psyche and psychology, the pursuit of happiness is often assumed to involve doing, taking control, striving, and acquiring. In The Buddha's Way of Happiness, Bien invites us to stroll a very different path, an ancient Eastern way toward inner peace and contentment. Whatever one's own religion, there is deep wisdom here to read, ponder, and practice.
—William R. Miller, Ph.D., Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Psychology and Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico
It is a radical notion to think that happiness might be found much closer than we think, or that it is not located in the places we usually look for it. In his new book, Bien invites us to consider exactly this possibility as he draws on the teachings of the Buddha, everyday examples, and the richness of diverse faith and spiritual traditions. Bien explores an expanded perspective on human happiness rooted in ancient wisdom, yet extraordinarily relevant to our time. Whether you consider yourself a Buddhist or not, there is much of value here. I recommend you see for yourself. If you do, you just might come away feeling happier!
—Jeffrey Brantley, MD, author of Five Good Minutes
Accessible and graceful, this book unfolds with a clarity that rises from a depth of practice and extends a kind invitation to others to explore the truth of these teachings for themselves. The Buddha's insights penetrate into daily life applications with philosophical understanding, meditation practtices, and stories that encourage investigation and engagement with one's moment-to-moment experience of living.
—Florence Meleo-Meyer, MS, MA, director of Oasis Professional Training and Education and senior teacher of the stress reduction program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School
In this wise, readable book, Bien reveals the essence of ancient Buddhist psychology-the psychology of happiness-for modern readers. Then he offers practical strategies for uncovering the happiness we already possess. Recommended for anyone who seeks freedom from suffering at the deepest level.
—Christopher K. Germer, Ph.D., clinical instructor at Harvard Medical School and author of The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion
