The Penguin Podcast is back! Listen Now
The Book of Joy

The Book of Joy

Summary

Two spiritual giants. Seven days. One timeless question.

'The ultimate source of happiness is within us'
DALAI LAMA

'We grow in kindness when our kindness is tested' DESMOND TUTU

Archbishop Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama have been friends for many, many years. Between them, they have endured exile, violence and oppression. And in the face of these hardships, they have continued to radiate compassion, humour and above all, joy.

To celebrate His Holiness's eightieth birthday, Archbishop Tutu travelled to the Dalai Lama's home in Dharamsala. The two men spent a week discussing a single burning question: how do we find joy in the face of suffering?

This book is a gift from two of the most important spiritual figures of our time. Full of love, warmth and hope, The Book of Joy offers us the chance to experience their journey from first embrace to final goodbye.

Reviews

  • I want to wish all of you joy—because there is no better gift. Two spiritual masters, the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu, share their wisdom in this uplifting book. I promise you, it’s the best $26 you can spend.
    Oprah Winfrey

About the authors

Dalai Lama

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual and political leader of Tibet. Today, he lives in exile in Northern India and works tirelessly on behalf of the Tibetan people, as well as travelling the world to give spiritual teachings to sell-out audiences. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.
Learn More

Desmond Tutu

The first black Archbishop of Cape Town, Tutu won the Nobel Peace Prize for his leadership of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission and was Chair of a group of former world leaders, The Elders, which aims to tackle some of the world's most intractable problems. He helped calm the political crisis in Kenya and regularly spoke out against Mugabe, Israel, the Iraq War and the Burmese junta, but is also noted for his irrepressible sense of humour and deep spirituality. He lived in South Africa and travelled widely. Tutu died on the 26th December 2021, at the age of 90.
Learn More

Sign up to the Penguin Newsletter

For the latest books, recommendations, author interviews and more