Summary

Abrams begins this chapter by quoting a lesson that the Dalai Lama often preaches, “Every day, think as you wake up, ‘I am fortunate to be alive. I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it’” (241). The next pillar of joy and focus of this chapter is gratitude, which Abrams argues both men radiate throughout their weeks’ worth of discussion. While both of their spiritual beliefs frown on taking pleasure from sensory indulgence, “neither of them was opposed to the pleasures permitted in their spiritual lives” (242), such as something as simple as ice cream. The men exude gratitude in each experience they face.

The Dalai Lama exemplifies gratitude by choosing to use his time in exile as an opportunity rather than a setback. “When you are confronted with the reality of suffering, all of...