Cutler, a western-trained psychiatrist, helps translate the Dalai Lama’s thoughts into “psychologically sound” ways in which to understand and treat stress, cognition, emotional control, and health. His medical school and patient care experiences provide the basis for the book’s psychological credibility. In addition, Cutler shapes the book’s conversational format through his interviews, case examples, and references to studies. The intent is to present ideas that are “practical,” “evidence-based,” and “mainstream” as opposed to simply inspirational.

However, the book is equally dependent on the views of Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, a man who has spent most of his life studying Buddhism, practicing monastic discipline, and providing spiritual leadership. This background has given him great clarity regarding the importance of compassion, patience, and inner discipline, and he can thus offer substantial insight about how selflessness and altruistic behaviors can enhance happiness. While his life as a religious figure separates him to some degree from direct experience with contemporary issues such as systemic inequality and severe mental illness, his collaboration with Cutler creates the space to address them with significant authority.

Overall, the text represents a credible synthesis of the work of a respected spiritual teacher and a trained clinician, in that the clinician curates and interprets the spiritual teacher’s methods. Together, they present the concept of “happiness” based on both an ethical and a contemplative tradition and a psychological one. This multidisciplinary approach strives to make the ideas that the book presents accessible and applicable to a broad audience. In addition, the conversational approach provides a platform for discussion, challenge, and clarification of both meaning and intent while also providing a model for readers struggling to understand or express their beliefs about the nature of happiness.