Almost all of the above practices assume a degree of solitude, but we
would be missing the main message of the Dalai Lama’s and the
Archbishop’s teachings if we did not emphasize that the source of true
joy, as evidenced all week long and in their lives, is in our relationships
with other people. Both men are embedded in deep and profound spiritual
communities that they have nurtured and been nurtured by. Seek out your
own communities of love and practice and bring the teachings of joy to
them in whatever way is meaningful to you and your community. This
may be your existing religious community or it may be a community you
help to create, even if that community is simply another friend, a relative,
or a group with whom you can read and reflect on this book and others. If
you invite others to do these joy practices, you will experience far greater
joy than just doing them by yourself. Relationship is the true proving
ground for spirituality. Ultimately, joy is not something to learn, it is
something to live. And our greatest joy is lived in deep, loving, and
generous relationships with others.
For more information about this book and for video footage from the week in Dharamsala,
please visit bookofjoy.org.