The Book of Joy

Archbishop’s hand to comfort him and reaffirm that he was not planning
to put either of them out of a job anytime soon.
“So now we have to think seriously. Just to pray or rely on religious
faith is not sufficient. It will remain a source of inspiration, but in terms
of seven billion human beings, it’s not sufficient. No matter how
excellent, no religion can be universal. So we have to find another way to
promote these values.
“I think the only way really is, as we have said, through education.
Education is universal. We must teach people, especially our youth, the
source of happiness and satisfaction. We must teach them that the
ultimate source of happiness is within themselves. Not machine. Not
technology. Not money. Not power.
“We are not talking about heaven or hell or Buddhahood or salvation;
these are too far away.” He laughed. “So our book is part of this
important process to help spread the message that love, kindness, and
affection are the source of joy and happiness.
“As you already made clear, our basic human nature is good, is
positive, so that can give us a basis for courage and self-confidence. So
that’s why we spend a lot of time discussing all of this. There must be
some real concrete purpose and result, or if not, it’s better to sleep.” The
Dalai Lama pretended to lean over on his elbow toward the Archbishop,
as if falling asleep, and then laughed.
I turned to Archbishop Tutu and said, “I’d like to invite you,
Archbishop, to address your readers directly and offer them a blessing.”
He turned to the camera and began to speak.
“Dear Child of God, you are loved with a love that nothing can shake,
a love that loved you long before you were created, a love that will be
there long after everything has disappeared. You are precious, with a
preciousness that is totally quite immeasurable. And God wants you to be
like God. Filled with life and goodness and laughter—and joy.
“God, who is forever pouring out God’s whole being from all eternity,
wants you to flourish. God wants you to be filled with joy and excitement
and ever longing to be able to find what is so beautiful in God’s creation:
the compassion of so many, the caring, the sharing. And God says, Please,