Join the University Libraries as we come together as a community to read and celebrate the 2023-2024 Buffs One Read, The Book of Joy. In the Book of Joy, readers are invited to explore wise teachings from his holiness the Dalai Lama and the Archbishop Desmond Tutu on joy, the science of joy, and joy practices. They offer eight pillars of joy, four of the mind and four of the heart. Each book club gathering will concentrate on one of these pillars.

During this session, we’ll engage with the chapter Humility: I tried to look humble and honest. Despite being world leaders and Nobel Laureates, the Dalai Lama has stated that he is a simple monk, while the Archbishop claims not to be a saint. They exemplify humility, the second pillar of the mind. Early in his life, the Dalai Lama experienced formal teachings that seemed to suggest he was something special, but he recounts that this led simply to anxiety and isolation. Comically, the Dalai Lama recalls several formal situations in which he imagines prestigious individuals falling off their chairs, bringing people to an equal level. Humility, according to the two men, allows us to see our place in the world and to recognize our interdependence with all of humanity. They connect arrogance with insecurity and fear, which are barriers to humility. Simultaneously, they emphasize that humility is not about self-doubt nor does it mean remaining blind to our own

Please feel welcome to attend whether you’ve read the chapter or not. You may read the chapter in the Libraries ebook or explore a chapter summary in our community course!!

This event is a part of a series of guided mindfulness practices and book clubs offered in celebration of 23-24 Buffs One Read, sponsored by the University Libraries, the Renee Crown Wellness Institute, and the Contemplative Resource Center.