Happiness is Overrated: Simple Lessons on Finding Meaning in Each Moment

We spend so much time in pursuit of happiness—trying to acquire it, experience it, meditate our way toward it—but happiness is elusive, and it doesn’t last. According to the teachings of the Buddha, this is not a problem! Cuong Lu, a longtime student of Thich Nhat Hanh, invites us to look deeply at the truths of our lives—without glossing over or denying our suffering—and focus on the depth of meaning and value already within us.

Cuong offers teachings and practices that help us realize we don’t need to avoid suffering or chase happiness. We can find ourselves, and meaning in our lives, when we realize that joy and difficulty are two sides of the same coin.