How Joyous Effort Works

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Published by: Karuna Publications
Release Date: January 28, 2025
Pages: 240
ISBN13: 978-1939839060

 

An Excerpt from His Holiness the Dalai Lama’s Foreword:

“Janet Kathleen Ettele’s How Joyous Efforts Work introduces Buddhism interweaving it with stories of our daily life. I hope this book enables the general readers to get a better understanding of the Buddhist teachings, getting conviction not because of faith, but due to reasoning.”  Read More

Overview

Troy, a young man in his early twenties who has struggled with substance abuse and a quick-fisted temper, seeks to extinguish his habits of the past
under the guidance of a Buddhist sage. Continuing his journey with the theme of the previous three books: “When the student is ready the master
appears,” it’s in the thick of a New England summer when Troy meets Jules, a wise teacher and a master luthier (builder of string instruments). Using the luthiers’ skills as metaphor and meditative support, Jules guides Troy as he takes on the challenge of integrating the deeper points of the Buddhist view with every aspect of his own life. This includes navigating the death of his uncle, and balancing his spiritual practice with his relationship with Maggie, a young art student who works with him at the local diner. As Troy strives to truly comprehend what it means to develop wisdom, equanimity, and compassion, will he be able to gain mastery over his inner demons when things go dreadfully wrong?

This touching story of Troy’s journey presents one of the world’s most profound teachings on compassion and wisdom. Set in present day New England where the characters’ ordinary lives and challenges are recognizable as being similar to our own, we find that it is not necessary to be Buddhist to benefit from the teachings in this story.

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Praise

How Joyous Efforts Work is Ettele’s fourth novel about the life of the young Troy. In this book he learns the importance of kindness, compassion and an understanding of the interdependence of all living things. One of my important messages is that each one of us makes a difference, every day, and this is echoed throughout these pages. It is an inspiring read.”
 –Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder - the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace

"With characters that could easily be people we know, Janet Kathleen Ettele’s How Joyous Efforts Work is a wonderful introduction to Buddha's teachings for young and not-so-young adults. Read this book and you’ll grow to love and bond with the characters you meet. Their presence and wisdom will linger in your heart long after you’ve finished the book. Mark the pages and keep the book handy – it’s one you’ll want to read again and again.”
 –Robert A.F. Thurman, Padma Shri Professor Emeritus of Indo-Tibetan Buddhology, Buddhist Studies Professr Emeritus ― best selling author of Wisdom is Bliss, and other books on living and dying

“Janet Ettele's books are part of a cultural renaissance which brings European and American forms more deeply into dialogue and interaction with Buddhist inner sciences, philosophy, psychology and practice than ever before. The tradition of bringing insights, practices and philosophy from Buddhism into the form of the novel began with writers like J.D. Salinger and Jack Kerouac, and Janet continues that cross-cultural exploration in a way that reflects deep curiosity and kindness. In a culture that's too often addicted to meaningless drama, Janet gives us a grounded story with characters who reflect deeply as they explore the authentic questions of how to live wisely with compassion and joyous efforts.”
 –Lorne Ladner, PhD, Author of The Lost Art of Compassion

How Joyous Efforts Work by Janet Ettele offers step by step advice on how to cultivate enthusiastic joy for developing positive inner states like equanimity, gratitude, patience, concentration, and wisdom. Janet imparts these insights within the context of a heart-warming story of a young man, Troy, seeking guidance and meaningful relationships. This book is an invaluable resource for anyone who wishes to live a meaningful life.”
 –Wilson Hurley, Therapist, Teacher, Author: Compassion's COMPASS: Strategies for Developing Insight, Kindness, and Empathy

How Joyous Efforts Work is pure and optimistic, with a magnetism that won't quit. Janet Ettele has created archetypal characters, with one foot in this world and one beyond; I couldn't put it down.”
 –Dr. David Kittay, Columbia University Department of Religion; Translator of The Varjra Rosary Tantra and The Dharma Council Sutra

“Ms. Ettele integrates complex Buddhist teachings in a simple yet powerful way that keeps the reader engaged and connected to Buddhism.”
 –Paul Neri, Luthier, and Author of The Acoustic Guitar Repair Detective


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