This episode explores the often misunderstood image of the Dalai Lama's perpetual smile and its implications for modern spiritual practices. You'll discover how the pursuit of constant happiness can sometimes lead to spiritual bypassing, where true growth comes from engaging with discomfort and suffering. Through insightful dialogue, Isla Ren discusses the importance of integrating the full spectrum of human emotions into spiritual practice, rather than cherry-picking only the positive experiences. This episode offers valuable insights into how authentic peace is achieved by embracing both joy and suffering, encouraging you to move beyond superficial interpretations of happiness. Listen in to learn how to cultivate a more genuine and integrated approach to spirituality. Tags: Dalai Lama, Spiritual Bypassing, Buddhism, Emotional Integration, Mindfulness, Authentic Happiness, Spiritual Growth