In this intimate encounter with a contemporary American monastic community, the Monks of New Skete show how their strong connections with dogs and the natural world stem from the principles of monastic life. These monks believe, much like H. H. the Dalai Lama, that human beings were created to be happy, and that the elements of a monk's life-self-discipline, prayer, acts of love and forgiveness-are pathways anyone can follow to achieve true happiness. (Also ask for Raising Your Dog with the Monks of New Skete on video and How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend on audiocassette.)