NIGHTS at the ROUND TABLE: Seeking Joy in the Midst of Suffering

Do you like the idea of a book club...but don't have quite enough time to delve into a book each month? Try this noble quest...

Meet at MMPL's Round Table at the West end of the library by the nonfiction section of the library for a guided and informal group discussion. Each Night at the Round Table conversation is based on a theme or idea and led by a moderator from the community.

Each session begins by introducing an article/book excerpt; video/ or piece of audio. Afterwards, participants will talk about that material, using provided questions and following their own curiosity and group thought process.

Facilitated by Nikhil Kalothia

Nights at the Round Table 2026 Winter/Spring Schedule

Thursdays: February 26; March 26; April 9

DISCUSSION THEME

"Seeking Joy in the Midst of Suffering"

How do you look beyond those winter blues? Is there a way to find balance during a moment in history with a continuously heavy social and political news cycle? Is joy necessary...or an indulgence...when so much suffering beyond our control exists?

This session of Nights at the Round Table will give a launch point for some of those questions, through the lens of "The Book of Joy" by Douglas Abrams. The discussion begins with a viewing of a recorded conversation between Abrams and a moderator.

In this recording, author Douglas Abrams shares insights from The Book of Joy, co-authored with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. The discussion explores how joy can be cultivated even in the midst of suffering, drawing on the wisdom and experiences of two of the world’s most respected spiritual leaders.

Abrams highlights the eight pillars of joy—qualities such as humility, humor, compassion, and perspective—that helped the Dalai Lama and Tutu remain grounded through adversity. He reflects on joy not as fleeting happiness, but as a purposeful, moral choice that builds resilience, connection, and meaning in a fractured world.

Nights at the Round Table GUIDING IDEAS

• ALL ARE WELCOME. 
• There is no minimum degree, work experience, education level, or certifications required.
• Equality of opinion – like the knights of lore seated at King Arthur's round table, Nights at the Round Table allow ALL participants the opportunity to consider a topic, voice their thoughts, and listen to the perspectives of their peers.
• Conversations are in the spirit of the “7 Knightly Virtues.” Participants can expect dialogue that discusses these themes, but also allows group members to demonstrate these characteristics in themselves:
  • Courage; Justice; Community; Wisdom; Integrity; Hope; Determination
• Participants are expected to follow the discussion rules and guidelines provided by the moderator

ORIGINS

• Nights at the Round Table is a volunteer/patron-led program that is part of the statewide “Study Club” initiative https://www.thestudynd.org/study-clubs
  • Curated by The Study (formerly Humanities North Dakota)
  • A Study Club is a small group of people who come together to explore big ideas through meaningful conversation.
  • Together, these gatherings create space for curiosity, connection, and community-driven learning.