Product Description

" You may not find happiness in a book, but if reading a book can precipitate a tectonic shift in your life and mind toward robust, genuine, deeply rooted happiness, this would be the book." --JON KABAT-ZINN, AUTHOR OF COMING TO OUR SENSES This is a revolutionary look at happiness, deeply philo-sophical and tremendously engaging, from one of the world's most compelling voices on the subject. Drawing from works of fiction and poetry, contemporary Western philosophy, Buddhist thought, current psychological and scientific research, and personal experience, Ricard weaves an inspirational and forward-looking account of how we can begin to rethink our realities in a fast-moving modern world. With revelatory lessons and exercises that blaze a clear path for readers, this book offers an eloquent and practical guide to a happier life.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #8369 in Books
• Published on: 2007-01-05
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

From Publishers Weekly
For millennia, philosophers, writers and artists have sought the key to human happiness. A Buddhist monk and former cell biologist, Ricard offers his own musings about the nature of happiness and tips on how to attain it in his sometimes tedious, sometimes dynamic guide. Happiness, for Ricard, cannot be found in fleeting experiences of pleasure—the joy of a sunny day, the refreshing taste of an ice cream cone, the ecstasy of sex—but only in the depths of an individual's being. Happiness is not self-interested, but rather compassionate, seeking the well-being of others. If we are truly happy, writes Ricard, we can change the world because of our compassion for others and our desire to end hatred and bring happiness even to those we don't like. For Ricard, happiness is a deep state of well-being and wisdom that flourishes in every moment of life, despite the inevitability of suffering. Individuals can, however, learn to minimize suffering in life by practicing moderation in all things, as well as meditation. Meditative exercises that individuals can practice to achieve happiness appear in each chapter. Ricard (Tibet: A Compassionate Eye) doesn't have much new to tell us about his subject, but he imbues these reflections with his own deep sense of happiness and verve. (Apr. 12)
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From AudioFile
Both the subject, happiness, and the author/narrator, an accomplished French scientist who's been a Buddhist monk for 35 years, are endlessly fascinating. Ricard's gorgeous accent and unique use of everyday words are totally beguiling. A translator for the Dalai Lama, he is renowned for his research and practice of cultivating a state of happiness. As he explains how to meditate and accumulate positive moods, his presentation is punctuated with quirky humor. For example, when a man confesses that he's afraid of what he will see when he looks within, the Dalai Lama observes that there's nothing more entertaining on TV or film than self-analysis. Just listening to Ricard is soothing and inspiring. This is a great choice for those seeking a calmer inner life. S.G.B. © AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

About the Author
Matthieu Ricard is a former molecular biologist who left France to study Buddhism in the Himalayas 35 years ago. He is a writer of internationally bestselling books, a translator, and a photographer. He lives in Tibet and Nepal, where he is involved in a variety of humanitarian projects.

Customer Reviews

Amazing
This book by Mattieu Ricard really breaks down happiness. He differentiates between pleasure and happiness and how happiness is something that must be cultivated and practiced. Mattieu Ricard also gives a handful of in depth meditation exercises at the end of a few chapters. And he points out that you don't have to be a Buddhist monk to achieve enlightenment, but everyone can reach a better plateau of happiness.

How to be Happy :)
I've got to admit that the writing is so deep that sometimes I have to only read a couple of pages and then take a break. But don't let that deter you. Within 1 or 2 chapters I was feeling happier than I think I ever have. And this from a mildly chronically depressed person.

It does rely heavily on Buddhism but it IS a Buddhist writing it )). For the ultra religious, don't worry. He does not shove his beliefs down your throat. It is just his examples are from his life so that are flavored that way.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested i attaining happiness.

Happiness by Matthieu Ricard
Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill

This is the best book I have ever read on the subject of happiness. A real treasure.
Happiness is not a mystery but a possible goal for anyone who seriously wants to become a happier and better person. If you love science, literature and culture, Matthieu Ricard is the right guru for you.
A must read for everyone who loved his book "The Monk and the Philosopher".
A book you won't ever part with for you'll want to read in it again and again.

Inge Hohndorf