Happiness: A Guide To Developing Lifes Most Important Skill

Happiness: A Guide To Developing Lifes Most Important Skill

Product Description A molecular biologist turned Buddhist monk, described by scientists as the happiest man alive, demonstrates how to develop the inner conditions for true happiness. 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 pleasurethe joy of a sunny day, the refreshing taste of an ice cream cone, the ecstasy of sexbut only in the depths of an individuals 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 dont 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) doesnt 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) Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. About the Author Matthieu Ricard is a Buddhist monk who had a promising career in cellular genetics before leaving France to study Buddhism in the Himalayas 35 years ago. He is a bestselling author, translator and photographer, and an active participant in current scientific research on the effects of meditation on the brain. He lives and works on humanitarian projects in Tibet and Nepal.