Why Meditate: Working with Thoughts and Emotions »

Matthieu Ricard is a Buddhist monk who had a promising career in cellular genetics before leaving France to study Buddhism in the Himalayas 37 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 in Nepal and dedicates much of his time to humanitarian projects in the Himalayas. Find out more at www.matthieuricard.org.

All of the author’s proceeds from the sale of this book go to Karuna-Shechen, a humanitarian organization that he founded to provide primary health care and education for the underserved populations of the Himalayan region.

      Why meditate? On what? And how? In his latest book Why Meditate?—an instant bestseller in the author’s native France—Matthieu Ricard aims to answer these very questions.

      As a molecular geneticist turned Buddhist monk, Ricard brings a wholly unique perspective to the practice of meditation. Often referred to as “the happiest man in the world,” he advises us in the ways to imbue our lives with a true sense of serenity and fulfillment.

      In simple, clear language, Ricard walks readers through the theories and practicalities of meditation, demonstrating its many benefits in our modern world. He shows readers how to achieve emotional balance, enhance mindfulness, expand altruistic love, and develop a sense of inner calm; while also reducing anxiety, vulnerability to pain, and tendency toward depression and anger.

      This enlightening book conflates the spiritual with the scientific, the transcendent with the pragmatic, and the Western world with Eastern wisdom. No matter what point of view you approach it from—whether that of personal transformation or physical health—meditation emerges as a prominent part of leading a balanced life.

In the accompanying 60-minute CD, Ricard explores the concepts of freedom and self, expands on the benefits of meditation, and advises on the benefits of creating a regular meditative practice.

All of the author’s proceeds from the sale of this book go to Karuna-Shechen, a humanitarian organization that he founded to provide primary health care and education for the under-served populations of the Himalayan region.

Preface ix

Part I Why Meditate?

A Lucid Assessment 3

Part II What to Meditate On

Training the Mind 19

Part III How to Meditate

Preliminary Instructions 27

Turning the Mind Toward Meditation 41

Mindfulness Meditation 49

Inner Calm 53

Meditations on Altruistic Love 81

A Sublime Exchange 89

Soothing Physical Pain 95

Deeper Insight 101

Dedicating the Fruits of Our Efforts 133

Bringing Meditation and Everyday Life Together 135

Acknowledgments 137

Notes 139

Bibliography 145

About the Author 147

About Karuna-Shechen 148