Publisher Description

Wherever he goes, Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard is asked to explain what meditation is, how it is done, and what it can achieve. In this elegant, authoritative, and entirely accessible book, he sets out to answer these questions. Although meditation is a lifelong process even for the wisest, Why Meditate? demonstrates that by practicing it on a daily basis we can change our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. In this brilliant short book and the accompanying audio download, Ricard talks us through the theory, spirituality, and practical aspects of meditation. He illustrates each stage of his teaching with examples, leading readers deeper into their own practice. Through his experience as a monk, his close reading of sacred texts, and his deep knowledge of the Buddhist masters, Ricard shows the significant benefits that meditation, based on selfless love and compassion, can bring to each of us.

Author Biography

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 best-selling 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: 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.

Review

"In this marvelous book, Matthieu Ricard articulates the Dharma in the very same way he embodies it in his life; that is, with profound clarity, goodwill, and humility. These qualities come through on every page and make the experience of reading and practicing with this elegant and deceptively simple primer on meditation tantamount to entering into and familiarizing oneself in an ever-deepening way with the landscape of one's own truest self."
— Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Wherever You Go, There You Are and Coming to Our Senses

Review Quote

"Writing as a true spiritual friend, Matthieu Ricard shares the wisdom he has gained from his four decades of spiritual training that clearly and succinctly presents what meditation is and how to practice it, step by step. This book is a treasure to be read with care and shared with those you love."

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