Matthieu Ricard

Activist, Buddhist, Educator/Teacher, Philanthropist, Photographer, Project manager, Scientist, Social entrepreneur, Writer/Editor

Matthieu Ricard, PhD, is a Buddhist monk who went from a scientific career as a molecular biologist in France to the study of Buddhism in the Himalayas 45 years ago. Author of several books, including The Monk and the Philosopher, with his father J.F. Revel, Happiness, How to Cultivate Life’s Most Important Skill, Why Meditate? and soon Altruism: The Power of Compassion to Change Yourself and the World. As a photographer, he published several albums. Within the Mind and Life Institute, he is an active participant in the scientific research on the effects of meditation on the brain. French interpreter for the Dalai Lama since 1989. Lives in Nepal and runs 130 humanitarian projects to which he donates all the proceeds of his books and activities.

For things truly to change, however, we must dare altruism. Dare to say that real altruism exists, that it can be cultivated by every one of us, and that the evolution of cultures can favor its expansion. Dare, too, to teach it in schools as a precious tool allowing children to realize their natural potential for kindness and cooperation. Dare assert that the economy cannot content itself with the voice of rationality and strict personal interest, but that it must also listen to and make heard that of caring. Dare to take the fate of future generations seriously, and dare to change the way we are exploiting the planet today that will be their home tomorrow. Dare, finally, to proclaim that altruism is not a luxury, but a necessity.

Buddhism & Science, Humanitarian Action, Meditation and the brains, Mind - Brain use, Photograghy - artist, Writer - Author