A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill

In the Introduction, the author says this is not a Buddhist boo. However, the book is totally from a Buddhist perspective and quotes the Dalai Lamma and other Buddhist teachers extensively. The author himself is a Buddhist monk so I don't know why he tried to market this as a secular work.

Regardless, I found this book to be very helpful and reinforced much of what I have read in the field of cognitive therapy.

Over several weeks of reading with pleasure the many facets of this book, I have come to appreciate the true and benevolent facility of Ricard's genius. It is a masterpiece of thoughtful and heartfelt wisdom to assist the reader on a path that can realistically unveil our deeper selves, and the potential that exists for enduring and essential happiness. This is an authentic resource for sincere transformation of modern, western state of mind into an evolving sense of what this often crazy life can truly be.

A curious book, because it mingles some scientific approaches with Buddhism philosophy. It was actually my first contact with a book related to Buddhism. My main reason to pick up this book is that it brings some findings on the effects of meditation in our brains.

I think that the parts about meditation and inner peace were useful and enlightening. I was amazed at how the practice of meditation could result and significant changes on the brains of monks that meditate for long periods daily.

The main focus of the book is happiness, tho. And the author discusses many topics that usually can be related to our happiness: power, pleasure, wealth, etc. And the causes to our suffering: selfishness, ignorance, afflictive emotions, etc.

What I've learned from this book is that happiness is a skill, it must be learned and it resides in ourselves.

Is was a very positive reading, and lead me to think about how violent and pernicious our society can be by our state of mind. It is a book that encourages love, peace and altruism.

Towards the end of the book I felt it was becoming a little repetitive and the Buddhist content increased significantly.

I am most interested in the pragmatic tools to discipline the mind. The writer intersperses a fair bit of theory and research, which would make me reluctant to give as a present (because I think the more academic passages might put them to sleep). I bounce back and forth between sections where I wish he would get on with it and then some sections that are off-the-charts stellar in their practicality (which I wish I could share with everybody!).

Anyone familiar with Ricard knows his unique background and subsequent conversion to Tibetan Buddhism. Even though Ricard's lessons for us are certainly derived from Buddhist doctrine, this is not a book at all focused on Buddhism itself. As the title suggests, it's theme is about attitude and how one can be happy in virtually any circumstance. It is very well written and an enjoyable read. Highly recommended.

I chose a five because the ideas were very clearly explained and made relevant. The author breaks down happiness as a product of peace, humility, empathy and kindness, spiritual growth, and meditation. This book was engaging and practical.

An excellent book that lays down the bascis of budhism in a manner digestable for western civilisation minds. Clearly and constructively written.
I definitely benefited from reading it and recommend it wholeheratedly for anyone who is sincerely searching for meaningful life.

VERY INTERESTING SUBJET, MR RICARD WRITES IN THE SAME LINE AS THE DALAI LAMA.
FABULOUS EXPLANATIONS ON HAPPINESS COMING FROM ONE OF THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE CON EARTH
PROVEN BY STUDIES AND TESTS.
STONGLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK

Some need gold and some need diamond rings
Or a drug to take away the pain that living brings
A promise of a better world to come
When whatever here is done
I don't need that sky of blue
All I know is since I found you, I'm happy when I'm in your arms
Happy, darling, come the dark
Happy when I taste your kiss
I'm happy in a love like this

1. Note: I purchased the audible version of this and it is abridged.
2. Bottomline this is a complete dud for the following reasons:
a: There is no substance. Actually, there is substance, but the author is so vague and fails to emphasize possible important topics, that the book just reads as some... pithy compilation of positive / encouraging / uplifting concepts that one might read... in some bathroom type book.
b: This is a short book; again, it's abridged, but I'm guessing around 1 hr long?

This is an amazing book. The minute I finished, I started over again. This book is about the pathways to happiness as understood and explained by a Buddhist monk (Ricard). Ricard's explanations and insights are extremely valuable and practical. Even more, Ricard has consulted all the leading research associated with the "science of happiness."

This book is for anyone who believes that happiness is a learned behavior that requires daily practice. Its greatest strengths are its clearity, practical applications, and scientific base. It is a very rational approach to the subject of well-being. Plus, Ricard consults the leaders in the positive psychology movement-- a very good move.

Read this book if you truly want to be happier.

[...]

I typically only read Zen material, but when several months ago I came across a news article featuring Matthieu Ricard as possibly the world's happiest man, I knew I had to pick this book up. I was not disappointed.

Always having been particularly interested in psychology and science in general, I was glad to see the inclusion of this material in the book, and for a non-psychologist to finally mention the works of Freud in his book without subscribing to his unscientific ideas! Ricard skillfully presents both Buddhist and scientific material in a very understandable manner. He left a promising career in cellular genetics to study Tibetan Buddhism in the Himalayas. Through all of his education and experience, he is definitely not lacking in credentials.

Ricard offers a road map to obtaining happiness for yourself and others, and shows how interrelated your and others' happiness really is. His ideas are practical and well-researched and thought out. I really can't give this book enough praise. It has to be one of the richest and most rewarding books I have ever read. He covers nearly every aspect on the subject. A couple chapters were a little uninteresting to me, and I would often dread the exercises in the middle of the chapters. I didn't feel like putting the book down and doing it right then and there, but by forcing myself to do this I have experienced another form of Buddhist meditation, and my mind has been opened to exploring other forms of Buddhism. Most of all, this book has left me with some additional tools to place in my toolbox in order to cultivate the peace this world truly needs.

Not a faithful translation from the original French. I wrote the publisher who never bothered to reply. The English version is abridged and after reading the French version I get the sense it was done in a calculating and condescending manner towards the English-speaking reader. If I could somehow give the book itself five stars but the publisher one star I would.

This is just a footnote to the other reviews, especially the one that wants more of the "how" to implement the author's suggestions.
Ricard is one of the finest students of one of the finest teachers of the Tibetan tradition as is, for example, the very popular author Pema Chödrön.
Chödrön's books and "Happiness" by Ricard share the same characteristic: they make great inspirational reading BUT in the absence of a regular meditative discipline they remain only that.
There is a great abundance of excellent books (which by the way are not enough on their own), and there are even quite a lot of excellent teachers, who can guide one with regard to that regular practice.
Of course what "practice" is is something that must be investigated by you yourself. The many exercises found throughout Ricard's book, if assiduously undertaken, are material enough for a thorough familiarization with practice as I understand it.
I wish you the very best in your quest.

Happiness - A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill covers so much territory.

This is my first introduction to Matthieu Ricard but woven in the book is the story of his life. Ricard traces his early adult life in France and a promising career in cellular genetics. A career he gave up to study Buddihism. He is now a Buddhist Monk and writes from that perspective.

There is no question that Buddhism has some valuable insights into what life is all about and how best to live a fulfilled life.

One of the most contrasting differences between Buddhism and Western society is the way we view death. For the most part, Western society deals with death in a very unsatisfactory manner. Buddhism on the other hand understand and accepts death as a normal and natural end to life. I think our society would be better off if we could handle death better.

There is another sharp difference in how Western society carries so much mental baggage throughout life, while the Buddhist work to clear their mind of guilt, resentment, hatred and other negative emotions. "What a relief it is for the burdened man who has long walked through the world of suffereing to lay down his heavy and useless load."

Although the book deals with some very deep and complex subject matter, it is well written and easy to understand. There is extensive citing of the source material in the appendix.

While the answer to so many of life's puzzles seem so clear, it is also clear that very few in Western society will ever dig deeply into these concepts. Unfortunately we are always looking for the quick fix. We seem to want to take a magic pill and make things right. Ricard shows us a way to achieve what ever human strives for. But it is very doubtful that many will be willing to make the changes necessary to achieve true happiness.

Review of "Happiness: A guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill" by Matthieu Ricard. Published by Little Brown.

What a joy to find such an intelligent and creative approach to the universal quest for happiness and well-being! Matthieu Ricard begins by examining our definitions of happiness and then leads us on a journey that explores the causes and conditions for happiness, our own inner mechanisms that do or don't create happiness, how to deal with death and difficulties, the sociology of happiness, and so on.

The book's emphasis is on how to develop inner resources for a sense of happiness and fulfillment that is not dependent on outer circumstances. There is real freedom in the knowledge that we can move towards an authentic sense of well-being by working with our ways of relating and processing the obstacles and circumstances that present themselves. This is all helped along by the short enjoyable exercises that lead the reader through a process of getting to know the mind and how it works.

Matthieu Ricard's voice is quite unique and I liked his use of metaphor to describe various emotional states and how to deal with them. I also found the sociology of happiness an interesting chapter, revealing the trends of our society, and I especially liked learning "first-hand about the work of neuroscience and the brain.

Although the book explores happiness from a Buddhist perspective, it is applicable to the findings of science and psychology in general and positive psychology in particular. It confirms that although fun and pleasurable experiences contribute to happiness, they are less important than altruistic acts, compassion, and practicing certain skills that are definitely related to being happier. Indeed, happiness can be learned. The book has many fascinating accounts of studies and stories that make it an interesting read while teaching you all you need to know to increase your happiness. Recommended!

Few books clearly articulate the richness of Buddhist psychology for the general reader. Few books can inspire the reader to live more skillfully and empower her with teachings and tools to cultivate true happiness. Sure there are any number of "self-help" books on "how to feel happy," etc., but Ricard's book teaches about a much deeper, transformative happiness, which is within the reach of every human being.

Buddhist psychology, developed over many centuries, is consistent with much that we have recently learned and continue to learn about our minds and our brains from neuroscience, cognitive science, and "western" psychology. Ricard, a Tibetan monk, is equally at home in Buddhist teachings and contemporary science--he was a scientist before his days as a monk.

In a world with so much violence, so much sadness, and so much negativity, Ricard teaches us how to cultivate happiness, not by blinding ourselves to reality or by looking to some other world above and beyond our own, but by looking upon ourselves and others with the loving eyes of the Buddha. And these teachings have nothing to do with believing any doctrines or even "the truth" of Buddhism. They are practical teachings to be applied in everyday life. The "truth" is in the practice. The Buddha did not want anyone to believe anything just because he said it. He invited people to see for themselves. So see for yourself.

Even if you are not and have no interest in "becoming a Buddhist," I highly recommend this book. I would not consider myself a Buddhist, but the values expressed by Ricard are values I cherish and aspire to embody in my day to day life.

The chapters are also relatively short, so each one can be read and fully digested before moving to the next. (Perfect for reading in bed or on public transportation.)

If taken to heart, this book will surely benefit you. I hope that it does.

We bought the audio version of this book in unabridged edition. It is simply the best book that my wife and I have ever listened to together. There are so many concepts, exercises and ideas that can be applied to every day life. It has already spawned dozens of conversations and changed some of our pre-programmed responses to attitudes, responses and comments that you get when just out in public for a day.

Amazing content!

Traditionally, psychology has been focused on helping "sick" people get better. A new, "positive" psychology has arisen which focuses on "normal" people reaching optimal states of mind.

Ricard's version of positive psychology borrows from Buddhism and relies heavily on meditation. According to Ricard, happiness (and an optimal state of mind) can be achieved through meditation, compassion and altruism. What a stellar prescription for attaining real happiness!

(Happiness is also discussed in Happiness and Three Types of Forgiveness).

Matthieu Ricard's subtitle reveals his premise - that 'achieving durable happiness as a way of being is a skill' (page 7). Although some people are happier than others, he notes, such happiness is not durable and complete.

How then is the skill of durable happiness achieved? Ricard - a Buddhist monk and both monk and son in the popular book The Monk and the Philosopher: A Father and Son Discuss the Meaning of Life - advocates ongoing mind training and the development of qualities including inner peace, altruistic love and mindfulness.

But this is not a Buddhist book so much as 'Buddhist in spirit' (page 14). It's written for 'anyone who aspires to a little more joie de vivre and to let wisdom and compassion reign in his or her life' (page 15).

As such, the book synthesizes ancient Buddhist wisdom with current research findings to offer a happiness program built on spiritual awareness, scientific knowledge and simple exercises. It explores conditions that support happiness - like a deep sense of wellbeing, wisdom, and love for fellow beings - and those that undermine it - including ignorance, mental toxins and disturbing emotions like desire, hatred and envy. In this way, it leads readers away from a life built on grasping for pleasure and self-absorption toward one of contentment and altruism.

In short:

Ricard's approach to cultivating happiness is deep but wonderfully wide-ranging. It takes findings from neuroscience, psychology, positive psychology, sociology and economics and ideas from philosophy and ethics, and presents them through a prism of ancient Buddhist wisdom. The result is a gentle, wise and motivating guide to happiness that spans suffering, death, emotions, time and ego.

Please note that all of Ricard's share in the book's proceeds go to humanitarian and educational projects in Tibet, Nepal, India and Bhutan.

Matthieu Ricard was born and raised in France. He had the makings of a stellar career in science, studying in his student days with a Nobel-prize winning scientist. But throughout his 20's, he shifted his interests more and more towards spirituality. For the past 30 years, he has lived and studied as a Tibetan Buddhist, in Nepal. He often serves as the French translator for the Dalai Llama.

Ricard is a man who knows science. And, as a Frenchman, is deeply familiar with pessimism. He says, in France, happiness is considered boring, while pessimism and misery is considered quite interesting. "Happiness is only for the naive" is a common Western mindset. However, Ricard says: "Not true."

Not only is happiness interesting - it is a skill, a challenging skill to be acquired only through intense practice. Pessimism, on the other hand, is boring - for it creates apathy, and a general lack of zest for life.

As a man deeply interested in science, Ricard knows what he's talking about. He explains amazing discoveries made by the Mind & Life Institute. Placed under MRI brain imaging, Tibetan monks have shown to experience far greater happiness and are more emotionally balanced than any 'average' person. Scientists can gauge happiness by the amount of activity in the frontal lobe related to positive emotions. (There's also a section of the brain related to negative emotion, and criticism, which remains relatively dormant.)

In one experiment, testing what's called a "startle" reflex - something that every human has (it's an uncontrolled flinch of one's facial muscles that occurs whenever a loud noise goes off) - a spiritually advanced monk was monitored for this reflex. When the loud noise went off, unlike anyone else ever tested, he did NOT flinch. The heart rate still went up, but the fear and flinch reflex were less apparent than in any experiment to date. Meaning: there is scientific proof that meditation grants a person peace of mind.

This feat is accomplished through a sort of mind jujitsu - a way of keeping one's thoughts in balance. And one can accomplish it through egolessness and unattachment. Not that Ricard promotes sitting on a mat, and meditating all day. He promotes ambition, a strong willingness to help others, and a general enthusiasm in taking up various activities. But acquiring emotional equilibrium can be difficult, but ultimately rewards the person who practices it. This discipline, Ricard explains, is the "secret" to life-long happiness.

Most points have been made by the other reviews, I don't disagree with them. This book offers insight with the feel-good factor, all explained both thoroughly and clearly. It avoids chocolatey platitudes and the psychological cushions of the self-help industry - although the language is occasionally a little soapy (hence four stars rather than five). Overall, an excellent book, and one I recommend highly for anyone in need of a meaningful lift.

I liked the book. However, Buddhism seems to negate on'e humanity. It seems that the Author and
other Buddhists attempt to be Roses without Thorns. I think we must embrace our worldliness
and individuality (ego ) as well as our nobility and spirituality. The authors quest seems like
self-imprisonment and perhaps self-denial.
I think it is most important that we love accept ourselves as well as each other.