The Search for Happiness

Matthieu Ricard has often been called “the happiest man in the world.” I tend to agree with this statement based on my limited encounters with the man through Tricycle, Buddhadharma, Shambhala Sun, and other articles; Ted Talks, Google Talks and other videos; audio recording and books. Whenever I see his name arise in an email or otherwise, I immediately investigate, like these words of wisdom from Tricycle.com.

Here, he begins to define the search for happiness and answer the question, “What is happiness?”

What is Happiness? | March 17, 2015  The search for happiness is not about looking at life through rose-colored glasses or blinding oneself to the pain and imperfections of the world. Nor is happiness a state of exaltation to be perpetuated at all costs; it is the purging of mental toxins such as hatred and obsession that literally poison the mind. It is also about learning how to put things in perspective and reduce the gap between appearances and reality. To that end we must acquire a better knowledge of how the mind works and a more accurate insight into the nature of things, for in its deepest sense, suffering is intimately linked to a misapprehension of the nature of reality. – Matthieu Ricard, “A Way of Being” from Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill

According to Sylvia Boorstein, “Happiness is an Inside Job!”

According to Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, “Learn to love, enjoy and embrace what you have in the here and now. That’s all you really need to be happy.”

What elements in your life make you happy? Why do they make you happy? Can you be happy without them?

Books by Matthieu Ricard

Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life’s Most Important Skill by Matthieu Ricard A molecular biologist turned Buddhist monk, described by scientists as “the happiest man alive,” demonstrates how to develop the inner conditions for true happiness…. [Read More…]