Omm Pack

What does it take to be happy?We've all asked ourselves this question at some point, but few of us have found the path to lasting fulfilment. David Michie thought he had achieved his life's goals - the high level job, the expensive city apartment, the luxury car, great holidays - but a small voice was telling him he wasn't really happy. A chance remark from a naturopath sent him to his local Buddhist centre. There, he began the most important journey of his life. In this simple, but beautifully written book, David Michie opens the door to the core teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.With wry, self-deprecating humour, he shows us how he began to incorporate Buddhist practices into his daily life. He explains how he came to understand the difference between the temporary pleasures of ordinary life, and the profound sense of well-being and heart-felt serenity that comes from connecting with our inner nature.If meditation was available in capsule form, it would be the biggest selling drug of all time. It has been scientifically proven to deliver highly effective stress relief, boost our immune systems and dramatically slow the ageing process. It has also been shown to make us much happier and more effective thinkers. Given all the physical and psychological benefits, why aren't more of us doing it?In his thought-provoking and entertaining book, David Michie explains the nuts and bolts of meditation. As a busy professional, as well as a long-term meditator, he also gives a first-hand account of how to integrate this transformational practice into everyday life. Combining leading edge science with timeless wisdom, Hurry Up and Meditate provides all the motivation and tools you need to achieve greater balance, better health and a more panoramic perspective on life.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 life-long process even for the wisest, The Art of Meditation demonstrates that by practising it on a daily basis we can change our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. In this brilliantly inspiring book, Matthieu Ricard talks us through the theory, spirituality and practical aspects of meditation. He illustrates each stage of his teaching with examples, leading each reader 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, Matthieu Ricard demonstrates the significant benefits that meditation, based on selfless love and compassion, can bring to each of us.

"A practical, inspirational piece for our uncertain times, it lends itself perfectly to Nicholas Bell's soothing, familiar voice." -- Australian Bookseller & Publisher
"Michie demystifies the ancient teachings of Buddha, and writes about them in an easy style." -- The Sunday Mail
"For those who have been searching for a sincere, accessible introduction to Tibetan Buddhism ... this is your book ... Michie employs storytelling and humor without being falsely enthusiastic or superficial." -- Shambhala Sun
"David Michie ... describes [the Tibetan Buddhist] inner path to a more peaceful and rounded life." -- Spirituality and Practice
"This compact, humorous, and informative book demystifies the practice of meditation . . . an especially good read." -- Mandala magazine
"Enlightening and impressively reasonable...A painless and jargon-free introduction to the psychology of Buddhism." -- The Sunday Times
"A wonderful book – easy to read and full of anecdotal advice geared to the general reader rather than the philosopher or follower of any particular spiritual tradition." -- Yoga and Health
"Matthieu Ricard combines the talents of a philosopher and scientist...He reminds us that to change individuals is also, ultimately, to change the world." -- George Soros
A novelist and former Type A executive offers a touching memoir about how Tibetan Buddhism transformed his life. Anesthetized by the mind’s internal chatter and the temporary pleasures of modern life, many people overlook the freedom they have to choose their internal reactions to life’s insults and tragedies. They’re trapped by their habits and appetites, oppressed by the impulse to control everything. With his nuanced phrasing and perfectly natural diction, British actor Nicholas Bell adds enormous appeal to this elegant personal lesson. His understated vocal presence, combined with the author’s humility and practical grasp of his subject, gives the production irresistible charm and accessibility. This beautifully rendered, beguiling introduction to meditation and Buddhist thought will help listeners consider realms of being they don’t ordinarily visit. -- AudioFile Magazine
"Michie skillfully takes meditation out of the hippy, trippy, New Age sentimental or magical realm and brings it down to the basic practical level that it is. His style is very simple and accessible. This book is for vaguely interested skeptics, a most difficult group to satisfy. That he succeeds in doing so makes this indeed a wonderful, highly commendable book" -- The Middle Way magazine
"An elegant and inspiring short guide to the art of meditation, from the bestselling author of "Happiness". Buddhist monk Ricard explains what meditation is, how it is done and what it can achieve, illustrating each stage of his teaching with examples." -- The Guardian
"As a long time meditator I bough this book because I heard it reviewed on the radio and like Ricard's clear style of writing. I was not disappointed, in fact I bought two more copies to give away. It is one of the most useful books I have come across to give to non-Buddhist friends who are a bit interested but also a bit , or a lot, sceptical about meditation. " -- Amazon

David Michie is a corporate communications consultant, published novelist and Buddhist practitioner who works in both Australia and the UK. Matthieu Ricard is a Buddhist monk who had a promising career in cellular genetics before leaving France to study Buddhism in the Himalayas thirty-five 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 divides his time between Tibet and Nepal, where he works on humanitarian projects. Nicholas Bell is an English actor who has worked in Australia for more than 20 years. He attended the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art in London and has performed in many theatre productions in London and Australia including Romeo & Juliet. Nicholas' television appearances include Inspector Morse, Frontline, Stingers, Blue Heelers and The Games which won the TV Week Logie for Most Outstanding Comedy Program in 2001. Films Nicholas has appeared in include Mission Impossible, The Craic and Shine. Humphrey Bower is a gifted and versatile actor. Since obtaining a BA (Hons) in English Language and Literature at Oxford University, he has worked extensively in theatre, television and audiobook narration. Humphrey won the prestigious Audie Award (US) for his performance of The Family Frying Pan by Bryce Courtenay, and was shortlisted for an Audie Award for his performances of Gould's Book of Fish by Richard Flanagan and Brother Fish by Bryce Courtenay. Humphrey's sensitive and intelligent readings are highly regarded and he is well-known for his capacity to perform a variety of accents.

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