The Art of Meditation

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.

"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
"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

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. 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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