Why Meditate?

Working with Thoughts and Emotions
by Matthieu Ricard | Hay House © 2010 · 149 pages

Why Meditate? According to Ricard, the ultimate reason is to transform ourselves so we can transform our world. That works for me! In this Note, we check out my favorite Big Ideas on working out our mindfulness muscles, looking at the power of neuroplasticity and highlighting the fact that it’s *all* about the consistent practice, working on our consciousness thought after thought and emotion by emotion.


It is a pity to underestimate the capacity we have to transform our minds. Each of us possesses the potential needed to free ourselves from the mental states that perpetuate our own suffering and that of others--the potential to find inner peace for ourselves and contribute to the happiness of all beings.
Matthieu Ricard

“Over the course of the last ten years, I have also participated in several research programs intended to document the long-term effects of meditation practice on the brain and on behavior. This research has shown that it is possible to make significant progress in developing qualities such as attention, emotional balance, altruism, and inner peace. Other studies have also demonstrated the benefits of meditating for 20 minutes a day for a period of six to eight weeks. These benefits include a decrease in anxiety, in vulnerability from pain, and in the tendency toward depression and anger, as well as strengthening the power of attention, boosting the immune system, and increasing one’s general well-being. Thus, no matter what point of view you approach it from—whether that of personal transformation, the development of altruistic love, or physical health—meditation emerges as a factor essential for leading a balanced life, rich in meaning.”

~ Matthieu Ricard from Why Meditate?

Matthieu Ricard is a Buddhist monk who left a promising career in cellular genetics before leaving France to study Buddhism in the Himalayas over 37 years ago. Actively involved in the research on mindfulness and dubbed the happiest person in the world by various publications, he’s an ideal guide to helping us get our meditation on.

And, this book is PACKED with Big Ideas.

If you’re looking for a quick-reading “Why to?” and “How to?” on meditation (with an emphasis on some of the spiritual dimensions), it’s definitely a good choice.

For now, let’s take a peek at some of my favorite Big Ideas! :)

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About the author

Authors

Matthieu Ricard

Buddhist monk, photographer and author