Essential reading - Rated 
I doubt any review could do this book justice. It is a rare thing: a book that is both powerful & deep . . . AND light and joyous; it is both well written, so that reading it is a pleasure, and thought-provoking and even challenging, such that we might need to allow many weeks if not months to allow it's messages to sink in.
Matthieu admits that he is a happy man and this shines through in every chapter. So too does both his knowledge and life experiences of both scientific and Buddhist thinking and practice. His ability to blend these two, often apparently contradictory schools, into a coherent and convincing approach to his subject is a special talent. Besides achieving all this in 'A guide to developing life's most important skill' (the sub-title) this true sage of an author also makes the topic accessible to anyone and everyone.
This book should be a standard text in all schools. It's message is not only profound but urgently needed in today's world: we CAN all be happy! OK, it might not be a quick fix, but after reading this book you'll be ready, and well prepared, for a journey to our natural, inner essence: of happiness through awareness and compassion.
Amongst the many positive qualities of this book are the regular exercises to help the reader understand his points through first-hand experience . . . and wonderful quotes from the many wise-men (from many different backgrounds and faiths) he's had the pleasure to share his path with.
There is perhaps one compliment that only another author can give to another: if I had to recommend a book to somebody and had to choose between one of my own and this one . . . I'd choose Matthieu's every time . . . and be happy to do so.
Why meditate? - Rated
I found this book to be a great introduction to meditation and buddhism. Certainly it is thought provoking.
I would say however that buddhism is a religion like any other in that it has concepts to consider - such as that at our core everyone is 100% good, that being nice to other people makes you happy, and that to remove suffering "all" you have to do is remove attachment. Unlike other religions you are free to pick and choose which concepts you want to believe in.
Regardless this book really explains the benefits of meditation - and is a good introduction to buddhism if you choose to explore it further.
life changing - Rated
This book really does what it says. Ricard offers a simple insight into the budhist perspective and in doing so provides a guide to improving your life that can be followed by anyone, budhist or not. Ricard explains every concept so thoroughly and presents his arguments so clearly you cannot help but see the logic behind what he is saying.
Ricard shares Gold nugget of knowledge!! - Rated
Ricard constructs a very evidence based and convincing argument around the theory that Buddhism can actually improve and enrich life and personal freedoms. He succeeds in makjng what could be viewed as an overwhelming subject into very accessible bite sized pieces. Pieces that not only build a credible argument but actually lead to the brain `plasticity' he so believes (as do many neuroscientists, with reason!).
After reading various books around the new science of Happiness , I ma convinced this is far the most practical. While I admire Richard Layards work, his practical advice about achieving what he professes appears to be missing. Small exercises Ricard provides illustrate each chapter, whilst also preparing you mentally for the next chapter!!! Genius!!!
As an atheist, THIS suggests that religion, or at the very least, its practices in medication and linked principles, can actually enrich your life...VERY Good!! Enjoy! If you find the book laborious and boring, you are entering the wrong subject area! Simple as...........
Read this book! - Rated
I haven't stopped going on about how much I love this book since I first picked it up!
A friend gave it to me and I am thoroughly enjoying it. It's written in a really interesting way with lots of scientific research mixed in with Budhist wisdom.
I would heartily reccomend it. It is very thought provoking and has made me start to change some of the ways I think about things already.
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