Happiness

A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill

By: Matthieu Ricard

Narrated by: Humphrey Bower

Length: 9 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

A molecular biologist turned Buddhist monk demonstrates how to develop the inner conditions for true happiness.

Never has happiness as an emotional and physical state of being been so widely discussed. Matthieu Ricard is one of the most compelling voices on the subject, and one of the few who can bring together the teachings of eastern and western thought. In this accessible new work, Ricard provides a straightforward assessment of how to create true and lasting happiness. He addresses the pursuit of a meaningful life at its most fundamental level - the strengthening of the inner conditions that lead to genuine happiness. Ricard helps readers form new patterns of interaction with themselves and with the larger world, working toward happiness step by step, starting with 20 minutes of daily mind training and meditation.

©2007 Matthieu Ricard (P)2007 Bolinda Publishing

Disappointed

I found it really boring and never listened to the second in the series.

Excellent audio on happiness

One of the top books I have listened to on happiness. He defines what happiness is from the Buddhist perspective while taking into account western thought. This definition includes what happiness is not. Many of his arguments are supported by everyday observations that you can relate to. He views happiness as a skill and includes actions one can try during and summarized at the end of the audio. This will be an audio I listen to again.

Life Changing

Matthieu Ricard has structured an absolute foundation that will enable the listener or reader to look into the deepest levels of their spirit. He disassembles the barriers that so many people believe are common place for daily existence. I found the book to be "sacred" in the truest sense--my audio experience led to a hardback copy that is soiled by constant use as a daily guide to unfetter the emotional and illogical chains that defer and deteriorate genuine existence.

"Happiness" is the most meaningful book I have ever read. Do not embark on its pages if you are not willing to look at your life and the world around you through a totally different lens. Likewise, if you are willing to delve into a spiritual process that frames change, life, and literally each breath you take into an experience of profound meaning, then listen to this book. It is a wellspring that you will return to on a daily basis.

Happiness

It's truly been a God-send to me. When I get out of focus with my thinking, it brings me back. I go to it all the time.

Fantastic

This is a fantastic book. The content and message are direct and easy to digest. Humphrey Bower should narrate every book. It really is true that, with audio books, the narrator makes or breaks the experience. I highly recommend this audio book.

More science than you think, it makes you think

It's a book that makes you think, it had an impact on me and often think about what I've read in it. I was afraid it was going to go into religion, Matthieu Ricard being a Buddhist monk, after all, but it keeps as far away as he can from doing that. It's a great read for anybody interested in happiness.

not impressed

a little to self rightous, kind of like audible's "15 word minimum" for writing a view. my opinion is summed up in the first 5 word..

Unhappy

He spent the first 35 minutes telling how privledged he had been and how wonderful he was. It made me feel unhappy. Hard to listen to his message after that.

an interesting read

This was an interesting book and quite informative. Unfortunately it wasn't quite what I expected.

How we see our dream

A good way to accomplish our most universal goal, and enjoy the journey of life.