Quotes from Matthieu Ricard

eudaimonia, one of the Greek words translated as "happiness," implies flourishing, fulfillment, accomplishment

Understanding that the essential nature of consciousness is neutral permits us to understand that it is possible to change our mental universe. We can transform the content of our thoughts and experiences.

Rather than distinguishing between emotions and thoughts, Buddhism is more concerned with understanding which types of mental activity are conducive to one's own and others' well-being, and which are harmful, especially in the long run.

Happiness is not given to us, nor is misery imposed. At every moment we are at a crossroads and must choose the direction we will take.

The fleeting experience of pleasure is dependent upon circumstance, on a specific location or moment in time. It is unstable by nature, and the sensation it evokes soon becomes neutral or even unpleasant. Likewise, when repeated it may grow insipid or even lead to disgust;

Pleasure is exhausted by usage, like a candle consuming itself. It is almost always linked to an activity and naturally leads to boredom by dint of being repeated.

Instead of turning your attention to the "target," simply stare attentively at the emotion itself. You will see that it cannot sustain itself and soon runs out of steam.

Dividimos el mundo entero en "deseable" e "indeseable", concedemos permanencia a lo que es efímero y percibimos como cualidades autónomas lo que en realidad es una red infinita de relaciones que cambian sin cesar.

the "mindfulness" of Buddhism — can play in the process. Recognizing the emotion at the very moment it forms, understanding that it is but a thought, devoid of intrinsic existence, and allowing it to dissipate spontaneously so as to avoid the chain reaction it would normally unleash are all at the heart of Buddhist contemplative practice.

Pleasure is the happiness of madmen, while happiness is the pleasure of sages," wrote the French novelist and critic Jules Barbey d'Aurevilly.

Parecemos con demasiada frecuencia un caminante exhausto que lleva un pesado saco al hombro llena de una mezcla de provisiones y piedras. ¿No sería más razonable dejarlo un momento en el suelo para separar una cosa de otra y aligerar la carga?.

change, even a tiny one, in the way we manage our thoughts and perceive and interpret the world can significantly change our existence. Changing the way we experience transitory emotions leads to a change in our moods and to a lasting transformation of our way of being. Such "therapy" targets the sufferings that afflict most of us and seeks to promote the optimal flourishing of the human being.

Thus, little by little, through training the mind, you can change your habitual way of being.

According to Buddhism, suffering will always exist as a universal phenomenon, but every individual has the potential for liberation from it.

Few of us would regret the years it takes to complete an education or master a crucial skill. So why complain about the perseverance needed to become a well-balanced and truly compassionate human being?

to the waves and the depths of the ocean. A storm may be raging at the surface, but the depths remain calm. The wise man always remains connected to the depths. On the other hand, he who knows only the surface and is unaware of the depths is lost when he is buffeted by the waves of suffering. But how, you might ask, can I avoid being shattered

First we conceive the "I" and grasp onto it. Then we conceive the "mine" and cling to the material world. Like water trapped on the water wheel, we spin in circles, powerless. I praise the compassion that embraces all beings. – Chandrakirti

Nature has evolved to be the inventor of complexity. Just as a jazz musician embroiders around a theme, thus improvising new melodic phrases according to his inspiration and the public's reactions, nature plays spontaneously with the physical laws that were fixed at the start of the universe. It uses them to create novelty9

Take care of the minutes, for the hours will take care of themselves," Lord Chesterfield once told his son. This is the best path to gradual change.

Had I renounced the Western world? Renunciation, at least as Buddhists use the term, is a much-misunderstood concept. It is not about giving up what is good and beautiful. How foolish that would be! Rather it is about disentangling oneself from the unsatisfactory and moving with determination toward what matters most. It is about freedom and meaning—freedom from mental confusion and self-centered afflictions, meaning through insight and loving-kindness.

Happiness is thus viewed as being just a deceptively calm moment in the middle of a storm.

Others, however, point out that science is incapable of revealing all truths, and that while technology has produced huge benefits, the ravages it has caused are at least as great. What is more, science is silent when it comes to providing wisdom about how we should live.

The now that passes produces time, the now that remains produces eternity.

In vain he flees his troubles on a horse — They share the saddle and see him on his course.4