Why Meditate
by Matthieu Ricard (9781401926632)

How to manage your emotions with meditation…
In our modern world, we are consumed from morning till night with endless activity. We do not have much time or energy left over to consider the basic causes of our happiness or suffering. We imagine, more or less consciously, that if we undertake more activities we will have more intense experiences and, therefore, our sense of dissatisfaction will fade away. But the truth is that many of us continue to feel let down and frustrated by our contemporary lifestyle.
The aim of meditation is to transform the mind. It does not have to be associated with any particular religion. Every one of us has a mind and every one of us can work on it.
Very few people would say that there is nothing worth improving about the way they live and experience the world. However, some people regard their own particular weaknesses and conflicting emotions as something rich that contributes to the fullness of their lives. They believe this particular alchemy in their character is what makes them unique and think they should learn to accept themselves the way they are. They do not realize that this attitude can lead to a life of chronic discontent. Nor do they realize that they could help themselves with just a little reflection and effort.
Imagine that someone suggested you spend an entire day tormented by jealousy. Would you want to do that? I doubt it. If, on the other hand, someone suggested you spend that same day with your heart filled with love for all beings, you would probably be quite willing to do so. I’m sure you would find that infinitely preferable to a whole day of jealousy.
As things stand now, no matter what our preferences might be, our mind is often filled with troubles. We spend a great deal of time consumed by painful thoughts, plagued by anxiety or anger, licking the wounds we receive from other people’s harsh words. When we experience these kinds of difficult moments, we wish we could manage our emotions; we wish we could master our mind to the point where we could be free of these disturbing emotions that both disturb the mind and obscure it. It would be such a relief. However, since we don’t know how to achieve this kind of control, we take the point of view that, after all, this way of living is “normal” or “natural,” and that it is “human nature.” Everything that is found in nature is “natural,” but that does not necessarily make everything desirable. Illness, for example, comes to everybody, but does this prevent us from consulting a doctor?
Sometimes we do have moments of inner peace, of altruistic love, of deep-felt confidence; but for the most part, these are only fleeting experiences that quickly give way to other, less pleasant ones. What if we could train the mind to cultivate these wholesome moments? No doubt it would radically change our lives for the better. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to become better human beings and lead lives in which we experience inner fulfillment, while also relieving the suffering of others and contributing to their well-being?

Matthieu Ricard is a Buddhist monk, author, and photographer who had a promising career in cellular genetics before leaving France for a higher calling. For 40 years, Matthieu says he has had the good fortune to study with authentic spiritual masters who inspired him and illuminated his path in life. Now he shares his collective knowledge in his new book Why Meditate? for all those who have a sincere desire to meditate. Since 1989, he has served as the French interpreter for the Dalai Lama. As Matthieu says, “Each of us possesses the potential to find inner peace for ourselves and contribute to the happiness of all beings.” His book also includes a free Meditation CD to get you started!

USD $15.95

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