35 years ago France native Matthieu Ricard left a promising career in genetics. His new area of study would be Budhism.
His new journey began in 1972, studying Tibetan Buddhism in the Himalayas. Since then he's been a Buddhist monk at the Shechen Monestary in Nepal, studying alongside Tibetan master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.
Today, Ricard is a translator to the Dalai Lama, a talented photographer, and the author of a new book, "Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill".
The book examines his research into brain plasticity and cognitive neuropsychology. It also contains his collaboration with neuroscientists and Buddhist practioners at the Mind and Life Institute too look at the connections between meditation, brain circuitry, and happiness.
His newest book, "Motionless Journey," includes Ricard's beautiful photography from a retreat near Kathmandu. He medidated daily and captured the landscapes that surrounded him.
Ricard is in the Twin Cities speaking on mind and body connections. You can hear him speak at the Annual Ruth Stricker Mind-Body at Northrop Auditorium on Friday, April 18th at 3:00 p.m.
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Click on the video link to watch the segment.
(Copyright 2008 by KARE 11. All Rights Reserved.)
