Matthieu Ricard on Compasson

Matthieu Ricard shares his thoughts on compassion as part of the TEDPrize@UN celebration of the Charter For Compassion.




As a molecular geneticist turned Buddhist monk, Ricard brings a wholly unique perspective to the practice of meditation. Often referred to as "the happiest man in the world," he advises us in the ways to imbue our lives with a true sense of serenity and fulfillment. His latest book is entitled 'Why Meditate?' and available via all major booksellers.

All of the author's proceeds from the sale of this book go to Karuna-Shechen, a humanitarian organization that he founded to provide primary health care and education for the underserved populations of the Himalayan region.

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Nonprofits & Activism

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• Matthieu

[thepasture]

I like to look at the word 'compassion' from the Greek derfinition: understanding without judgement. Regardless, it gives me a sense of Peace to think that way. 

[scientrophic]

@bongrippar Your dictionary sounds like it needs a lot of work.

[eatcarpet]

@bongrippar Well I guess that's why you can't seem to take anything seriously.

[bongrippar]

@eatcarpet im scared help me omg

[bongrippar]

@plstne48 yes insult the way i type if you have nothing else to say lol. what a low blow!

[eatcarpet]

@bongrippar I guess you don't get any sleep at all since you seem to be so full of fear. You see, you seem to think that you're being tough and strong by lashing out... but you just come across as being so vulnerable and full of fear.

[plstne48]

@bongrippar I think you meant to say how do you "know." When you call me ignorant, you undercut your own argument when you make ignorant spelling errors. Haha, I kid. But on a serious note, I think you're filled with a lot of anger. I never claimed to say that I knew you, but your comments speak for themselves. And my statement still stands: it takes courage and strength to have compassion. Cynicism and apathy are easy. There's nothing "pussy" about compassion, as you said.

[bongrippar]

@eatcarpet whatever helps you sleep at night fag

[bongrippar]

@plstne48 how do u no what i believe u dont know me at all, ignorant ass

[eatcarpet]

@bongrippar Fear and vulnerability breed hostility, it takes courage and confidence to be compassionate.

[plstne48]

@bongrippar Thanks for proving my point once again. Perhaps I'm wasting my time, but I dare say beneath the exterior of your crude and ignorant demeanor there is a shred of compassion that resonates with what Matthieu Ricard is saying. After all, the Buddhist say we all have a Buddha Nature, even if it's covered under a veil of ignorance, or in your case, a pile. Contrary to what you believe, it takes real strength to be compassionate. Cynicism and apathy are easy. Strength isn't just physical.

[bongrippar]

@usasoft22 much of the same of what?