Subscribe to our newsletter
The latest Core Spirit news, articles, and products, sent straight to your inbox.


Matthieu Ricard

Confirmed Luminary

Matthieu Ricard

Matthieu Ricard is a French Buddhist writer and monk who’s lived in a monastery in Nepal for over 37 years. While he’s been there, he’s been a disciple of great Buddhist masters. His spiritual adventure began in 1979 when he decided to swap his brilliant scientific career for the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. In fact, he contributed a lot to the idea of the union of East and West; of science and spirituality.

In addition to his many humanitarian projects, Matthieu Ricard is an active member of the Mind and Life Institute. This institution has conducted numerous scientific studies on mental training, meditation practices, and brain plasticity.

After a life dedicated to the visionary projects of his masters, we’ve compiled some of the keys to his life. What can lead a man to completely abandon business success in order to live in Nepal? How can a man of science strip himself of everything in order to embrace spirituality?

His first years and his contact with Buddhism

Matthieu Ricard was born in France in 1946. From a very young age, he frequented the French intellectual circles his family belonged to. His father was a philosopher, journalist, and writer; and his mother, a renowned painter.

Matthieu complemented his education with studies in classical music, photography, and ornithology. He received his Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from the Institut Pasteur, under the supervision of one of his mentors, French Nobel Prize winner, François Jacob.

After he completed his studies at the Pasteur Institute, Matthieu Ricard decided to leave the scientific world and focus on the practice of Tibetan Buddhism.

In 1972, he traveled to northern India and settled in the Himalayas. There, he trained and studied with several of the great Buddhist masters. This contact with Buddhist spirituality ended up making Ricard a very close disciple of Master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche.

His master was a visionary who dedicated his life to the consolidation of many temples, schools, and monasteries. These are locations dedicated to the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhist teachings. Since the death of his master in 1991, Matthieu Ricard immersed himself in continuing the work he had begun, dedicating all his time and energy to this goal.

Matthieu Ricard and his humanitarian projects

To date, Matthieu Ricard has developed 110 humanitarian projects in Tibet. Some noteworthy examples are the creation of health clinics, schools, and numerous bridges and infrastructures. One of the schools was built to care for and train more than 800 orphaned children who were crossing the Himalayan border into Nepal. This school has also taken in hundreds of older people.

Matthieu Ricard is co-director of the Buddhist monastery of Shechen in Nepal. From this place, he developed Khyentse Rinpoche’s projects. Ricard is also the author of many books that help to bring together and understand different cultures, particularly the Western and Eastern cultures. All the profits he collects from his publications are used to finance his humanitarian causes.

Ricard has set up foundations for international distribution and has obtained major affiliates in the rest of the world who collaborate on his projects in Bhutan, Nepal, and India. In recognition of his work in preserving Himalayan cultures, he was awarded the French National Order by French President Françoise Mitterrand in 1989.

The connection with the West

He has accompanied the Dalai Lama in recent decades as a personal interpreter on his trips to French-speaking countries. He’s a particularly active member of the Mind and Life Institute, led by professor and specialist in neuroplasticity, Richard J. Davison. Ricard has also taken part in trials at Princeton, Berkeley, Maastrich, and Leipzig Universities.

Matthieu Ricard participated in a study conducted by the University of Wisconsin. There, he underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) tests that yielded amazing results. Ricard has achieved the highest known level of human activity in the left prefrontal cortex.

The left prefrontal cortex is an area associated with positive emotions, which is really significant. Matthieu Ricard reached levels of -0.45. This was a really unusual result that earned him the nickname of “the happiest man in the world”. The results of this study constitute the fifth most consulted scientific study in history.

The keys to being the “happiest man in the world”

When he heard these surprising results, he said he wasn’t the only one. He stressed that the key lies in his meditation training in love and compassion. As far as he’s concerned, these results simply prove, once again, the great benefits of meditation.

Furthermore, these results can perhaps show that his humanitarian work and the connection with spirituality, stripped of the material influences, may have had an influence.

Matthieu Ricard’s work has been translated into 21 languages and sold in several countries. All his literary work has made a valuable contribution to the understanding of human nature and the world.

Some of the most well-known titles are: In Defense of Happiness, In Defense of Animals, and Infinity in the Palm of the Hand. In the latter, he reflects a conversation with the astrophysicist Trinh Xuan Thuan and establishes a dialogue between cultures.

Getting to know Mattieu Ricard is synonymous with getting to know spirituality. In addition to that, there’s an attempt to reconcile the West and Buddhism. At the same time, reading his works is a totally inspiring and reflective experience. Perhaps happiness isn’t as far away as it may seem, but it certainly does require certain effort and dedication.

Recommended luminaries
Brian Tracy

Brian Tracy is Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International, a company specializing in the training and development of individuals and organizations Brian's goal is to help you achieve your personal and business goals faster and easier than you ever
imagined.

Brian Tracy has consulted for more than 1,000 companies and addressed more than 5,000,000 people in 5,000 talks and seminars throughout the US, Canada and 70 other countries worldwide. As a Keynote speaker and seminar leader, he addresses more than 250,000 people each year.

He has studied, researched, written and spoken for 30 years in the fields of economics, history, business, philosophy and psychology. He is the top selling author of over 70 books that have been translated into dozens of languages.

He has written and produced more than 300 audio and video learning programs, including the worldwide, best-selling Psychology of Achievement, which has been translated into more than 28 languages.

He speaks to corporate and public audiences on the subjects of Personal and Professional Development, including the executives and staff of many of America's largest corporations. His exciting talks and seminars on Leadership, Selling, Self-Esteem, Goals, Strategy, Creativity and Success Psychology bring about immediate changes and long-term results.

Prior to founding his company, Brian Tracy International, Brian was the Chief Operating Officer of a $265 million dollar development company. He has had successful careers in sales and marketing, investments, real estate development and syndication, importation, distribution and management consulting. He has conducted high level consulting assignments with several billion-dollar plus corporations in strategic planning and organizational development. He has traveled and worked in over 107 countries on six continents, and speaks four languages. Brian is happily married and has four children. He is active in community and national affairs, and is the President of three companies headquartered in Solana Beach, California.

Evan Carmichael

Evan Carmichael

Evan Carmichael is an entrepreneur who started doing what he loves, built then sold a biotech software company at the early age of 19. At 22, he was a VC helping companies to raise $500,000 to $15 million. He soon found that he had a true passion for helping others, and used that drive to help others. Evan works hand in hand with entrepreneurs to help them accomplish their hopes and dreams. He stated that his goal is to help 1 billion entrepreneurs in his life. The only thing stronger than his friendly personality is his drive to help others meet the success that he achieved.

When he gets down to the basics, the drivers for him are the Big Why and the Little Why. The Big Why is that he wants to help a billion entrepreneurs. It gets Evan excited every day, he wakes up and goes, he wants to help entrepreneurs. He said that he is lucky because he found what he is super passionate about. It fuels him, it fills his soul. It is important to have that level of passion in what you are doing. So his Big Why helps him focus on what he wants to do, and that keeps him inspired. His Little Whys are the actual help that he gives the entrepreneurs and the feedback. His Little Why is daily consistent reminders that what he is doing is helping people.

Yasmin Boland

Yasmin Boland

Journalist turned astrologer and New Age writer, Yasmin Boland, has been scouring the skies for insights for over 10 years. Passion turned to profession when she realised just how much the astrological ‘weather’ affects everyone, herself included, and she started writing about it.

As a result, she’s now read by millions of people each week via her astrology and New Age columns in publications including the Sunday Telegraph, madison, Cleo and New Idea. She also writes the daily Stars for Yahoo! Australia and New Zealand, and for various US and UK sites. Her website www.moonology.com is one of the most popular astrology sites in Australia with around 850,000 page views a month. She also has a strong social networking base.

Yasmin takes her craft seriously, and as well as having completed formal journalistic training early on in her career, she also considers herself an on-going student of astrology. She’s a member of the Sydney Astrological Research Society (SARS) and in 2009 she presented seminars on “Fixed Star Algol, Medusa and the re-emergence of the Divine Feminine” at SARS and the Astrology Association of New South Wales (AANSW).

Yasmin is often called upon to comment on the stars on television (the Kerri-Anne Kennerley show) and has a monthly gig on radio (Mix FM’s Body and Soul show).

Her reach extends internationally: over the years she has written columns for publications and websites based in Australia, UK, USA, South Africa, Malaysia and Abu Dhabi, and has followers across the world.

She’s also the author of several books – two novels, one non-fiction book and two series of astrology books published in Australia, the UK and India and distributed internationally.

Yasmin was born in Germany of Maltese/English heritage and grew up in Tasmania, then moved to live and work in Sydney, London and Paris. She’s now married with a son and is pretty much happy to spend time wherever she can find a good modem connection and some good local culture!

Related practitioners from respective fields

View All
Nichole Edmond
Norfolk, VA, USA
Horoscopic Astrology
Other Divinations
Oracle Cards Reading
Spiritual Healing
Tarot Reading

Hi! I'm Nichole, Divination & Mindset GuideSS - while I may not be not your average tarot reader, I will be your favorite!

During your time of uncertainty I apply my advanced studies in Psychology, Biology, & Metaphysics with my favorite divination tool - tarot. Providing you with the most guidance, clarity, and advice you need to move forward.

Lavanya Kumar Shrivastava
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Mindfulness meditation
NLP
Erickson Hypnosis
Clinical Hypnosis (Hypnotherapy)
Cognitive-behavioral therapy

I wish to build awareness amongst people about SELF IMAGE.I suffered a lot.!!!! Through initial stages of my life due to hurt SELF IMAGE. I rebuild it by reprogramming my subconcious mind.

I went through an amazing unfolding and transformation. I practice mind reprogramming through combining various techniques that I have learned over the years. NLP, CBT, REBT, SILVA ESP MIND CONTROL, HYPNOSIS.

Gemma Sheppard
Hanoi, Vietnam
Life Coaching
NLP
Social Psychology
Career Coaching

Gemma BSc (Hons) is an empowerment coach who is fully committed to her clients. Using her extensive psychology knowledge and direct approach, Gemma helps clients re-evaluate their goals and motivations. Having Gemma alongside you on your journey, will give you the support and motivation you need to make positive change and stick to it.

preferred practitioner marker bg
Preferred Practitioner
ad
Mateusz Bajerski
London, UK
Angel Healing
Spirit Guides
Trance
Clinical Hypnosis (Hypnotherapy)
Healing Power of Forgiveness

Connect with your Higher Self.
Remember who you are.

London-based spiritual consultant incorporating hypnotherapy | BA Philosophy, MA Cognitive Science, Dip. Hyp. HNWHP (PHPA ®) | Trained at the practice of the renowned Dr Andrzej Kaczorowski & Dr Aleksander Daniłow, a psychotherapist in clinical hypnosis–their combined experience is over 90 years

Holly Cole
273 NW 182nd Ave, Beaverton, OR 97006, USA

Hello! I am a professional Tarot card reader of 13+ years and LOVE getting to connect with people through Tarot. My style of Tarot is somewhat like a spiritual counseling session & is filled with understanding, love, & validation. Although I am new to Corespirit, I have all five-star reviews on other sites I practice on. Tarot can be a wonderful way to see the path your on, shift energy, & heal.

Carmel Sastre
Spain
Reiki
Spiritual Healing
Chakra Balancing
Crystal healing

Energy Healer with successful results with my Remote Distant Energy Healing sessions and Chakra balancing.
I created my own Psychic Energy and Spiritual Healing Technique registered as ChakraAura® after having help hundreds of people around the world with pain, stress, and more.
I have more than 25 year’s experience working with different healing modalities such as Reiki, Pranic Healing, …

Jo Green - The Health and Mind Coach
Liston Crescent, Cockle Bay, Auckland 2014, New Zealand
NLP
Clinical Hypnosis (Hypnotherapy)
Personal Development Coaching
Career Coaching

Hi! I’m Jo and I’m a certified Life Coach, Health Coach, NLP Practitioner and Advanced Clinical Hypnotherapist. I work predominantly with women, helping them to get rid of anxiety and chronic stress, grow their self belief and self worth and create a life they love. Living with anxiety feels like putting on a mask each day and I help women to get rid of that mask for good.

Olga Aydınoğlu
Turkey
Spiritual Healing
Art Therapy
Shamanic Healing
Third Eye Meditation
BodyTalk

Hi, my name is Olga. I have been having visions of the non-3D realm since I was a child. Today, through my Third Eye visions / Psychic Perception, I spend my time discovering how the universe functions, how the human functions, how we find ourselves in a particular reality, and how we create it. I help people rediscover why they have created the reality they experience today and how to change it.

Registered individuals enjoy all the possibilities of Core Spirit.