Matthieu Ricard, “happiest person in the world’, to speak in Phuket today

PHUKET: World-renowned Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard will explore the complex topic of altruism and its role in the modern world in a special free-admission talk at the Thanyapura Mind Center in Thalang, Phuket, this afternoon.

As a postgraduate student in science at the renowned Institut Pasteur in the 1960s, the young Mr Ricard embarked on a spiritual journey that saw him travel East to meet the great spiritual masters of Tibet.

Currently residing at Shechen Tennyi Dargyeling Monastery in Nepal, the Frenchman now journeys around the globe giving talks and serving as the personal French-language interpreter for the Dalai Lama.

An acclaimed photographer and prolific writer, Mr Ricard has been dubbed as “the happiest person in the world” by popular media. His discussion at Thanyapura today is expected to offer insights into the true nature of happiness, and how it can be attained by cultivating altruism – training a person’s mind to be more caring and compassionate.

Tonight’s talk will take place in the Retreat Teaching Hall at the Thanyapura Mind Center, from 5:30pm to 7pm.

Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.

For more information, click here or contact the Thanyapura Mind Centre at 076-336000; or by email to mcdirector@thanyapura.com.

— Stephen Fein