<i>Happiness</i> by Matthieu Ricard

The recommendation for this author came from my advisor. This book was much different than the other book on Zen Buddhism I have read: Watt's The Way of Zen. Watt covers more context and background for Zen Buddhism, where Ricard covers more of the application. Ricard includes exercises for improving one's thoughts and actions in context with the world. The exercises are good, but I would have to own the book (I got it from the library) so I could use it as a reference while practicing them.

Ricard focuses much of the text on compassion and using feelings of compassion to overcome negative emotions and generate true happiness for one's self.Partnered with that, is looking at negative emotions (anger, fear, jealousy, etc.) when they enter your mind as a way to break them apart. I've been trying the second and have found it to be some help as a way to stay focused on problems rather than people's attitudes/ignorance.

I would have liked for Ricard to have discussed further how to deal with more complicated judgements about producing happiness in others and showing compassion. For example, does engaging in aspects of modern society (marketing for example) increase happiness in the world? Also, I would have liked to see how one can resolve such actions with more compassionate goals or desires in life.

Otherwise, the book is well written. Ricard mixes in appropriate stories to demonstrate points that he is making. He also cites a number of modern psychological and brain imaging studies that support his statements and recommendations. Buddhism appears to have practices that are difficult to describe in text in a meaningful manner. Ricard, though, does well by adding the exercises to help the reader understand how the principles he describes can be used.

If you want to learn the context, history and tradition of Buddhism, pick up Watt's The Way of Zen (I may have an e-copy around if you are interested). If you are looking for more practical application and the relevance to today's society, read this book.

7/10