The Buddhist monk and bestselling author’s latest book tells the story of his spiritual journey. He discusses joy, suffering and how to foster happiness and health

I get anxious about interviews, I tell Matthieu Ricard moments after he appears on my computer screen in his red and saffron robes, his background, somewhere in the Dordogne region of France, discreetly blurred. He starts laughing uproariously before I can even get my confession out; he laughs frequently and infectiously throughout our call. “Really? In your job?” Yes, I reply. Does anything make him anxious? He considers the question. “Yes, missing planes or trains. Besides that, I don’t have many worries.”

This interview in particular feels intimidating. Ricard, 77, combines the rigour of a French intellectual (he has a PhD in cellular genetics, has written books on altruism, meditation and compassion for animals and translated numerous Buddhist texts into French and English) with the wisdom you get from 50-plus years of intense spiritual practice. I have the profundity of a Pop Tart and told a fruit fly to fuck off this morning; of course I’m anxious.

Continue reading…

You May Also Like

Robert Lewandowski deserves better than being told to shut up by Bayern Munich | Jonathan Wilson

After eight glorious years at the serial Bundesliga champions, the upright striker…

Rishi Sunak says no further action against Spencer over Ghani sacking

Prime minister makes announcement after official inquiry criticises but clears minister of…

Conviction of man for Lin and Megan Russell murders reviewed after Levi Bellfield confession

Exclusive: Levi Bellfield has twice confessed to 1996 murders despite Michael Stone…

Sunderland footballer Jack Diamond charged with rape and sexual assault

Washington-born winger is due to appear at court in May Club suspend…