Article by Anujj Trehaan, for News by Tesapp.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/matthieu-ricard-the-happiest-man-in-the-world/story
The world has yet to fully grasp the essence and experience of true happiness. For some, it is a high-salaried job and owning a stunning property, for others it is marrying the love of their life and traveling around the globe. However, Matthieu Ricard, who is considered to be the “happiest man alive” by science has a different way of living life.
Ricard left his career in cellular genetics to pursue Buddhism
Ricard, who is a French writer, photographer, translator, and Buddhist monk today, left his career in cellular genetics 45 years ago to live a monastic life. Since then, he has become an international bestselling author and a speaker on various exclusive platforms in the world. He also preaches about altruism and happiness with his book Beyond the Self.
Here’s why he is dubbed ‘the happiest man alive’
Ricard is known as “the happiest man alive” after he was proven so by science. Yes, you read that right! A team of neuroscientists at the University of Wisconsin scanned the man’s brain when he was in deep meditation and found the highest capacity of happiness ever recorded in history. Strange as it may sound, the study was conducted for 12 long years!
The electroencephalogram recorded unprecedented levels of gamma waves
The research conducted back in 2004 demonstrated unprecedented levels of gamma waves, which, according to The Guardian, are associated with well-being and focus. The meditation he practiced had also activated a part of his brain associated with positive emotions.
He shares the secret to his happy life
During his speech at the World Economic Forum, Ricard revealed that it only takes 15 minutes a day to make a happy life. He shared that it is all about being benevolent and altruistic. “It’s simply that me, me, me all day long is very stuffy. And it’s quite miserable because you instrumentalize the whole world as a threat,” he was quoted saying.
Cultivate the qualities of benevolence, inner strength, inner freedom: Ricard
Ricard further urges people to cultivate the qualities of benevolence, inner strength, and inner freedom. He says that one should find pleasure in the little joys of life and believe that pleasure will fade away. “There’s nothing wrong with taking a hot shower after walking in the snow. But if you stay 24 hours in the shower, you won’t like it,” he explained.