Although empathy is crucial for successful social interactions, excessive sharing of others negative emotions may be maladaptive and constitute asource of burnout. To investigate functional neural plasticity underlying the augmentation of empathy and to test the counteracting potential ofcompassion, one group of participants was first trained in empathic resonance and subsequently in compassion. In response… Read more »

Matthieu Ricard discusses the concept of eduring happiness according to the Buddhist perspective, and how the Dalai Lama embodies this skill that can be cultivated. Download the article

The authors explain how scientific research on Buddhist meditators shows that mental training can induce short-term and long-term neural changes. Download the article

This study investigates the effects of two type of meditation – open presence and focused – on a meditator’s defensive response to a startle stimulus during the meditation. Download the article

This paper presents a Buddhist perspective on the achievement of durable happiness and the nature of afflictive and nonafflictive emotions. Download the article

Based on the theoretical model set down by Michaël Dambrun and Matthieu Ricard on the distinction between self-centeredness and selflessness, this study proposes findings on how a self-centered psychological functioning only produces fluctuating happiness while a selfless functioning leads to durable happiness. Download the article

In this paper, Michaël Dambrun and Matthieu Ricard explore a theoretical model according to which authentic-durable happiness is linked to a selfless psychological functioning. Download the article