In this book, Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard explains what meditation is, how it is done and what it can achieve. This is an authoritative and inspiring book where he sets out to answer these questions. Matthieu Ricard shows that we can change our understanding of ourselves and the world around us by practicing meditation. He illustrates each stage of his teaching with examples and talks us through its theory, spirituality and practical aspects of deep contemplation. Matthieu Ricard reveals the significant benefits that meditation can bring to each of us - based on selfless love and compassion through his experience as a monk, his close reading of sacred texts and his deep knowledge of the Buddhist masters.