Matthieu Ricard Compassion and Care
In this episode, Wendy speaks with the renowned Buddhist practitioner and author Matthieu Ricard. Matthieu was integral to the founding of contemplative science, serving as both a participant and co-investigator in many early studies, and has deep expertise in compassion, altruism, and well-being. This conversation covers many topics, including:\nhis roots in both science and Buddhism, and his appreciation for rigorous inquiry;\nhis role as a participant and collaborator in contemplative science;\nlessons from research on compassion vs. empathy;\nhow the self shows up (or doesn't) in compassion;\nlinks between self-focus and vulnerability;\nhedonia, eudiamonia, and self;\naltruism and our current crises;\nreconciling three time scales of concern;\nsentience, life, and interdependence;\ncaring for our whole interconnected system;\nthe practice of awe;\nusing photography to share basic human goodness;\nbalancing fame and monastic life;\nand a poignant example of his own personal experience of care.\nFull show notes and resources