Internationally renowned Buddhist monk, author, and scientist Matthieu Ricard, Ph.D. (Biochemistry) comes to Vancouver for the first time on March 9-11 to give four free talks on how changing your thought processes can help make you happier. In his new book, Happiness: A Guide to Developing Life's Most Important Skill (Little, Brown), Ricard describes in accessible language how the regular, long-term practice of "mental training," or meditation, significantly enhances one’s ability to concentrate, manage stress, and enjoy life.

Mr. Ricard is giving four free talks, open to the public:

Training the Mind: Science & Spirituality
Friday, March 9, 12:30 - 1:00 Media Conference followed by
1:00 - 2:30 pm talk
UBC Student Union Building, Norm Theatre (Auditorium)

Change Yourself: Change the World
Saturday, March 10, 12:30 - 2:30 pm
Ridge Theatre (3131 Arbutus Street @ 15th Avenue)

Contemplative Life and Active Life
Sunday, March 11, 10:00 am – Noon
Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society (2495 Victoria Drive)

Cultivating the Inner Conditions for Authentic Happiness
Sunday, March 11, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
UBC Robson Square (800 Robson Street, Campus level)

A one-hour book signing session will follow each free lecture (except at the Tung Lin Kok Yuen, Canada Society lecture), with books available for sale.

For more information, including lecture locations and directions, please visit www.ricard.cfis.ubc.ca, and RSVP on the website for a chance to win a free signed copy of Happiness.

This event is made possible by UBC’s College for Interdisciplinary Studies, The Institute of Asian Research, The Department of Asian Studies, and The Tung Lin Kok Yuen Canada Foundation.