What does it take to be happy?

We’ve all asked ourselves this question at some point, but few of us have found the path to lasting fulfilment. David Michie thought he had achieved his life’s goals - the high level job, the expensive city apartment, the luxury car, great holidays - but a small voice was telling him he wasn’t really happy. A chance remark from a naturopath sent him to his local Buddhist centre. There, he began the most important journey of his life. In this simple, but beautifully written book, David Michie opens the door to the core teachings of Tibetan Buddhism.

With wry, self-deprecating humour, he shows us how he began to incorporate Buddhist practices into his daily life. He explains how he came to understand the difference between the temporary pleasures of ordinary life, and the profound sense of well-being and heart-felt serenity that comes from connecting with our inner nature.

If meditation was available in capsule form, it would be the biggest selling drug of all time. It has been scientifically proven to deliver highly effective stress relief, boost our immune systems and dramatically slow the ageing process. It has also been shown to make us much happier and more effective thinkers. Given all the physical and psychological benefits, why aren’t more of us doing it?

In his thought-provoking and entertaining book, David Michie explains the nuts and bolts of meditation. As a busy professional, as well as a long-term meditator, he also gives a first-hand account of how to integrate this transformational practice into everyday life. Combining leading edge science with timeless wisdom, Hurry Up and Meditate provides all the motivation and tools you need to achieve greater balance, better health and a more panoramic perspective on life.

Wherever he goes, Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard is asked to explain what meditation is, how it is done and what it can achieve. In this elegant, authoritative and entirely accessible book, he sets out to answer these questions.

Although meditation is a life-long process even for the wisest, The Art of Meditation demonstrates that by practising it on a daily basis we can change our understanding of ourselves and the world around us. In this brilliantly inspiring book, Matthieu Ricard talks us through the theory, spirituality and practical aspects of meditation. He illustrates each stage of his teaching with examples, leading each reader deeper into their own practice.

Through his experience as a monk, his close reading of sacred texts and his deep knowledge of the Buddhist masters, Matthieu Ricard demonstrates the significant benefits that meditation, based on selfless love and compassion, can bring to each of us.