Self Importance- curse of the Western world

Nepal, Sagamartha National Park, on way back from Kalapatar III

I discovered the writing of Matthieu Ricard, (Buddhist monk, photographer, and author) while in Nepal in a small book store in Kathmandu. I understand he has lived and worked in the Himalayan region for forty years.

"By Breaking down our sense of self importance,
all we lose is a parasite that has long infected our minds.
What we gain is freedom, openness of mind, spontaneity,
simplicity, altruism: all qualities inherent in happiness."

Matthieu Ricard France 1946-