WCCM Theme 2026: Emphasizing Compassion in Times of Uncertainty, Matthieu Ricard (Recording)
Speaker: Matthieu Ricard The future of religion may well rest on the shared cultivation of wisdom and compassion. If religious traditions can sincerely reaffirm the call to love, to care for others, and to refrain from harm, they will remain deeply relevant. Such an orientation must be grounded in genuine inner transformation. In an uncertain and fragile world, religions will retain their meaning to the extent that they offer individuals the means to tame destructive mental states — such as hatred, greed, and pride — and to foster solidarity through a clear recognition of our common humanity. Altruistic love and compassion, which lie at the very foundation of all religious traditions, provide the common ground where they can meet and work together. From a Buddhist perspective, interreligious harmony is therefore not merely desirable but a profound necessity, essential for collaborating toward a more humane and compassionate world. Matthieu Ricard A former researcher in molecular genetics, Buddhist monk, author, photographer, and founder of humanitarian projects in Asia, Matthieu Ricard has lived in the Himalayas for over fifty years. He is the author of numerous books, including A Plea for Happiness, A Plea for Altruism, and Notes of a Wandering Monk. He devotes all of his royalties to humanitarian projects with the Karuna-Shechen association, which he founded in 2000 and which helps more than 500,000 people annually in India, Nepal, and Tibet in the areas of health, education, and extreme poverty. He is an international best-selling author and a prominent speaker on the world stage, celebrated at the World Economic Forum at Davos, forums at the United Nations, and ad TED where his talks on happiness and altruism have been viewed by over seven million people. He is a charismatic figure who has captured the minds and hearts of people all over the world.