The Top 10 TED Talks On Buddhist Lifestyle: Mindfulness, Happiness, And Compassion

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If there was a list of tools on the internet that everyone loves to use for learning and inspiration, TED would probably be at the top of that list. After all, there aren’t many people that haven’t heard about this amazing organization. TED has become so popular, that they cover virtually every single facet of life in their talks; and speaking personally, I’ve found many of them to be incredibly inspiring. In fact, they’ve covered so much, that they’ve even discussed many of the ideals that make-up the spiritual lifestyle of Buddhism.

These 10 videos are my favorite out of the bunch.

SEE ALSO: 6 Ways to Regain Control of Your Life – Right Now!

The Habits of Happiness

One of my favorite TED talks of all time. This biochemist turned monk (Matthieu Ricard) talks about how we can train our minds and develop habits that will create a true sense of fulfillment and happiness.

 The Price of Happiness

Benjamin Wallace tried some of the world’s most expensive products, from wine, to food, to coffee, and came away with a very interesting perspective on what happiness is…and isn’t.

Compassion and the True Meaning of Empathy

Long-time Buddhist Joan Halifax shares her experience of working with those in the last stages of life, including hospice and death row. Her discovery of what compassion can do at that time in life is awe inspiring.

The Surprising Science of Happiness

One of the most popular TED talks ever on the topic of happiness. I love the message here. You can be happy, no matter what life throws your way.

The Technology of the Heart

Such a simple message, and yet so powerful. His Holiness the Karmapa talks about how he was discovered as a saintly reincarnated Buddhist monk, and why the heart is the best technology around.

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Want to be Happy? Be Grateful

I absolutely love this talk. Brother David Steindl-Rast, a life-long monk, gives a down-to-earth talk about the power of gratefulness. His humility and inner happiness shines through every word. If you think you might a person that moves too fast, this talk is for you.

All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes

This talk is all about the simplicity and renewal that can come from just noticing the life you’re living, and being present to the world around you. And as Andy Puddicombe points out, there’s no need for incense or sitting in awkward positions.

Want to be Happier? Stay in the Moment

When are we most happy? Like a scientist, Matt Killingsworth went about to find the answer to this question, but in an unconventional way. By building an app, Track Your Happiness, he discovered that people were at their happiest when they were lost in the moment. A great reminder of why the wandering mind distracts us from true happiness.

We can be Buddhas

Buddhist scholar Bob Thurman has spent a lifetime studying the world of technology and the meeting of the human spirit. He believes the meeting of the two will produce Buddhas everywhere. Definitely a thought provoking talk!

Less Stuff, more Happiness

Society often teaches us that the more we have, the happier we’ll be. But is that really true? I certainly have never found that to be the case. The more you edit out, Graham Hill explains, the happier you’ll be.

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