Humanitarian, photographer, scientist, Buddhist monk
Wellbeing & Inclusion
Matthieu is a Buddhist monk, author, photographer, and humanitarian whose life has been dedicated to the study and practice of Tibetan Buddhism. After earning a Ph.D. in cellular genetics in France, he left scientific research to settle in the Himalayas, where he has lived for more than four decades studying under some of the world’s foremost Tibetan spiritual masters. Since 1989, he has served as the French interpreter for the Dalai Lama and has authored numerous internationally acclaimed books on meditation, happiness, compassion, altruism, and wisdom, translated into more than 20 languages. An accomplished photographer, Ricard donates all proceeds from the sale of his photographic work to Karuna-Shechen, the humanitarian organization he co-founded, which has implemented hundreds of education, healthcare, and community development projects across India, Nepal, and Tibet, embodying his lifelong commitment to compassion in action.
