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Interview with Matteo Pistono, HayHouse's 'Author of the Month'

Hay House is publishing "In the Shadow of the Buddha" in the UK, India, Australia, South Africa, and elsewhere the second week of September. Hay House has named Matteo Pistono their author of the month coinciding with book launch events in London Sept 6-12th. As part of launch, Hay House is featuring on their website an extract from the book, videos, Matteo's talks and appearances while he is in the UK, and discounts on book, as well as this interview with Matteo:

An interview with Matteo Pistono

If you were an animal, what animal would you be and why?

Probably a dog, and I’d be my own dog’s (named ‘Karpo’) best dog-friend.

What is your idea of happiness?

Happiness is an attitude that is open, naked, and fresh. Abiding in the flow of that attitude, no matter the situation — on the meditation cushion or in the halls of political debate, on a mountain top or in the middle of the city — brings great inner strength.

When did you last cry?

Tears of sadness flowed a few months ago when I received news that a 20-year old monk in Tibet named Phuntsog died of self-immolation. He had become desperate and was protesting the Chinese government’s repression of Buddhism.

Who inspires you?

People who act selflessly for the benefit of others. Of course the Dalai Lama is a great example for us. And my wife has extraordinary capacity to work for others’ welfare, which is tremendously inspirational.

What is your most treasured possession?

The tools meditation teachers have given me to know my mind.

If you could meet one person, dead or alive, and spend some time with them, who would you choose and why?

It would definitely be the Buddha, with the Chinese poet-hermit Han Shan a close second! Why not spend time with individuals who have gone beyond themselves to see reality as-it-is?

What decision has had the greatest effect on your life?

My decision to go to Nepal. I had no intentions other than walking in the Himalayas but it was there where I met and began studying with the meditation masters who are the holders of Tibet’s unique wisdom lineage.

Where is your favourite place in the world and why?

In the Rocky Mountains of my youth or in the Himalayas. Why? To merge my awareness with the sky’s expanse!

Paperback or e-book?

Paperback. I have not even seen my own book on an e-reader.

If you could pass one piece of wisdom onto the next generation what would it be?

Master the ability to be content being completely by yourself. Yet, know that most effective way to be content is by helping others.
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