The field of comtemplative neuroscience is really starting to get to grips with this question. Brain imaging studies carried out by Richard Davidson (University of Wisconsin) on long-term meditators such as Matthieu Ricard, featured in this report, and individuals who've been meditating for only 8 weeks have observed that it is indeed possible to bring about brain changes leading to positive mood effects including happiness and compassion. In this short report BBC Breakfast's David Sillitoe talks to Matthieu Ricard about these findings and seeks to find out for himself.