About the Author

His Holiness the Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, a Nobel Peace Prize recipient, and a beacon of inspiration for Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike. He has persistently reached out across religious and political lines and has engaged in dialogue with scientists in his mission to advance peace and understanding in the world. In doing so, he embodies his motto, "My religion is kindness."

Thupten Jinpa Langri was educated in the classical Tibetan monastic academia and received the highest academic degree of Geshe Lharam (equivalent to a doctorate in divinity). Jinpa also holds a BA in philosophy and a PhD in religious studies, both from the University of Cambridge, England. Since 1985, he has been the principal English-language translator to the Dalai Lama. He has translated and edited many books by the Dalai Lama, including The World of Tibetan Buddhism, Essence of the Heart Sutra, and Ethics for the New Millennium. Jinpa has published scholarly articles on various aspects of Tibetan culture, Buddhism, and philosophy, and books such as Songs of Spiritual Experience (co-authored) and Self, Reality and Reason in Tibetan Thought. He serves on the advisory board of numerous educational and cultural organizations in North America, Europe, and India. He is currently the president and the editor-in-chief of the Institute of Tibetan Classics, a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to translating key Tibetan classics into contemporary languages. He also currently chairs the Mind and Life Institute.

Reviews

"A landmark survey of the entire Buddhist path."-- "East and West Series"

"A lucid and profound yet eminently readable introduction to this subject."-- "Library Journal"

"A rare and marvelous opportunity for English-language readers to learn more about Buddhism and its spiritual leader."-- "Library Journal"

"An invaluable review of Tibetan Buddhism's spiritual foundations."-- "Bookwatch"

"Overall, I cannot think of another work by the Dalai Lama that so thoroughly surveys Tibetan Buddhism. One of the most concise and authentic texts available."-- "Religious Studies Review"

"Suitable for beginners...as well as more advanced practitioners of the Buddhist way."-- "Publishers Weekly"

"The definitive book on Tibetan Buddhism by the world's ultimate authority."-- "The Reader's Review"

"The value of this book is that it brings many central teachings together in a single volume, clearly and accurately translated."-- "Choice"

"The Dalai Lama explains in brief but lucid detail every aspect of the Tibetan path to enlightenment."-- "Body, Mind, Spirit"

"Written in the Dalai Lama's characteristically straightforward, friendly style which makes these profound teachings accessible to a wide audience."-- "Yoga Journal"

"A landmark survey of the entire Buddhist path."-- "East and West Series"
"A lucid and profound yet eminently readable introduction to this subject."-- "Library Journal"
"A rare and marvelous opportunity for English-language readers to learn more about Buddhism and its spiritual leader."-- "Library Journal"
"An invaluable review of Tibetan Buddhism's spiritual foundations."-- "Bookwatch"
"Overall, I cannot think of another work by the Dalai Lama that so thoroughly surveys Tibetan Buddhism. One of the most concise and authentic texts available."-- "Religious Studies Review"
"Suitable for beginners...as well as more advanced practitioners of the Buddhist way."-- "Publishers Weekly"
"The definitive book on Tibetan Buddhism by the world's ultimate authority."-- "The Reader's Review"
"The value of this book is that it brings many central teachings together in a single volume, clearly and accurately translated."-- "Choice"
"The Dalai Lama explains in brief but lucid detail every aspect of the Tibetan path to enlightenment."-- "Body, Mind, Spirit"
"Written in the Dalai Lama's characteristically straightforward, friendly style which makes these profound teachings accessible to a wide audience."-- "Yoga Journal"