Inspiring insight on the central Buddhist practice of reflection and meditation from one of the world's great spiritual leaders. The teachings in this book are derived from the series of talks given by the Dalai Lama in August 1999 to an audience of over 50,000 in New York. Filled with plainspoken common sense, the Dalai Lama conveys the Tibetan regard for the sacred qualities of life. He introduces the idea of spiritual practice, which reveals the crucial role compassion plays in achieving a life of serenity and joy, and he gives his readers the tools they need to train their minds, to free their thoughts of anger and discontent so they can achieve the focus necessary for compassion, detachment, happiness and enlightenment.