Many people have asked me in recent years to explain Buddhism from the ground up, and to speak about what timeless Tibetan wisdom has to contribute to us today. People want to know about the spiritual path and practical steps to enlightenment from an American perspective as well as how to meditate and find peace of mind.

Today there is a genuine need for an essential, Western Buddhism: pragmatic, effective, and experiential, rather than theoretical or doctrinal. We are drawn to spirituality that is simple, direct, and demystified - a sane, nonsectarian, integrated path to wisdom, personal transformation, and enlightenment for modern men and women actively engaged with life.

This book is one response.

In the Himalayas, I found a veritable treasury of living, vibrant Dharma, a gold mine of truth and delight. The lessons of enlightenment offer profound insights and a liberating, life-enhancing, healing message: good for the home, family, the inner life, relationships, workplace, for conscious death and dying, and even the afterlife.

Buddhism originally reached the Western world mainly through books and translations, starting approximately two hundred years ago. May this book further open a gateway to the timeless treasure that is our deep spiritual interitance. May it be helpful. May it  advance virtue and be a source of hope, strength, and blessings in our turbulent times.

Homage to the natural Buddha within you.

May all realize it.

Surya Das

Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1997