I first came upon the teachings of Khenpo Tsultrim Lodro Rinpoche early in 2014. I remember being surprised by the number of people who informed me of his visit to Taiwan and told me to catch his lectures. As a student of Tibetan Buddhism for more than twenty years, I am accustomed to hearing the teachings in Tibetan or English which is then translated into Chinese. I did not expect a Tibetan Buddhist master to speak to us directly in Chinese. Undoubtedly, this made a difference in terms of the clarity and completeness of the lectures in the time allowed. Most of all, however, I was impressed by the strong sense of purpose and urgency in which he communicated the timeless wisdom of the Dharma. When I was approached in regard to translating one of his books, I was quick to accept the challenge.

Khenpo Tsultrim Lodro Rinpoche personifies the spirit of bodhicitta which is essential to all practitioners on the Mahayana Buddhist path. While he encourages followers to engage in spiritual practice and to look inward to discover their basic wisdom and compassion, his teachings are very practical and call for a balance in spiritual life and everyday life. This book is a compilation of many lectures. It examines the fundamental nature of happiness and suffering and how we can transform both into the path. The key concepts and methods in Buddhism are introduced in the text; some themes are repeated in multiple places; all are directed at helping us find genuine happiness and meaning in life.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to translate this book. I hope the translation is faithful to the spirit and meaning of the teachings and is easy to read. A special thanks to Angela Liu for her valuable comments and substantial assistance in this effort. It is my sincere hope anyone interested in the spiritual path can derive benefit from reading this English edition. 

Lorraine Wu Chen

Taipei, Taiwan

March, 2015