In this excellent primer on the essentials of Buddhism, His Holiness the Dalai Lama teams up with American-born Buddhist nun Thubten Chodron, founder and abbess of Stravasti Abbey, a monastery in Eastern Washington State. As the subtitle reveals, in this world religion, there is one teacher and many diverse traditions to savor. Reading this book we begin to sense how huge and diverse the Buddhist family is. A common bond which connects all Buddhist practitioners is their being messengers of peace.

In 15 chapters from the opening one on " Origin and Spread of the Buddha's Doctrine" to the closing one on "Tantra," His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Thubten Chodron explain some of the more complex teachings on selflessness, emptiness, dependent arising, and the higher training in ethical conduct and wisdom. We appreciated the clear and cogent explanations of the Four Immeasurables (love, compassion, joy, and equanimity). Each of these virtues has a "near enemy" and a "far enemy" and the goal is to be free of both of them. After finishing Buddhism: One Teacher, Many Traditions you will have a deeper appreciation of this path.