In this paperback translated by Geshe Thupten Jinpa, the Dalai Lama presents three teachings on the path of Tibetan Buddhism. In the first, called "Principles of Buddhism," he talks about the meaning of the Four Noble Truths. The second and most interesting teachings is on "The Eight Verses on Training the Mind." In it, the Dalai Lama offers his interpretation of this classic text within the genre of Tibetan spirituality known as lojong (literally 'mind training'). From the text:

"Whenever I interact with someone
"May I view myself as the lowest among all
"And from the very depths of my heart
"Respectfully hold others as superior."

The Dalai Lama states: "Here the author instructs us to cultivate this attitude while maintaining a deep respect for all sentient beings. In other words, we should not have a sense of superiority, thinking that we are cultivating loving kindness and compassion towards all those other unfortunate suffering beings. Instead, we should relate to them with respect and reverence; in fact, when we interact with them, we should regard ourselves as in some ways actually inferior to them." This practice of humility and compassion leads to reverence for all beings and could provide a new way of living for all those who seek to step aside for others.

The final teaching is the Dalai Lama's commentary on "Atisha's Lamp for the Path to Enlightenment."

In all three of these the leader of the Tibetan people sheds light on the essentials of Buddhism.