These teachings present a systematic approach to personal development through visualisation, reason and contemplation. The presentation is clear and eloquent. The approach is simple yet profound. It does not presuppose any prior experience on the part of the beginner, while providing rich material for the more advanced practioner. Beginning with practices that develop an effective mental outlook in one's life, this book guides the student to more advanced techniques for developing the mind's deepest potentials and happiness.

Path to Bliss, H.H. the Dalai Lama, Snow Lion Publications, 240 pp, $16.95

Tenzin Gyamtso, the 14th Dalai Lama, was born on July 6, 1935 in a small village called Takster in northeastern Tibet. At the age of two, His Holiness was recognized as the reincarnation of the 13th Dalaia Lama. He was enthroned at the age of five and assumed full political power in 1950. In 1959, His Holiness was forced into exile and has striven ever since for a peaceful solution to the the Sino-Tibetan crisis. He continually promotes his compassionate approach to life struggles, whether personal or global, and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989.

Preface	7
Introduction
General Introduction	13
Origin of Lamrim Instructions	20
Preparatory Practices
Creating a Conducive Environment	31
Preparing the Mind	35
Visualization of the Merit Field	53
Seven-Limbed Practice	55
The Three Aspirations	61
Invoking the Inspiring Power of the Lineage	65
Reviewing the Stages of the Path	70
Dissolution of the Merit Field	73
Activities of the Between-Session Periods	76
Summary	79
Main Lamrim Meditations
Reliance on a Spiritual Teacher	83
Recognizing the Human Potential	93
(Practices common to trainees of initial capacity)
Death and Impermanence	104
Sufferings of the Lower Realms	112
Seeking Refuge	117
Karma	127
(Practices common to trainees of middling capacity)
The Defects of Cyclic Existence in General	132
The Specific Sufferings of the Different Realms	142
The Path to Liberation	144
(Practices for the trainees of great capacity)
The Mind of Great Capacity	148
The Seven-Point Cause and Effect Method	150
Equalizing and Exchanging Oneself with Others	161
Bodhisattva Vows Rite	175
The Bodhisattva Deeds	186
Calm Abiding of Mind	194
Wisdom Through Special Insight	198
Tantra in Context	206
Commitments and Precepts of Thought Transformation Practice	207
Bodhisattva Vows	211
Outline of Path to Bliss	216
Notes	220
Glossary	228
Bibliography	234
Index	238