This anthology reflects the different stages of the spiritual journey in the tradition of Tibetan Buddhism, as told through a dynamic selection of teachings from the great masters of all times. Best-selling author Matthieu Ricard was inspired to put together this compilation by a meeting he had with the Tibetan spiritual master Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, who told the author, "When one realizes the depth of view of the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism and we see also that they all lead to the same goal without contradicting each other, we see that only ignorance can lead us to adopt a sectarian view." With that in mind, Ricard has gathered pith teachings from the masters of all times and traditions to illuminate the path: the view, meditation, and action. The book is broken into four sections: Turning the mind to the path The foundations of the practice The path Removing obstacles Each of these is broken down into parts-for example, taking refuge, the six perfections, deepening the practice-as taught by a vast array of meditation masters from every tradition.

Matthieu Ricard is a former scientist who gave up that life to become a Tibetan Buddhist monk. He is the Dalai Lama's interpreter in French, has translated numerous Buddhist texts, and is the author of The Quantum and the Lotus, Journey to Enlightenment, and, with Jean-François Revel, The Monk and the Philosopher.