I first wrote the two pieces contained in this book some years ago in response to many requests. Some people wanted to know something about Buddhism in general. Others were particularly interested in the practice of tantra.

The teachings of the Buddha can be summarised as dealing with conduct and view. Conduct refers to the way we should behave, which is essentially to be nonviolent. The Buddha counselled us to help each other if we can, and if we cannot, at least to avoid doing one another harm. View refers to way we understand things to exist. The Buddha explained that nothing exists of its own accor4 in isolation. Everything exists in dependence on something else, the result of a variety of causes and conditions.

These fundamental points of Buddhist practice can be readily applied in daily life. Indeed they can only be effective if we put what we have learned into actual practice. Life is always running out. Therefore, it is very important to examine our mental attitude. If we live each day with mindfulness and alertness, we can keep a check or’ our motivation and behaviour. We can improve and transform ourselves.