Synopsis Comprising the class notes of the first year-long course given at LTWA, this book gives a thorough but accessible introduction to Buddhist teaching as presented in the Tibetan tradition of the 'Graded Path to Enlightenment'. Not only are the principle aspects of this path, such as renunciation-the wish for liberation, the altruistic aspiration to enlightenment and the correct understanding of voidness explained in theory, but the Venerable Geshe offers practical advice from his own experience as to how implement the teaching and integrate them with the mind. An account of Buddha's life provides further introduction to Buddhism in general and some insight into Tibetan monastic training can be gained from the author's autobiography, while numerous anecdotes throughout the book introduce many of the personalities significant in the history of Indian as well as Tibetan Buddhism.