This treasury of essential Buddhist writings draws from the most popular Indian, Tibetan, Chinese, and Japanese sources. Among the selections are some of the earliest recorded sayings of the Buddha on the practice of freedom, passages from later Indian scriptures on the perfection of wisdom, verses from Tibetan masters on the enlightened mind, and songs in praise of meditation by Zen teachers. It also includes traditional instruction on how to practice sitting meditation, cultivate calm awareness, and develop sincere compassion. Jack Kornfield, one of the most respected American Buddhist teachers, has compiled these teachings to impart the essence and timeless relevance of Buddhism to people of all spiritual traditions.