Introduction We should know that in recent years our understanding and control of the external world have increased considerably and as a result we have witnessed remarkable material progress, but there has not been a corresponding increase in human happiness. There is no less suffering in the world today, and there are no fewer problems. Indeed, it might be said that there are now more problems and greater unhappiness than ever before. This shows that the cause of happiness and the solution to our problems do not lie in knowledge or control of the external world. Happiness and suffering are feelings - parts of our mind - and so their main causes are not to be found outside the mind. If we really want to be truly happy and free from suffering we must improve our understanding of the mind. When things go wrong in our life and we encounter difficult situations, we tend to regard the situation itself as the problem, but in reality whatever problems we experience come from our mind. If we were to respond to difficult external situations with a positive or peaceful mind they would not be problems for us; indeed we may even come to regard them as challenges or opportunities for the growth and development of our happiness.

Problems arise only if we respond to difficult external situations with a negative state of mind. Therefore, if we really want to be free from problems we must learn to control our mind by controlling our desire. By controlling our desire we can make ourself happy all the time. This is because uncontrolled desire is the source of all suffering and problems. We have strong attachment to the fulfilment of our own desires, and because of our uncontrolled desire we human beings create so many problems and dangers in the world. We experience so many problems because we are unable to control our desire. By controlling our desire we can be free from all problems. The instructions presented in this book are methods for controlling our mind, such as our attachment to the fulfilment of our own wishes.

Especially, through studying and practising the different subjects and topics presented in this book, we can improve ourself and advance from the state of an ignorant lower being to that of a higher and higher being and finally to the highest state, that of an enlightened being. We human beings have this opportunity, and it is this that makes our life very precious and meaningful. Animals such as dogs do not have this opportunity, no matter how intelligent they are. We should recognize how fortunate we are and rejoice in our good fortune. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso June 4, 2013.