In India, at the place where the Buddha attained enlightenment, it became a
well-established tradition for the Dalai Lama to spend several days each year
giving teachings to Buddhists from all over the world. Following his teachings,
he held informal group discussions with Western students of Buddhism. In these
lively exchanges, the Dalai Lama exhibits clear and penetrating insight into
issues that are most important to Western students. Some of the topics discussed
are: psychology, Christianity, being a practicing Buddhist in the West,
spiritual teachers, reincarnation, emptiness, tantra, protector deities,
liberation, meditation, compassion, disciplining others, the power of holy
places, and retreats.
These teaching are drawn from a yearly