These vivid, lively dialogues give the reader a glimpse into the depths of the nature of suffering, compassion and liberation. For three days in October 1989, in Southern California, the Dalai Lama and seven panelists, all highly trained psychotherapists, discussed the issues of our time - the Vietnam War and its aftermath, teacher-student relationships, environmental destruction, the role of women, domestic violence and more. This broad and at the same time very specific exchange of views establishes a connection between personal and universal interests, teaching us how to exist, think and act in this world, maintaining peace of mind and deep understanding.

The Fourteenth Dalai Lama is religious and political leader of Tibet. He is the author of many books, including My Tibet, Freedom in Exile, Kindness, Clarity and Intuition. Daniel Goleman, Stephen Levine, Jeanne Shinoda Bowlen, Daniel Brown, Jack Engler, Margaret Brenman-Gibson and Joanna Macy are renowned psychotherapists and professionals whose job it is to help people.