Translation of two books: Compassion and IndividualThe Global Community and the Need for Universal ResponsibilityPublished by the Center for Tibetan Culture and Information, Moscow***One great question lies at the heart of our experience, whether we think about it consciously or not . What is the purpose of life? I have been thinking about this and would like to share my thoughts in the hope that they may be of immediate benefit to those who read them.***As the twentieth century draws to a close, we realize that the world has become smaller and that people the world have almost united into one community. Political and military alliances have given rise to the formation of large multinational associations, industry and international trade have created a world economy, and means of communication with the whole world are reducing the ancient barriers of distance, language and race. We are also united by the serious challenges we face: overpopulation, resource depletion, and an environmental crisis that threatens our air, water, and trees, as well as the countless beautiful life forms on our shared little planet.