This book contains a collection of teachings given at various times by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in the West. The common theme that unites them is Dzogchen, the core essence of the oldest school of Tibetan Buddhism, Nyingma, also called the “School of Old Translations of the Teaching.” In Paris, London, Helsinki and the Californian city of San Jose, His Holiness, with his characteristic spiritual energy, wisdom and compassion, explained the main principles of this unique method of working with consciousness. While recognizing the uniqueness of Dzogchen, His Holiness views it in relation to a wide range of other movements and schools of Tibetan Buddhism. He explains the essence of Dzogchen practices, drawing comparisons and examples from various branches of Highest Yoga Tantra and answering questions such as: why is Dzogchen called “the highest Vehicle of the path of enlightenment”? What are the main provisions of other branches of Buddhism that the practice of Dzogchen needs to know? He also quotes such great Dzogchen masters as Longchen Rabjam, Jigme Lingpa, Jigme Gyalwa Nyugu, Patrul Rinpoche, Dodrupchen Jigme Tenpe Nyima, Jamyan Khyentse Chokyi Lodro and Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche. This book reveals in new ways the richness, versatility and breadth of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's views.