Buy and read this book, if you haven't already.I separate this book into two parts - the first half and the second half. (see what I did there?)The first half is practical, universally applicable perspectives on happiness that none of us should live without. If you've lost your happiness, read this book (the first half, at least). It changed my life. After 12 years of Catholic school and an ideal family, I had strong faith, but not a practical understanding of how that faith related to personal happiness. It seemed that there was a relation for some, but I never got it. This book helped me understand my own role in my personal happiness and helped me appreciate the world around me more dearly. This is one of the most highly recommended books when I encounter someone who's run into some personal distress in life, as it really helps you accept suffering and directs you to change your attitude to be one that generates peace and happiness for yourself and the world around you.The second half of the book deals more with the techniques of practicing meditation. If you've got the ability, inclination or time for that, more power to you and this book should provide some rudimentary explanations of how to meditate and some themes to consider when you are.If you've never read the Dalai Lama, this is a great place to start. Not too long, not too deep ... just right and should provide benefit to any reader, of any age or faith.