**A translation of the ancient classic *Stages of Meditation* , by Kamalashila, with commentary from everyone’s favorite Buddhist teacher, the Dalai Lama.** The Dalai Lama explains the principles of meditation in a practice-oriented format especially suited to Westerners. Based upon the middle section of the *Bhavanakrama* by Kamalashila–a translation of which is included–this is the most extensive commentary given by the Dalai Lama on this concise but important meditation handbook. It is a favorite text of the Dalai Lama, and he often takes the opportunity to give teachings on it to audiences throughout the world. In his words, This text can be like a key that opens the door to all other major Buddhist scriptures. Topics include the nature of mind, how to develop compassion and loving-kindness, calm abiding wisdom, and how to establish a union of calm abiding and special insight.