Enlighten Yourself and Others: A Practical Guide to Buddhism is meant to simplify Buddhist teachings and expand Buddhist principles in a way that makes sense and can be utilized in today's world. A common concern is the issue of suffering. Why do people suffer and how can suffering be minimized or eliminated? The book is, therefore, a practical guide to provide hope and an avenue toward healing. Studying the Buddhist scriptures, meditating, chanting, exercising mind control and generating compassion can help alleviate suffering. As a result, we gain wisdom and can become happier. The book addresses reasons why people suffer and offers, from a Buddhist perspective, incentives to overcome the obstacle. The book covers the following topics: anger, racism, road rage, job loss, divorce, losing a loved one, death, how to prepare for our own death, why is there is death, how to deal with grief, suicide, why am I here, alcohol and drug abuse. The book also addresses commonly asked questions regarding Buddhism.

Enlighten Yourself and Others: A Practical Guide to Buddhism, Kun Gu Rinpoche and Valerie Vallas, Paperback, 80 pages, $ 15.95

Kun Gu Rinpoche is likely referring to Khenpo Kunsang Dechen Rinpoche, a Tibetan Buddhist teacher associated with Palyul Ling International. He is a Khenpo (a title signifying a high level of learning) who trained at Namdrolling Monastery Monastic College. He has received teachings from various prominent masters and now teaches publicly in Toronto and has also taught at the U.S. Retreat Center in upstate New York