Born into a spiritual community relatively untouched by Western traditions, & later educated at Cambridge, Sogyal Rinpoche is uniquely prepared to bring these ancient Buddhist teachings into our lives today. He writes: "Enlightenment is real. It is something not exotic, not fantastic, not for an elite, but for all of humanity." Only two things in life are certain, he begins: that each of us will die, & that no one knows how or when. This impermanence is the very essence of existence. Here is over nine hours of direct teachings from this incarnate lama & master of Dzogchen (Tibetan) Buddhism. Laced with many traditional teaching stories & retold with Sogyal Rinpoche's legendary humor & love. Recorded live at a three-day workshop