It's hard not to be happy around the Dalai Lama even when times are difficult as they are now. Why? He is the embodiment of wisdom and compassion. So when we make a difference in our lives, we impact the people around us and ultimately the world.

It may seem like an insurmountable task, but Gelek Rimpoche shows that thigh we have difficulties and problems, we also have tremendous capacities, some of which we are not even aware.

“Recognizing the illusion of seeing ourselves as solid, separate and permanent opens the opportunity for a more meaningful life,” says Gelek Rimpoche in this lesson.

Nothing is solid or fixed, not our personality, not even negativities such as anger and obsession. Gelek Rimpoche shows how freedom and opportunity are the result of this understanding

Ego is a combination of ignorance, confusion and fear. It puts our true self to sleep and takes over our lives, distorting our perceptions and leading to negative emotions like anger, hatred and the wrong deeds that follow.

When we recognize that the way we habitually perceive our self and others is mistaken, we begin to move toward wisdom. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche describes how—through hard spiritual effort—Buddha realized how to cut through this distorted sense of self.

As a result, Buddha left us instructions so that we can do the same.

What is revolutionary about the spiritual path?

It is the ability to challenge the habitual view of the importance of our own desires and develop a new way of being in the world—a way that foregrounds the happiness of others.

In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains how developing greater compassion is counter-intuitive from the ego’s point of view, but it is the fuel that will enable us to cross the great ocean of suffering once and for all.

What is ethical behavior in the modern world? Are violence and racism ever justified? Is cloning ethical?

In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explores the confusing territory of modern ethics and offers a simple rubric: Ethical behavior requires that we judge our own behavior rather than the behavior of others.

If we wish to follow the ethical path laid out by Buddha, we must keep our vows and commitments and avoid actions that harm self and others.

The spiritual path is not concerned with temporary material gain or emotional happiness.

Our goal is lasting satisfaction, which everyone is capable of achieving by attending to the life they are living right now with loving attention and understanding the basics of karma. In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains that negative mind states are always impermanent.

Because they are impermanent, they can be overcome and eliminated. We must learn to identify with the pure and clear mind that is our true nature.

Everything can be used for the spiritual path. It is our motivation that creates the energy to change our minds and activities into beneficial practices.

Gelek Rimpoche discusses the first two of seven ways to help oneself on the path.

1). Identifying and aligning one’s self with spiritual teachers helps to create the inspiration to model ourselves in the same way.

2). Making offerings counteracts the impulses of greed and clinging, while developing the habit of generosity and a mind of abundance.

Gelek Rimpoche outlines the remaining basic daily practices for a spiritual practitioner, focusing most intently on the four steps to purifying negative karma.

Guilt is not one of them! Sincere regret is.

Rejoicing in the good fortune of others helps to eliminate jealousy and increase our own fortune. Dedicating our efforts assures us that they will not be lost.

Death is definite. The way to have a peaceful and positive death rests in the way we live our lives.

The time of death is uncertain. When it does come, we experience the dissolution of the four elements that make-up our physical body.

While we are alive, we have many opportunities to contemplate death, the in between state, and re-birth. Gelek Rimpoche explains that when you know what to expect, you have less fear and regret.

Spiritual techniques are only helpful if you make use of them.

The spiritual path is not instantaneous or simple.

In this lesson, Gelek Rimpoche explains that we must be diligent in our practice and frequently reflect on its methods and the nature of our own minds if we hope to overcome the effects of negative emotions.

It is also important to check on the effects of your efforts by reviewing the three categories of goals: freeing oneself from suffering in this life; freeing oneself from future suffering; and helping others to do the same.