One great question underlies our experience, whether we think about it consciously or not: What is the purpose of life? The Fourteenth Dalai Lama has considered this question and would like to share his thoughts in the hope that they may be of direct, practical benefit to those who read them.

"I believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. From the moment of birth, every human being wants happiness and does not want suffering. Neither social conditioning nor education nor ideology affect this. From the very core of our being, we simply desire contentment. I don't know whether the universe, with its countless galaxies, stars and planets, has a deeper meaning or not, but at the very least, it is clear that we humans who live on this earth face the task of making a happy life for ourselves. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness."