A student of Lama Zopa Rinpoche from Texas, United States, lives with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and is almost completely paralyzed. In order to write to Rinpoche and formally request Rinpoche to be his teacher, he used a computer that allowed him to type using just his eyes. In his letter to Rinpoche, Bob writes that his introduction to the Dharma in 2007 was "transformational.” Rinpoche sent Bob a long letter in response, giving encouragement and sharing some spiritual advice. He later gave Bob the bodhisattva vows over Skype.

Dating from 1971, when a monk named Pasarigo used the hilltop caves for meditation, Wat Tham Sua (“Tiger Cave Temple”) has the feel of a tourist attraction but its caves are now closed to the public.

Once I allow myself to get into this kind of state, it takes me a while to “come down” again. After some time sitting at my desk and feeling agitated, I decided to go out into the garden. I walked slowly up the path, noticing the bang of my heart. I looked at the baby pink roses, the inner-most petals still holding onto drops of dew. I heard the clear song of a blackbird. I took a deep breath. And another. These are the things that help me when I get panicky.

When Zopa Rinpoche stayed in Singapore in May 1988, he stayed at the home of a happy and very devoted family. Before leaving, Rinpoche, with his great compassion dictated the following to me to compile for the Lim family, especially the mother, to practice. He suggested it also be included in this book, so that others could learn how to transform daily life activities into the path to enlightenment.

A student was diagnosed with cancer. There was secondary cancer in her spine, and the original cancer was believed to be in either the lungs or breast. She was using a small prayer book and reciting White Tara mantras. Her friend wrote to Rinpoche to request prayers and practices.

Los Angeles, CA (USA) -- Richard Gere says his Buddhist faith is at the centre of everything he does and every decision he makes in his life.

For many of us, enlightenment is an inspiring but distant goal. Joan Sutherland explores what enlightenment is and isn’t and how we can actually experience it in our everyday lives.

Tokyo, Japan -- Put it down to good karma. More than 100 curious citizens applied over the Internet for the chance to feast on vegetarian fare at the table of Kakuho Aoe, chief monk of the Ryokusenji temple in Tokyo’s Asakusa district.

PYEONGTAEK, South Korea -- A centuries-old tradition of Buddhist cuisine, with strict bars on foods linked to lust or anger, is enjoying a revival in South Korea, one of Asia's most high-stress societies.