The following explanation of this teaching was provided by Rinchen Darlo, His Holiness' official representative in the United States. It is not a summary of His Holiness' profound teaching. If you would like to read the entire text of the teaching, go here . Among the Buddha's great gifts to humanity were his teachings on love and compassion. The power of practicing these teachings is likened to an alchemical elixir, able to transform our difficulties into opportunities for awakening.
All beings share the wish to be happy and avoid suffering.
Toward this end we engage in the myriad activities of our lives. Our focus, however, can be quite unbalanced, putting tremendous emphasis on external conditions and neglecting our inner state. Whatever effort we do make towards inner development is also undermined by our habitual self-centeredness. This self-centered mind, if we look closely, is actually the cause of our unhappiness. On the other hand, a kind and unselfish heart is the source of all happiness and joy.