According to the Buddhist tradition, each of us is already a buddha. If this is so, then why do we continue to experience dissatisfaction? What are the mental processes that cut us off from our profound nature? Jigme Rinpoche describes the mechanisms that are at work-- often without our knowing-- in an approachable way. This sincere look at our situation allows us to identify the patterns that keep us trapped in a painful and alienating way of functioning. He also considers what we can apply-- like meditation, kindness, and compassion-- to create new habits at the heart of our daily lives based on a Buddhist approach