First six classes of an introductory course on Buddhism and meditation, taught at University of Colorado Boulder shortly after Rinpoche arrived in the United States. Offers pithy, illuminating overviews of core Buddhist topics, including: why meditation is necessary and how it can be applied to our lives; the three-yana system of Tibetan Buddhism (hinayana, mahayana, vajrayana); the development of consciousness through the five skandhas (aggregates); shamatha (calm abiding) and vipashyana (insight) meditation; and shunyata (emptiness). Unique opportunity to experience Rinpoche presenting essential dharma topics to an audience of beginners and non-Buddhists in an academic setting.