Geshe Sonam Rinchen

Geshe Sonam Rinchen (1933–2013) studied at Sera Je Monastery and in 1980 received the Lharampa Geshe degree. He taught Buddhist philosophy and practice at the Library of Tibetan Works and Archives in Dharamsala, India, as well as in dharma centers around the world.

Ruth Sonam

Ruth Sonam was born and grew up in Ireland and graduated from Oxford University with an MA in Modern Languages. She began studying with Geshe Sonam Rinchen in 1978 and started working as his interpreter in 1983. She was his interpreter at the Library of Tibetan Works & Archives from 1989 to 2012.

"Among the many brilliant texts that Geshe Sonam Rinchen and Ruth Sonam have produced, this one explains in clear terms how to implement the essential practices of compassion, which are so difficult to integrate into one's daily life. What a treasure!" —Jeffrey Hopkins, author of Cultivating Compassion and Emptiness Yoga

"Eight Verses for Training the Mind contains the entire essence of the Buddha's teachings in a distinct form." —H.H. the Dalai Lama

"I can almost see Geshe Sonam Rinchen's bright smile and hear his compassionate voice as I read this book. His practical and clear spiritual advice cuts to the core of our problems and shows us the way to resolve them." —Thubten Chodron, author of Buddhism for Beginners

"Geshe Sonam Rinchen presents the authentic tradition of Tibetan Buddhism in this clear explanation of one of its most basic texts. I recommend it highly." —Alexander Berzin, author of Relating to a Spiritual Teacher

"An essential addition to any personal Buddhist library. . . . Expertly translated and edited." —Mandala Magazine