Here's what I've gathered so far, from the Dalai Lama's book:

The perception that things are as they appear is false, and creates the ignorance that leads to such emotions as lust and anger. Only by overcoming this ignorance can you achieve enough enlightenment to escape the cycle of reincarnation, having to come to earth again and again.

One of the first steps toward conquering ignorance is to view things dispassionately, without judging or assigning meaning or worth based on the outer appearance of things (or people). This can help you see things without being lured into emotions that support ignorance. Ingorance must be overcome.

There are little lists of ideas to meditate upon at the end of each chapter to help the words sink in and make more sense.

Another question for you: do you meditate, and if so, what is your favorite method?

What works best for me is to find a quiet spot a little ways from a trail in the State Park forest. Even better if it's on high ground. I hear little animal noises and they comfort me, making me feel welcome and close to God.

I usually start with calming exercises, such as tightening every muscle in my body for a few seconds and then let go and relax. Then I attune myself to my breathing and make a point of "belly breathing," filling myself to the limit with the fresh, pine-scented air, imagining all my problems and negativity being transferred to the air so that when I fully exhale, the negativity goes out with the used air. Then I breathe in fresh air and repeat the process. Then, I use guided imagery to center myself and create a peaceful environment inside me, which is pretty easy since I'm surrounded by it on the outside.

Every once in a while, I'm rewarded with the sighting of a deer. They are among the most beautiful, graceful animals alive. I feel a connection with them, as I do with horses. (If you'd like more on my forest visits, I have them in a section called Tales from the Forest on the right sidebar of http://jj.jlym.com/. I no longer can go that far, so it hasn't been updated in some time.)

Horses, though, are less likely to avoid meeting me than deer, and I love to visit them, pet them and feed them yummies. The best treat is not sugar, as it rots their teeth, or apples, which can give them gas, but carrots are ideal.