I bought this book based on Richard Carr's review -- and it is a great book. I had never heard of Ringu Tulku -- he may be in England. I am a 20-year practitioner of tonglen/lojong and this book added to my deepening of the fine points, which is why I buy and read yet another commentary on my main practice. Good teachers always illuminate things in different ways, Ringu Tulku is no exception. I think this would be a good book for a beginner, as wellas an advanced student.IF you are not a buddhist, however, I still recommend Pema Chodron's "Start Where You Are" to set a foot on the path. You can't go wrong with her even if you do not become a buddhist!