Our instinctive need for self preservation is the greatest hindrance to achieve happiness. Clearly, it is essential that we be ready at...

In the days of Shakyamuni, as the Buddha is sometimes known, there was a great Indian kingdom known as Koshala, ruled over by King Prasenajit. The king was a devout follower of the Buddha and, along with his queen, listened attentively to all Shakyamuni's teachings. One day the king turned to his wife, Queen Mallika, and said, "The more I think about, the more I believe there is nothing as important in this world as myself. What do you think?" I believe that the king was e