An analysis of the classic spiritual guide, the "Tao Te Ching," reveals how the wisdom of the ancient text can be applied to modern life, exploring such issues as life, death, love, work, and fulfillment in terms of how an awakened mind can attain true freedom.

"When Shan Tao Yun and his old friend Lokesh are abruptly dragged away by Public Security, he is convinced that their secret, often illegal, support of struggling Tibetans has brought their final ruin. But his fear turns to confusion as he discovers he has been chosen to fill a vacancy on a special international commission investigating Tibetan suicides. Soon he finds that his predecessor was murdered, and when a monk sets himself on fire in front...