The Ninth Karmapa Wangchuk Dorje (1556-1603) is best known as the author of Pointing Out the Dharmakaya and other texts on the practice of mahamudra, he also wrote several commentaries on philosophy that are noted for being clear and easy for new students, including this text as well as Feast for the Fortunate, a commentary on madhyamika philosophy. He spent most of his life traveling throughout Tibet in the Great Encampment, practicing meditation, teaching the Dharma, and helping sentient beings wherever he went.