There is depth, breadth, and magic in Nyingma thought and its charm grows the more one studies it. Klong-chen rab'byams-pa's work is lit with a light that radiates into and transfigures every aspect of man's life. Born in the 14th century, Longchenpa studied with the most exemplary teachers of his time. Subsequently, he was esteemed as perhaps the most accomplished master to appear within the Tibetan tradition, receiving the appellation 'kun-khyen' or all-knowing. And indeed his works, numbering over two hundred, order into a comprehensive system the full scope of philosophical thought and psychological applications of the Dzog-chen school, the pinnacle of Vajrayana Buddhism. Speaking from the deep inner experience of Longchenpa, Kindly Bent to Ease Us is a basic guide through the traditional stages on the path to enlightenment. The title points to the thrust towards Being as both the source and fulfillment of man's ongoing quest for the meaning of his life. Since in this quest, Mind and, in particular, the understanding of its working, is of primary importance, the vast scope of Mind is the subject of this first part of "The Trilogy of Finding Comfort and Ease." HERBERT V. GUENTHER is head of the Department of Far Eastern Studies at the University of Saskatchewan. Eminently versed in the major Buddhist languages, philosophies, and traditions, he has contributed much to the understanding of Tibetan Buddhism in the West. Among his many books and translations are The Jewel Ornament of Liberation, Buddhist Philosophy in Theory and Practice, and Mind in Buddhist Psychology (with L. S. Kawamura).