Ryuho Okawa is known for his wisdom, compassion and commitment to educating people to think and act in spiritual and religious ways. Through his Institute for Research in Human Happiness (IRH) he teaches and ministers to people who need help and they in turn spread his teachings to others. THE ESSENCE OF BUDDHA presents his new exposition of Enlightenment; what it is, what it is not, the futility of self-denial and the place of happiness. This is followed by a modern interpretation of accepted Buddhist ways of living life to bring both enlightenment and happiness. Among these are 'Self Reflection', 'The Eightfold Path', 'The Six Paramitas' and understanding the 'Laws of Causality'. There are also explanations of the nature of reincarnation and karma, as well as life and death from a Buddhist point of view.