“Salvation is the immediate task of every individual,” opens the first principle of Bon Buddhism (“Ten Principles of Bon Buddhism,” April 10, 1992). “It cannot be attained through efforts of others on one’s behalf. One should begin now by facing life as it is and by learning about it through direct and personal experience.” Soothing words, indeed. Ever since they were penned some twenty years ago, I return to them whenever in doubt. And I gather comfort from these words each and every time. Salvation is my immediate task. It cannot be obtained through efforts of others on my behalf. I should begin now by facing life as it is and learning about it through my direct and personal experience. Hey, words “I” and “my” do wonders when inserted into the ten principles that apply to every individual. Soothing words past compare.