Table of Contents
Introduction vii
OUR HUMAN CONDITIONSearching for Our True Identity 3Stuck in Patterns 6Overlooking the Obvious 8
SOME SHIFTS IN AWARENESSThe Storms in Our Lives 13Asking Deeper Questions 16Spirituality Is an Experience 18We Foolish Humans 21Three Stages of Knowing Oneself 23
FOIBLES AND VULNERABILITIESSeeking Approval from Others 29Clinging to an Image 32Slavish Dependence onAuthorities and Experts 34Swayed by Outer Forms 36Appetite for Praise and Titles 38Know and Laugh at Your Eccentricities 41Excuse after Excuse 44Truth of Convenience 48Attached to the Familiar 51Fear Is All You Need 54Fear Has No Favorites 57
WARINESS OF RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONSDeferred Spiritual Maintenance 61How Some Religious Customs Began 64Belief, Faith, and Borrowed Certainty 67SPIRITUAL PRACTICESHonor the Present Moment 73Strive to Be Grateful 77Spirit of Prayer 81Efficacy of Prayers of Supplication 84Efficacy of Rituals and 86Spiritual PracticesSigns in Nature 88
WISDOM FOR THE INNER JOURNEYSeeking in the Right Direction 93Not All Tears Are Equal 96Little by Little 99Blessed Are the Flexible 102A Sense of Balance 104Web of Interconnection 107Thank God for Diversity 109Cultivate Hope through 112Patience and FaithThe True Teacher Kindles the Light 115
KNOWING GODConnecting to Mystery 121If God Wills 125
BE ENGAGED IN THE WORLDDo What Is Beautiful 131Building Community 134Justice and Conflict Resolution 137Revere the Wombs That Bore You 140Advice on Marriage 143Honor the Children 145
TIME TO RETURN HOMEIt's Later Than You Think 151The End Is Coming! 154It's Not Like You Think It Is 156
Notes 160Suggestions for Further Reading 162