The collection before you is the trail of my attempts over the last twenty years to experience and understand the nature of this mystery we wake in every day. These twenty-one essays contain seeds of inquiry that I have pursued much of my life. None of these attempts were created in a vacuum, but each represents how ideas can grow over time with their own sense of alchemy in the crucible of dialogue and sincerity. In that regard, this book of attempts is akin to a live recording and I hope you can feel the presence of others in and around the words. Much like a stone that has been worn by years of the stream, what is here is the one stone revealed by the current'’s scouring. (Mark Nepo) Mark Nepo never loses touch with the single light that illuminates the world. That is his gift. These essays are his gifts to the rest of us. ----James Fadiman, PhD, author of The Other Side of Haight and co-author of Essential Sufism This noted poet is showing by this collection that he is an insightful religious thinker, a credible voice of contemporary spirituality. ----from the Introduction, Herbert Mason, Professor of Religion, Boston University, translator of Gilgamesh Mark Nepo is a poet and philosopher who has taught in the fields of poetry and spirituality for over thirty years. He has published twelve books and recorded five CDs. Forthcoming work includes a new book of teaching stories, As Far As the Heart Can See , (HCI Books, Fall 2011), Finding Inner Courage (Red Wheel-Conari, Spring 2011, originally published as Facing the Lion, Being the Lion, 2007), and audio books of The Book of Awakening and Finding Inner Courage (CD, Simon & Schuster, Spring 2011). His most recent book of poetry is Surviving Has Made Me Crazy (CavanKerry Press, 2007). As a cancer survivor, Mark devotes his writing and teaching to the journey of inner transformation and the life of relationship.  In 2010, Mark sat down for an interview with Oprah Winfrey as part of her Soul Series on the satellite radio network, SIRIUS XM Radio. Of his books,  The Exquisite Risk  (Harmony Books) was  cited  by  Spirituality & Health Magazine   as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2005, calling it   " one of the best books we've ever read on what it takes to live an authentic life."  The Book of Awakening  was a finalist for the 2000 Books for a Better Life Award and was cited by Spirituality & Health Magazine  as one of the Best Spiritual Books of 2000. Mark's collected essays appear in  Unlearning Back to God: Essays on Inwardness  (Khaniqahi Nimatullahi Publications, 2006).  His work has been translated into French, Portuguese, Japanese, and Danish. In leading spiritual retreats, in working with healing and medical communities, and in his teaching as a poet, Mark's work is widely accessible and used by many. He   continues to offer readings, lectures, and retreats. Please visit Mark at MarkNepo.com and threeintentions.com. Used Book in Good Condition