"Learning how to love is the goal and the purpose of spiritual life — not learning how to develop psychic powers, not learning how to bow, chant, do yoga, or even meditate, but learning to love," writes Lama Surya Das, the bestselling author of Awakening the Buddha Within. In this ambitious and far-reaching work, he looks at matters of the spirit, approaches to spiritual practice, and coming home to your true nature. He draws upon the wisdom of a variety of religious traditions and believes that a "mix and match" spirituality does not have to result in something shallow and self-centered. Just the opposite, eclecticism signals strength.
A "dharma-doer" is a person who cultivates clear vision, personal authenticity, and a firm resolve to act ethically and appropriately. The spiritual practices of nonviolence, compassion, kindness, joy, and peace are constantly sought. Surya Das shows how the sacred can be incorporated into our thoughts, words, and deeds via a spiritual teacher, sangha, inner work, yoga, fasting and simplicity, prayer, spiritual reading, gardening, and other naturally grounding activities. Awakening to the Sacred proves once again that spiritual practice is the common ground linking all religious traditions together.
