This book is based on his view that "spiritual experiences are the bedrock of meaningful living." In this fine book, the Harvard theologian sums up his findings after hundreds of interviews with individuals who have survived near-death experiences. He discovered seven "gifts" emanating from these experiences, including reassurance about the existence of God, faith in the reality of life after death, gratitude and joy, a powerful sense of the unity of life, and spiritual transformation. Many of these same gifts of grace come to those who have had mystical experiences. Berman concludes with a meditation on the spiritual practices of reverence, compassion, wonder, hospitality, and mystery.