Awakening to the Sacred: Creating a Personal Spiritual Life

The American-born author of this fine book is a Lama in the Dzogchen lineage of Tibet. He was raised in the Jewish faith, and his unique background makes him an especially lucid exponent of the principles of Tibetan Buddhism for Westerners steeped in Judeo-Christian beliefs and principles.Lama Surya Das has been engaged in spiritual studies for over thirty years and sat at the feet of a number of teachers in Asia. He has written several books, and this one is a particularly good introduction to the spiritual life. Though the emphasis is on the philosophy and practices of Buddhism, some of the descriptions of the spiritual path and the problems that many of us encounter, can be applied for people working in other traditions. The strongest points of the book and of Lama Surya Das' teachings in general, are his suggestions for incorporating a sense of the sacred while living an active Western lifestyle. So often we see writers and teachers extolling the virtues of a spiritual path that is not compatible with a family life and career. I once knew an excellent teacher who had some extraordinary insights. He insisted that anyone who came to learn from him should give up his or her home, family and career. He did not have that many takers.This book is far more realistic. The chapters are short, pithy and deal with many of the more common problems that we might run into as we walk the spiritual path. They include the practicalities of the establishing a regular practice as well as issues like the emergence of the dark side of our nature as we meditate.There are numerous suggestions for meditation, prayer and chanting. Many can be found elsewhere, but what sets this book apart is that all the practices are grounded in daily life.The book is very engagingly written: clear, insightful, and even some humor. This is one of my top ten favorite books on practical spirituality. Highly recommended.

This is a great book that gives a variety of ways that one can expand their path to a spiritual life. I recommend this book for a beginner to know the options they have available.

I consider myself well versed in Buddhist thought and dharma and this book is right on the nose with a clear view of the path for Buddhists. I have been Buddhist for over a decade and this book is a nice read, but if you are well versed in the dharma it will be like hearing a song that you have heard before. Not a scholarly work more of an quick introduction with lots of material for getting started with a sound meditation practice.D. Rogers

good condition

Very reader friendly. Not heady at all. Definitely insightful. A read by any religious or spiritual journey you are on. Could even be a perfect beach / vacation companion or your morning ritual. I read excerpts to my yoga classes.

I found his books `by accident'. Ha. They are great books, easy to read,but best to be read slowly and thoughtfully.

Awakening the Sacred catapulted my spiritual journey forward. It did the same for my friend. This is a book that I will continue to use as a guide on the journey. It is written so that those of us who were raised in other faiths can have easy access to the ancient wisdom of Tibet.

Recommended by a friend and it took awhile to read but by the end I yearned for more and starting reading The Four Agreements. They definitely compliment each other

Very interesting book in laymans' language. Read it in a day.

Love it!

very good

An excellent second volume in the introduction to Buddhism that Surya Das wrote. He makes key concepts very understandable to my western mind, while not dumbing things down.