Gifts of the Spirit - by Philip Zaleski & Paul Kaufman (Paperback)

About the Book

Sponsored by the Fetzer Institute and the Nathan Cummings Foundation, this resource gathers the wisdom of the greatest spiritual teachers and experts from the major religious traditions in America today. Focusing on the essentials of human life that range from daily activities to major life transitions, "Gifts of the Spirit" offers an illuminating and authoritative tour through a variety of religious customs. Illustrations.

Book Synopsis

Drawing on the wisdom of teacher from the world's great religious traditions, including Robert Thurman, Sharon Salzberg, Ram Dass, Mother Mary Clare Vincent, Joan Halifax, and Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man, Gifts of the Spirit deepens our appreciation of such everyday routines as waking up, eating, and working, as well as the abundant rewards of enjoying music, gardening, walking, and being with others. Vivid descriptions of rituals from around the world help us find new spiritual meaning in life's key passages.

Discover everyday spiritual riches through:

• Zen arts of cooking and eating
• Jewwish and Native American coming-of-age rituals
• Bedouin rules of hospitality and friendship
• Mindful approached to pregnancy and birth
• Ancient Christian practices that nurture the dying
• Shaker philosophies of daily work and craft
• The Buddhist way to a peaceful night's sleep

Review Quotes

"Greet a friend, climb a hill, slice a radish..."Gifts of the Spirit" would have us understand that there are no ordinary acts: only windows onto grace, light, and glory that we haven't had the sense to open. A wise and lovely sourcebook."-- Carol Lee Flinders, author of "Laurel's Kitchen""A perfect companion for anyone seeking to fold spiritual wisdom into everyday life."-- "Publishers Weekly""A delightful guide to infusing the everyday stuff of our lives with meaning and value by drawing on the wisdom and practices of the great religious traditions."-- Richard Carlson, Ph.D., author of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff...and It's All Small Stuff"