So there's this thing called the 'Perennial Wisdom' that's composed of the accumulated teachings of mystics and masters, gurus and prophets over the ages. You know the types, Jesus of Nazareth, Guatama Buddha, Ramana Maharshi, Teresa of Avila, Lao Zi, Shankara. The core of their teachings lies at the heart of all great religions and [...]

As I see it, we move through this thing called 'my life' until, at some point, our sense of ownership and control over it is exposed as the illusion it's always been. We spend years - decades - believing otherwise; that we have the reins, are making decisions, are responsible for the accomplishments and failures [...]

Think I've shared this before, but in my early teens I kind of got swept up in stories about near-death experiences, about how all over the world and cultures and across history these NDEs have largely shared many of the same traits. And about how various studies have confirmed these patients were indeed dead - [...]

So here's what I can tell you about the spiritual journey in the event you're one of those types who mostly pays lip service to it or barely dips a toe in and might be wondering what some ordinary, every day schmuck like me sees in it. It'll drive you half mad because you're already [...]

I wrote a lengthy, thoughtful, deeply meaningful post on the sages' call to silence - how only in silence can our true nature be discovered, God revealed, peace attained. I clicked 'Save' and the server gave me an error. Followed by a blank screen, all those well-intentioned words obliterated. And there are those who do [...]

I read somewhere that the Truth in mystical teachings is revealed to the degree the reader or listener is ready. Until then, the mind will focus on the meaning of the words themselves, but the wisdom to which they point will be utterly missed. Take, for instance, a central precept to many teachings: to avoid judging [...]

Beginning many years ago, when my suffering sent me to my knees begging god for help, I apparently was granted a few small mercies. In an early morning parking garage: The truth will set you free. In a desert canyon: Know yourself, the rest will take care of itself. And others like them. Problem was [...]

The world is awash in prophets and guides, gurus and gods, masters and mentors who would - usually for a fee, always for your idolatry and worship - lead you to some imaginary promised land. For a time I had one of these false prophets, until his phoniness, hypocrisy, and inner confusion became so obvious [...]

I suspect that most of the world's problems could be solved - or even prevented - if each of us started from a place of 'I don't know' and moved forward from there. Consider how often you've argued with someone over a topic about which you were certain you were correct, only to later discover [...]

I'm starting to think the so-called midlife crisis - along with the habit of older folks to become increasingly conservative and crotchety with age - has more to do with a general sense of resignation than advancing age. At some point, we reach an age where we've been around the block enough times to know that all the [...]