A thorough exploration of a Buddhist conceptual framework for being spiritually awake. Some surprising resonances with other faith traditions, such as the passage that reminds us, "Spiritual masters are able to be in the world but not of it. They are sometimes likened to graceful, snow-colored swans who travel the lakes of the world without making waves. . . . [they are like] the lotus, which grows up through the water and raises its face to the shining sun; it is in the mud, but not of it." Other lovely images abound. As we practice taming the mind through meditation, the author offers this advice: "each time the mind wanders, bring it back again to the breath. Bring it back by tugging gently on the leash of mindfulness." Isn't that great? Then there's the line where he refers to a Buddha mind as being Teflon-coated. Nothing sticks, no mess. Let things slide off. Das' genius is that he can teach westerners this oriental philosophy without watering it down or turning it into spiritual cotton candy.