Not long ago I lost my wife of many years to cancer. I am certain that was the beginning of my spiritual awakening. I read in a book of Jewish wisdom a phrase written by a rabbi who said: When you lose a parent you lose the "past." When you lose a spouse you lose the "present." When you lose a child you lose the "future." Where in the realm of the power of "now" does that place the loss of my...

I'm beginning to see what I can no longer be a part of, if change is going to happen... but it's a very strange feeling to only know what not to do (instead of what to do)... I had no idea that the purpose of my life was to learn about myself, but it has occurred to me how amazing it is to know that, because if I can just remember that, then no matter where I go or what happens, I will always...

I am in a relationship with a man who has not received God as I have. I've tried to share with him my journey, but he rejects my feelings, telling me to shut up about my story of how I have received God. I trust in God that he will go into his heart in his own timing. However where I stand now is that we are to be married soon, and I feel I cannot marry this man who must have hatred and eviln...

Question: Can you help me understand the exercise "burn the wish" that you have spoken of? I have learned from your talks that insights and epiphanies are great, but they're not "It," and that I must constantly live a sacrificial life to remain in every moment. One of my most sincere wishes is to be around individuals who are interested in truth and presence, and a part of me is thinking that's a true wish.

Is one intent on something, or content with everything? When I meditate, I no longer intend anything.

Is it possible to prevent saddness just only by knowing the problem is in me? (Student correspondence, 4/14/09)...

Many Christians have made translation changes to the original Bible and I appreciate your interpretations of the original Aramaic. When Christ talks about the three "talents," was he talking (in the Aramaic) about money or inborn abilities?...

How is it possible to learn a lesson again and again (the spiritual idea of experiencing a "box within a box"), where each time you see something new?...

I had a dream in which an angel came to me and said that: "You will get whatever you want in your life from this world and in this world."...

I weekly tend to dwell on the slow unraveling of my wife. My horrified fascination with it beckons me. I have a sense that maybe I should stick to watching my own inner energies as they ebb and flow?...

Why is it that elderly people, in general, seem to have the most pleasant dispositions? I work in healthcare, and I notice that people over eighty seem to be the happiest of all the other patients I deal with every day.

My challenge is in trying to overcome years of racial chaos and the negative social effects of being half black and half white. How do I get help to fearlessly deal with life-long disturbing biracial issues? (Student correspondence)...