If my shadow's in the lead that means my back is to the Light

The Buddha defined enlightenment as the end of suffering. It could also be said that enlightenment involves realizing that who and what we really are, our essential identity, is the light of awareness or consciousness whose very nature is love, peace, and joy. This is in contrast to most of us who identify ourselves with our body and mind.

In other words, most of us see ourselves as an individual with a personal history, in effect, a mind in a physical body and sharing the limits and fate of this body which is old age, sickness, and death. As such our happiness waxes and wanes based on our circumstances including our relationships and the health or wellness of this body. However, the body and mind of each enlightened spiritual master I've seen with my own eyes or read about radiate this light no matter what their circumstances. They are among the happiest and most joyous people in the world. They even radiate this light of love, peace, and joy when their bodies are failing from cancer or some other debilitating disease.

This book draws upon the teachings of enlightened teachers I've been studying, my own glimpses of enlightenment, and my work with clients struggling with the stress in their lives. My goal with them is the same I have for you-the reclaiming of your innate capacity for unconditional-no-matter-what-happens happiness displayed by enlightened masters. You do this by realizing you are the ever-present light in this ever-changing world where nothing lasts.