In 1984, Robert Sachs' daughter, Shamara Phillipa, died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Although tragic for Robert's entire family, Shamara's death happened in a most unusual circumstance. A Tibetan Buddhist lama was staying at Robert's home and performed the Tibetan Buddhist practice known as phowa (pronounced POH WHAH) or transference of consciousness at the time of death. From this practice, Robert and his wife, Melanie, witnessed an amazing transformation in their daughter's appearance - things that defied medical explanation. And then for 10 days, it was as if everything they had ever learned about life and living was radically changed as what can only be defined as miracle after miracle continued to unfold before their eyes. These events changed the direction of Robert's career in healthcare. Along with training as a social worker, he privately trained in the phowa practice and studied and deepened his study for the sciences of healing from the east. Now, a hospice social worker and counselor for many years, Robert has decided to share Shamara's story and the practical and spiritual wisdom he has gleaned from his own practice, the teachings of many great healers and spiritual masters, and the many clients he has been with over the years. Of Rebirth Into Pure Land, Stephen Levine (author of Turning Towards the Mystery) says, "This is a book of options, an honoring of the continuum that few have believed possible. It is a rare tale about the death of a child and the rebirth of the spirit in the hearts of all who were near - and the skillful passing into what is available to us all - our original nature." And, that is Robert's goal; to offer each and every one of us the practical and spiritual means and resources we need to work with a moment in our lives that each and everyone of us will face. Robert sees dying and death as the sum total of what we have ever learned about life and living. Though for many a time filled with tragedy and sorrow, it is, in truth, our finest moment and probably the most amazing part of our journey through life. Thus, in Robert's words, "Rebirth Into Pure Land is a guidebook to help us in the most amazing journey of our lives."

Rebirth Into Pure Land: A True Story of Birth, Death, and Transformation & How We Can Prepare for The Most Amazing Journey of Our Lives, Robert Sachs, Motilal Banarsidas, Paperback, 170 pp, $12.50

Robert Sachs career is as alternative as it is conventional. He is a social worker, massage therapist, yoga and meditation teacher, and author. His other books are Nine Star Ki, Tibetan Ayurveda, The Passionate Buddha, Becoming Buddha, The Wisdom of The Buddhist Masters, co-author of the book Ayurvedic Spa with his wife Melanie, and one other book on dying and death, Perfect Endings. Robert is co-director of Diamond Way Ayurveda with his wife Melanie. Visit their site, www.DiamondWayAyurveda.com and see Robert's site www.RobertSachs.net for details of Robert's other books and planned signings and events.