An intimate mystery encompasses you and tugs upon your heart--what does it mean to follow that tug across the arc of a spiritual life?

Reflecting out of more than fifty years of practice in Zen Buddhism, Unitarian Universalism, and other contemplative traditions, James Ishmael Ford invites us into a journey through life's mysteries and the stages of spiritual development.

Lightly structured by the archetypal Buddhist oxherding images, Ford's exploration is rooted in the Zen way while being deeply enriched by various strains of world mysticism. The book, sprinkled with insights and quotes from Buddhist, Daoist, and Christian traditions, serves as a map and a companion to spiritual seekers or pilgrims--whether within one religious tradition or cobbling together a way of one's own. "Here is the most natural of all natural experiences," writes Ford. "In the midst of our suffering, our longing, our desperation, we capture a glimpse. Something touches us. And with that, if we are lucky and really notice some movement of some spirit within us, we turn our attention to the intimate way."

The Intimate Way of Zen: Effort, Surrender, and Awakening on the Spiritual Journey; James Ishmael Ford; Shambhala; Paperback; 296 pages; $19.95

James Ishmael Ford has walked the spiritual path for more than fifty years. A Zen priest and a Unitarian Universalist minister, he has lived in monasteries and other spiritual communities, served as a parish minister and spiritual director, and has preached from the high pulpits of Old New England churches. His previous books include The Book of Mu, Zen Master Who?, and If You're Lucky, Your Heart Will Break. His website is http://www.jamesishmaelford.com.