Preface -- The seed is planted -- Following my bliss -- The shaman's path -- Vision quest -- You can't be a hollow bone if you're full of shit -- Spirit Hollow -- Meeting the guru -- Maharaj-ji -- SHIP4707 -- What comes next -- Death -- The joy of powerlessness -- Cruisifixion (sic) -- Unobscured radiance -- The most powerful force in the universe -- Impregnate me with thy light -- Perfect joy.
Summary:
"Here For The Joy : A Memoir of Survival, Addiction Recovery, Spiritual Enlightenment, and In-Depth Personal Transformation describes spiritual badass, Ananda Forest, followed his bliss out of the narrow confines of a privileged upbringing, poisoned by abuse, alcoholism, and mental illness. First, by learning to build houses, work on cars and make whiskey, and later by becoming a sober shaman. The ancient traditions of sweat lodge, vision quest and tribal drumming led him to India, where he encountered Ram Dass and Krishna Das's guru, Neem Karoli Baba, and Amma, "the hugging saint." These spiritual guides helped him to discover and live within the joy he had been seeking his whole life. The joy that can be found in the center of each of our hearts. This spiritual growth book for men will also appeal to anyone who has survived childhood abuse, mental illness, or addiction - or who is related to or loves someone who has. Too often these experiences blight lives, but Here For The Joy charts a different course - a journey into joy and freedom!" -- Page 4 of cover.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.