Preface

E nlightenment is like a jewel and awakening is its discovery. When you come upon it, suddenly you realize, “I was so asleep. I thought things were one way and now I have found they are another.” Enlightenment is the discovery of a subtlety of perception that is profound beyond measure. As you pursue this shift in perception, what you discover is ever greater ­subtlety. It is always endlessly fascinating. Constantly turning that jewel in your hand, gazing into its reflection, you will see more and more and more. As you keep turning it, you find that the depth that is revealed there is miraculous. If you want to know that which is true, you have to be willing to leave all of the delusion that you have accumulated and that so much of the world expresses behind forever. Only then can you stand alone, undistracted, finally able to bear witness to that mystery that defies description. When you are willing to give all of your attention to the pursuit of the Truth alone, you will find to your surprise that you have picked up the jewel of Enlightenment and are holding it in your very own hands. x