Drawing on the wisdom of teacher from the world's great religious traditions, including Robert Thurman, Sharon Salzberg, Ram Dass, Mother Mary Clare Vincent, Joan Halifax, and Rabbi Jonathan Omer-Man, Gifts of the Spirit deepens our appreciation of such everyday routines as waking up, eating, and working, as well as the abundant rewards of enjoying music, gardening, walking, and being with others. Vivid descriptions of rituals from around the world help us find new spiritual meaning in life's key passages. Discover everyday spiritual riches through: Zen arts of cooking and eatingJewwish and Native American coming-of-age ritualsBedouin rules of hospitality and friendshipMindful approached to pregnancy and birthAncient Christian practices that nurture the dyingShaker philosophies of daily work and craftThe Buddhist way to a peaceful night's sleep