"Robert Frager is the founder of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology in Palo Alto, Calfornia, and is presently professor of psychology and director of the ITP Spiritual Guidance Program. He is the author of many books including The Wisdom of Islam and is one of our Living Spiritual Teachers. He serves as editor of this paperback which was developed from presentations at a conference entitled 'The Heart of Spiritual Guidance.' The fifteen essays have been organized under five thematic umbrellas: Perspectives on Spiritual Direction and Guidance Transpersonal Psychology and Spiritual Direction The Mystics and Spiritual Direction Alternative Settings for Spiritual Direction Group Spiritual Direction The most compelling essay is by Frager who examines the transformation of the ego through seven stages as outlined in the Sufi mystical tradition. He goes on to discuss the spiritual importance of the heart and inner wisdom, concluding that the highest calling in the world is to heal the human heart. All those who do spiritual guidance are involved in holy work. Other stand-out essays include Zalman Schachter-Shalomi on spiritual intimacy, Mary Ann Scofield on spiritual guidance on the margins of society, Jürgen Schwing on spiritual guidance at the end of life, and Janice Farrell on developing spiritual community in group spiritual direction."