AUTUMN YEARS: Taking the Contemplative Path

This book is written for anyone growing older who feels a tug toward spiritual seeking, and since more than 76 million baby boomers—the generation that legitimized spiritual seeking—are growing older, it has a considerable potential audience. The authors use the premise of a Hindu cultural model that calls for spiritual development in the later years, after the discharge of family responsibilities. They also cite Western research on successful aging, documenting the increased life span and better health of the aging population that makes "new beginnings" feasible. From this point of departure they advocate the practice of contemplation, briefly explaining common practices (meditation, centering prayer, the study of Zen Buddhist koan riddles) and offering tips on sticking with a practice once it's adopted. The married co-authors also draw freely but not in excessive detail from their own lives and spiritual journeys to illustrate by example and also to show how intimate relationships can promote spiritual growth—a topic not often covered in other spirituality books. This brief introductory volume is both personal and personable, as a spiritual guide should be, and is recommended for beginners as well as those having difficulty seeing how Eastern spiritual practices can enrich a Christian's faith. It sets a standard as the market for "mature spirituality" books continues to develop. (Sept.)