the Earth

In this series of essays, edited by Sufi spiritual teacher and author Vaughn-Lee (Prayer of the Heart in Christian and Sufi Mysticism), writers from different faith traditions mourn the damage done to the Earth. They call for spiritual rather than technological healing in reestablishing harmony between humans and the planet. The essays, by authors ranging from Zen Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh to Christian writer Richard Rohr, repeat the same message: the Earth is not separate from humanity, and humans have no license to ravage it. The world is a spiritual being and until that view is accepted, humans are doomed to follow a path of destruction. Soul work, not environmental tinkering, is key. Despite the gloomy ecological outlook, these essays exude optimism in their belief that love and harmony can prevail over greed and insanity. They are eloquent and passionate pleas for the planet. The book’s only flaw is that its brilliant music repeats one theme—even one that arguably needs to be heard over and over. (July 1)