This is a remarkable book. I say this as one who has explored this subject in my own writings and who, as a result, understand just how difficult it can be to write about this subject skillfully and in a way that matters. Anyone who has read "how-to" books on spirituality knows how often they suffer from well-intention generalizations which are less than helpful. This book explores four ways in which we can achieve spiritual connection with the Divine--the way of devotion, of action, of contemplation and of self-mastery--and it does so with great clarity and specificity (the latter particularly well done). It is never simplistic. Nor does it underestimate the difficulties involved, although it makes one feel that with proper understanding and commitment, such union is definitely possible. The author demonstrates a rich familiarity with various religions, both eastern and western, and with various spiritual disciplines, and does a first-rate job of discussing these with dexterity, relevance and, again clarity and specificity. The goal of the book is to offer us an individualized path to union, to connection, and one important aspect is its recognition that because each of us IS an individual, our path to such union will vary. We must, it's made clear, find our own way with the tools offered us in the book. This demonstrates great and proper respect for the individual as he or she pursues that path, rather than supposing wrongly that one path will fit all.

The suggested reading list at the back of the book is a rich one. And I very much appreciated the treasure trove of useful quotations from religious and spiritual leaders and scholars, all of it skillfully employed to make various points more clear and therefore more useable. There is also included a very useful chart of the four paths, which acts as a kind of summary of the text, and which one can regularly consult as one makes various choices along the way.

What understanding I have just received from reading Four Paths to Union !! I've known of Bhakti and Karma yoga, but not much of the other two paths. I recognized a ton of practices from all over the spiritual board, but I've always been confused as to any order or way of holding it all. So many practices are coming from "my way is the way" that it has been impossible for me to sort out value in the larger picture or the value to me. I am eternally grateful for this clear map! The metaphor of the mountain and the different approaches/directions was fabulous! I've NEVER known what my spiritual path was since I don't have a specific teaching or teacher. I loved all the directives that were given to go even deeper into the path. Now I am looking forward to reading "my chapter" in much greater depth. The chapter on religions and paths saved me about 10,000 hours of reading and classes in the history of religions! What a remarkable and easy to get synthesis!! I can count the books that have had such an impact on me on one hand. A thousand blessings to the author for the gift this is going to be to many on their spiritual journey.

This book has been yearning to be written for all of us in a spiritual search, and for all of us who would like an objective exposition of the different ways of conducting a spiritual search. I think it is of great use to people who help people.

I have not read a book like it. The paths of devotion, action, self-mastery and contemplation are described with exquisite clarity, illumined by quotes I wanted to write down, and given a breadth of application that enjoyed deep resonances with my experience. These paths would be recognized in the different yogas, such as bhakta and jnaña, in the different schools of Buddhist and Christian devotion, meditation, and service.

As a psychologist I am at times sitting across from people who have, parallel to or imbedded in psychological symptoms, an urging to do spiritual work, or some inner voice demanding spiritual development. This is now the first book I think of recommending.

The author of this book had a very interresting idea, which triggered me to read the book. Though most everything she states is a "true" observation, I find her explainations to be highly vivid and uneducated in the field of conciousness. There are psychological terms and explainations on human behavior that she referrs to as a "waking dream"; and she doesn't go into great depth on it because she clearly is uninformed. I would recommend sticking to more psychological information from medically certified authors. This is where you'll truly get a chance to understand the unconcious self.

This author really got me to sit up and take notice with this thought-provoking topic. The whole notion of taking the unusual and interesting happenings of your life and interpreting them as you would a dream is fascinating. The book is filled with real life examples and interpretations, so that you can see immediately how this may be of use to you in your own life.

Ms. Kennedy conveys the information in an entertaining and informative manner, and effectively gets you to see how each incident of our lives, contains so much valuable information about you. I think this is definitely a book for the new millenium. One thing is certain, you'll never again be able to look at your life in the same way after having read this book.

A very, very basic book that gives advide similar to the following:

make a plan, have a support group, execute...

Does an ok job on the tax issues, but there are better books.