This is one of the more intelligent attempts to find some kind of synthesis between Eastern and Western spiritual traditions, taking insights from India extremely seriously, but not once subverting the integrity of the Christian heritage from which Cyprian Consiglio comes. Rather, he draws out the nature of the Christian desert tradition, where appropriate comparing it with Eastern understanding or experience; and although there are many of us who think that there are already far too many books on 'spirituality', this is one which does deserve to be read, and with thoughtfulness and appreciation. ( )