One Taste: Daily Reflections on Integral Spirituality

Favorite quote: "Narcissists are simply people whose egos are not yet big enough to embrace the entire Kosmos, and so they try to be central to the Kosmos instead." Recently, I heard from an old friend that he'd been having some amazing experiences studying and working with this great guy named Ken Wilber. When I admitted I'd always found myself psyched out by the intellectual depth of his work, he suggested it was worth another try and off I trudged to my local Borders. Each time I went (and it was almost daily for a month), I would pick up a stack of Ken's books, sip my cappuccino, and get really, really angry. It was only when I read through this intelligent, challenging, and at times laugh out loud funny diary style book that I realized why. Ken Wilber is smarter than me, a better writer, more disciplined, more enlightened, and from all accounts, more fun at a party than I am. But our quests have been similar - to find and share unifying themes in eclectic disciplines in such a way that the world becomes whole. I am working my way through his entire oeuvre now, but suspect I will always hold a soft spot in my heart for this one - the inspired and inspirational diary of a year in the life of a beer drinking Buddha.

I have read it twice and will read it again. KW is on the cutting edge of integrating East and West, science and religion, liberal and conservative. Most importantly, there are simple directions designed for us each to personally access the Self or the piece (also, peace)of God within each of us. What could be more important?

For a collection of journal entries, this is quite a coherent philosophical treatise. It covers, in very brief summaries, all of Wilber's previous work, as well as adding very intriguing insights into his own personal life and experiences. If you enjoyed _Grace and Grit_, you'll like this one, too. In a ranking of Wilber's books, I'd put this one right after my second favorite, _Sex, Ecology, Spirituality_ (my first being _Grace and Grit_).

If you like Wilber's work, you will probably be affected very strongly as you journey through an interesting year with the benefit of an eye that wanders in and out of that year's reality. Wilber certainly does a great job of exploring his work and thinking with us in a well-developed and enjoyable manner. There are some very funny moments, as well as some very touching ones, as he shares events and people with us. You will find yourself meeting many people in public and private life that you would probably love to have over for dinner - dinner and a long conversation. The style of the text breaks things up into "get-able" chunks, and yet the whole thing stays together. What keeps the bits of the book together is also what makes it so profoundly affecting. Interestingly, it is not the book's chronology, but the continually dislocating glances into a way of being in the world that is certainly on the outskirts of most experience, but right at the center of his.

The personal side of an artist is in some ways more fascinating than his productions. This powerful journal provides the behind the scenes of Ken, You share everything from his highs and lows, to his taste in movies. This more humanized medium of expression proves inspirational as you see the man behind the wizardry of thought.Yes folks, He's human, phew!