The Sword of Heaven: A Spiritual Journey to Save the World

Having just finished 'Sword of Heaven' earlier today, i am left with what i'd imagine to be one of Mikkel Aaland's intentions in documenting such a monumental nearly two-decade long endeavour; i am left inspired and ever the more forward looking. What struck me most about his account of placing the broken shards of such an auspicious and revered piece of Shinto tools/iconography is how dilligent he is in keeping us intimately close to the stream of emotions and consciousness throughout; as if we were in his back pocket the whole time, learning his lessons, eaves-dropping on the conversations, and getting lost and confused and frustrated with him every step on the way to inner and outter peace. I am grateful for the photographs that inaugurate each chapter, it only furthers a sense of inextricable union with Mr. Aaland's journey and our outside-in perspective. Furthermore, those photos really drive home the fact that such an incredible "five continent odyssey to save the world" actually happened. Having my incredulity at such a feat (in the greatest sense of the word) continuously trumped by the constant reminder that the Shinto Peace Project actually took place on this plane, this corporeal reality, was a gift; it's a pleasure amongst pleasures to balance the cynicism that is induced via bombardment of media coverage of wars/crime/murder/rape with the inspiration that is induced with a book that proves that happiness, though may be arduously hard-earned, is indeed possible for each of us as we define it and in our own terms. With this book in my life, i feel as though the space occupied within the walls of my apartment and the space occupied within the cells of my body is perceptibly warmer as is evidenced by my increased attention to not so much 'being' anything per se, but on the process of 'becoming'.

One cannot read this exciting book without considering in a new light some old and fundamental questions: 'Does my life REALLY make a difference in the grand scheme?' 'Is it possible that what I do in each moment of each day DIRECTLY DETERMINES whether or not human civilization advances or fails?' Mr. Aaland subtly raises these questions by sharing the remarkable story of his life over the last two decades, and leaves one wondering: Did he and his allies IN FACT bring down the Berlin Wall, end apartheid, and reverse the spiral of nuclear proliferation? These are all worthy questions, and Mr. Aaland's way of framing them-the way of the exceptional raconteur-is delightful.

I was also involved in putting the Sword of Heaven. I am a Native American religious teacher. I placed the Kami at the Trinity site in New Mexico. The subtle beauty and integral integrity of this story is a great study for those living in an increasingly mannerless and faith-less American Society. I strongly recomend this book to those whose hearts really believe in Peace..... Turtle Heart Ojibway Ahnishikad

The author shares his experiences in a way that is perfect. I am going to give it to several friends this holiday. Inspirational. A Must for anyone.

Reading "The Sword Of Heaven" gave me an opportunity to celebrate with the author an event that comes to very few beings on the planet. He could have given up so many times and not resumed taking up what intuitively urged him to go on and perhaps helped all of us who sincerely wish we could participate in such an undertaking. Thank you for having the courage to respond to your inner longings and for writing this book which lets us know that there is daily uplifting of consciousness on the planet happening on a global scale.We are deeply moved and grateful that you celebrated this opportunity.