Tying Rocks to Clouds: Meetings and Conversations with Wise and Spiritual People

William Elliott's writing style is easily read. The story of years and years of travels focuses on those interviewed and telling their story in such a way as to bring many interviews into a perspective for the reader's appreciation of what Elliott's life has been about -- all a well-woven fabric. His objective stays well-centered. That gave me a real sense in reading this most interesting book about various religous leaders and her/his successful living out their dedication. Elliott has indicated his next one is on experiences of 40 days in the desert in looking at how Jesus did his forty days there two centuries ago. I am excitedly looking for it to show on the market.

William Elliot is a brave soul who had the naive courage to approach some of the greatest philosophers and spiritual leaders of our times to gain their perspective on the meaning of life. Remarkably, he gained access to a number of these prophets, who answered his questions in a thoughtful and decidedly heartfelt manner. There is much to provoke thought and inspire action in these pages. As drawn as I was to the book, eager to move from interview to interview, I found I needed to pace myself to better absorb what I was reading. Sometimes I felt my heart sing with the joy of hearing the expression of a kindred spirit. Other times, my desire to be compassionate and respect the beliefs of all felt challenged by the expressions of people with a greatly divergent perspective. Both experiences were of great benefit to me. The wonder of this book, outside the fact that it even came to be, is the engaging narrative Elliott weaves through the interviews. In his unabashedly honest, touching, and humorous, style, Elliott wryly observes that the path to "knowing" can be a twisted and never ending journey of delightful surprises. Travel along with him, you won't be disappointed.

The fact that those who were willing to be interviewed by this sincere "nobody" with a yearning ache speaks for their specialness as well as his. Varied in outlook from the Scientific-Practical to the Expansive-Otherwordly the range is surprising and profound, the similarities enlightening, while Elliott's reflections augment! You will find a human salad of ideas and emotion and be inspired to explore some folks you've never heard of. Of great value to share with friends and family at all passages of life. Some of the Illuminated Souls include Jean Houston, Pir Vilayat Khan, Stephen Levine, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. Includes Christians, Buddhists, Jews, Mystics and those who foreswear association and question the questions. If you've ever wondered about life, don't miss this opportunity!

This was one of the most beautiful and touching books I have ever read. I have given it to 3 others as gifts - 2 people that had experienced a difficulty with death, and 1 on their own spiritual search in life. I can't recommend it highly enough. I'm about to read it again for the 3rd time.

I thank William Elliott for providing these varying insights from fascinating people. Many interview comments resonated with my own search for enlightenment. I've read writings from many of these people and have wanted to ask them the questions Bill asked. It was great reading.