Now that I’ve got your attention, this is not going to be a Chicken Soup for the Soul kind of book. Instead, it is a very real, down-and-dirty, lusty life chronicle that could very possibly change your life. I’d say this book is more like an Indiana Jones and the Temple of Dharma adventure. So, if this is more your style, keep reading. I’m sure some of this book may be too radical for some blissed-out soul seeker types, but I’ve got to be real, because truth is all I’ve got.

I’m what you would call “The Bad Boy of Enlightenment,” as I’m not your typical saintly soul seeker¾I am quite rough around the edges! I eat meat, I prefer a good party to a group meditation, and I suffer from an array of personal defects. You’re probably thinking, “Gandhi, he ain’t.” And I will tell you, “You’re right!” But in spite of all that, I have always had a passionate desire to find God and figure out what the hell this “enlightenment” thing is that everyone talks about. Famous people claim it’s the best buzz in the universe. Me? I’ve always liked a good buzz, so I figured enlightenment was for me, too.

I wish someone would have shared their truth with me before I started my adventure. I might have been saved a scar or two. Of course, considering the way that I am, it probably wouldn’t have made any difference. I seem to learn only through direct and dramatic experiences. Heck, why miss out on the adventure?

Let me share some truth with you right now: Believe it or not, each of us is a spiritual being on a wondrous journey back home to God. The challenges we have in our life are but stepping-stones that toughen us up and help us to learn the most important lesson of all: to love. Quite simply, we are each a divine spark of God, and God is Love. But many of us forget that fact and put ourselves through all sorts of ordeals, heartache and unpleasant things as we struggle to make it through life. I certainly did, and I have the scars and broken bones to prove it. As a matter of fact, you could consider that my tales are more like war stories. These war stories may turn your tummy inside-out…because the enemy was that dreadful! Who was this hideous enemy? you might ask. The war I waged was against my own self, which made this thorny foe almost invincible.

I’m here to tell you that, no matter what you’ve been through in life, no matter how many mistakes and dumb things you think you’ve done: if I can reach enlightenment, after all I’ve been through, then so can you!

I even have a super-quick shortcut so you can achieve instant enlightenment! In fact, I will tell you the shortcut right now in case you don’t really want to read my book!

The shortcut to enlightenment is to stop the reaching, stop the wars, and stop the journey. Just simply stop! If you can stop everything that is going on in your head for only three short minutes, you will discover a great cosmic secret—I promise. Of course, all my reaching, fighting, begging, and sniveling make for a great book, because the “reaching for life” is life’s great drama. This dream we call life wouldn’t even be if not for all its drama. And I’ve definitely had my share, which makes for a good book. So if you got a few moments to spare, I’ve got some fun ones to share. And I think you’ll be discovering meaningful secrets on the way.

So my life started out innocently enough for me, though, if I’d known what was coming down the pike, I might have made other plans. Little did I know that I’d be wrestling with some intense events, like several near-death experiences, miracles beyond my wildest imaginings, and amazing breakthroughs in consciousness. I’ve certainly had my share of trials and tribulations, but, as the saying goes, “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

Lest you think my life has been one mad, unending rollercoaster ride, I’ve had plenty of days that were pleasantly calm and filled with quiet joy. There were also times when I was bored to tears. I’ve had my share of romances and heartaches, and living life in gutters and five-star hotels. I’ve had some challenges I wouldn’t wish on anyone, but all of them are what have helped me become the person I am today. Enlightened? Well, after numerous amazing experiences and meditations, I have had a huge awakening to the truth of whom and what I am. I would say I’m self-realized. A fully enlightened being, such as my teacher Rama, has all one thousand pedals of his crown chakra lit up and has mastered ten thousand states of mind.  And I’ll tell you right now, I am not that!  But the title is so catchy I just had to use it—so bare that in mind while you read this book.

I’m getting ahead of myself, though, and I don’t want to give everything away right from the get-go. So, let’s start at the beginning when I was wide-eyed and innocent, and the world was a fascinating place of possibilities and potential.