That there is a source of permanent and pure happiness that is accessible to us all: that is the eternal promise of spiritual enlightenment. This book offers an innovative, rational, and realistic approach to enlightenment that explains why it is possible and how to achieve it. Its findings are based on a successful 20-year spiritual search and a study of eastern mysticism as it relates to many other disciplines. It argues that enlightenment involves both the mystical search and, crucially, the intellectual and emotional preparation for it. As a result, it offers an approach to spiritual truth that is comprehensive and unique. Unlike many other spiritual systems, it encourages critical thinking and explains enlightenment within a persuasive philosophical framework. It suggests the necessity of being honest about our own desires and finding the messages inherent in negative emotions, and it offers powerful new methods to accomplish this. Finally, it gives excellent, concise explanations of the self-inquiry techniques of Hindu mystics that are the royal road to enlightenment. Together, these form a powerful and unusual instrument for seeking the truth.