"The search for inner peace and the heart s desire for love often seem like irreconcilable aims. Spiritual teachers say that love seduces us away from spiritual growth, while psychologists argue that love s juiciness is what life is about; meditation is navel-gazing. Reconciling these opposites, John Amodeo shows how spirituality and vibrant relationships are identical. He says that Buddha s concept of the root of suffering is misunderstood. It is not desire that causes suffering; desire is the fire that springs from the basic life force. Drawing upon the science of attachment theory, Amodeo illuminates how the root of our suffering is disconnection from ourselves and others, which is fueled by clinging to what doesn't serve us. In a conversational tone, Amodeo presents relationship as sacred experience. He teaches how to welcome desire mindfully rather than suppress it and how to overcome fear of failure in relating. He also discusses meditation as self-intimacy and holding ourselves with loving-kindness. Lastly, he explores the role of community in spiritual awakening and the issue of whom to trust our guru or ourselves?"