John E Murray

Both and John E Murray

This is the story of a young man, Neal Donnegin, who is experiencing spiritual transformation, and entering the 'second half of life.' He is a participant in a bible study group, The Friday Night Lights, that provides several diverse examples of the dualistic world that most are locked in. This group enables him to view the duality of Western life and to recognize his need for transformation. The world or false self that Neal has spent his entire life developing and defending is breaking down now as he realizes that this is not who he is. He must leave his former spouse, his former work and other sources of his clinging mind behind. The story traces his progress through his challenging periods of surrender, meditation, contemplation and so on. Neal's psychologist refers him to a great spiritual teacher named Bryant Kinnel. He meets with him, attends his seminar presentation, and forms a partnership. The story describes their spiritual interaction and the interaction between Mr. Kinnel and the audience that attend his seminar retreat. In this state of surrender Neal meets a wonderful lady and falls in love, at last discovering what a satisfying relationship with a partner is all about; and what it is NOT about. The book contains detailed transcriptions that Mr. Kinnel and Mr. Donnegin discover while contemplating scripture in a style of lectio divina, or divine reading. The process of seeking transformation is outlined with several examples so that the reader may develop their own 'workbook' for unfolding consciousness. An outline of both contemplative prayer and lectio divina is included in the Appendix to that the reader may develop their own program for enlightenment. The outline not only gives a suggested procedure but also includes a list of authors that have written extensively on the subject of transformation. This reading helps provide the necessary motivation which is so critical during this process. Daily reading of these authors or scripture helps one stay on course.