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The Secret of the Soul: Using Out-of-Body Experiences to Understand Our True Nature
In this remarkable book, William Buhlman, author of the bestselling Adventures Beyond the Body, offers the reader a comprehensive guidebook to understanding and exploring the fascinating phenomenon of out-of-body experiences (OBEs).
Learn how you can:
* Explore your true spiritual self
and attain profound transformation
in your awareness and knowledge of the universe.
* Gain life-changing benefits
as you break free from mental and physical limitations
* Contact departed loved ones using OBEs
to move beyond the current limited understanding of death.
Filled with engrossing stories based on the testimonies of people from all over the world, and offering forty new, easy-to-understand techniques, The Secret of the Soul will prepare human beings everywhere for the next major leap in the evolution of consciousness.
Learn how you can:
* Explore your true spiritual self
and attain profound transformation
in your awareness and knowledge of the universe.
* Gain life-changing benefits
as you break free from mental and physical limitations
* Contact departed loved ones using OBEs
to move beyond the current limited understanding of death.
Filled with engrossing stories based on the testimonies of people from all over the world, and offering forty new, easy-to-understand techniques, The Secret of the Soul will prepare human beings everywhere for the next major leap in the evolution of consciousness.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2001
142 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
William Buhlman
24 books98 followersFrom the author's website:
"William Buhlman is America's leading expert on out-of-body experiences. The author's four decades of extensive personal out-of-body explorations give him a unique and thought provoking insight into this subject. His first book, Adventures beyond the Body chronicles his personal spiritual journey of self-discovery through out-of-body travel, and provides the reader with the preparation and techniques that can be used for their own adventure.
During the last ten years he has conducted an international out-of-body experience survey that includes over 18,000 participants from forty-two countries. The provocative results of this survey are presented in his book, The Secret of the Soul. This cutting edge book explores the unique opportunities for personal growth and profound spiritual awakenings that are experienced during out-of-body travel.
Over the past two decades William has developed a proven, effective system to experience safe, self initiated out-of-body adventures. He conducts an in-depth workshop with the Monroe Institute titled, Out-of-Body Exploration Intensive. This unique workshop provides the steps, intention and techniques designed for controlled out-of-body exploration. Each participant will experience a comprehensive array of proven OBE methods including the target technique, inner motion, visualization, chakra and energy body activation. In addition, hypnotic, shamanic and early morning methods will be practiced.
As a certified hypnotherapist, William incorporates various methods in his workshops to explore the profound nature of out-of-body experiences and the benefits of accelerated personal development. Through lectures, workshops and his books the author teaches the preparation and techniques of astral projection and spiritual exploration.
The author brings a refreshing look to how we can use out-of-body experiences to explore our spiritual identity and enhance our intellectual and physical lives. William is best known for his ability to teach people how to have profound spiritual adventures through the use of out-of-body experiences. In addition, he has developed an extensive series of audio and video programs that are designed to expand awareness and assist in the exploration of consciousness. William has appeared on numerous television and radio shows worldwide. William's books are currently available in ten languages."
This author is sometimes listed as William L. Buhlman, however he publishes books under "William Buhlman" only.
"William Buhlman is America's leading expert on out-of-body experiences. The author's four decades of extensive personal out-of-body explorations give him a unique and thought provoking insight into this subject. His first book, Adventures beyond the Body chronicles his personal spiritual journey of self-discovery through out-of-body travel, and provides the reader with the preparation and techniques that can be used for their own adventure.
During the last ten years he has conducted an international out-of-body experience survey that includes over 18,000 participants from forty-two countries. The provocative results of this survey are presented in his book, The Secret of the Soul. This cutting edge book explores the unique opportunities for personal growth and profound spiritual awakenings that are experienced during out-of-body travel.
Over the past two decades William has developed a proven, effective system to experience safe, self initiated out-of-body adventures. He conducts an in-depth workshop with the Monroe Institute titled, Out-of-Body Exploration Intensive. This unique workshop provides the steps, intention and techniques designed for controlled out-of-body exploration. Each participant will experience a comprehensive array of proven OBE methods including the target technique, inner motion, visualization, chakra and energy body activation. In addition, hypnotic, shamanic and early morning methods will be practiced.
As a certified hypnotherapist, William incorporates various methods in his workshops to explore the profound nature of out-of-body experiences and the benefits of accelerated personal development. Through lectures, workshops and his books the author teaches the preparation and techniques of astral projection and spiritual exploration.
The author brings a refreshing look to how we can use out-of-body experiences to explore our spiritual identity and enhance our intellectual and physical lives. William is best known for his ability to teach people how to have profound spiritual adventures through the use of out-of-body experiences. In addition, he has developed an extensive series of audio and video programs that are designed to expand awareness and assist in the exploration of consciousness. William has appeared on numerous television and radio shows worldwide. William's books are currently available in ten languages."
This author is sometimes listed as William L. Buhlman, however he publishes books under "William Buhlman" only.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
March 20, 2015
This is one of the best books I've read on the subject of OBEs. The personal accounts adds to the practicality of the phenomenon, as well as making the profound seem common. Mr Buhlman conducted a survey, and asked a number of questions on OBEs. He then went on to compile these findings and presented them in an easy to understand format. The reader is able to analyze this information, and see how it applies to them and other interested people. You quickly get a sense of kinship in knowing that you are not alone in your interest as well as your personal experiences. The predecessor to this work (Adventurers beyond the body) was just as lucid and informative, and I would recommend a reading of that text to add to your understanding. William Buhlman is a true pioneer, not just in his abilities, but also in his presentation. The desire to share his findings with the world, makes him and his books a true gift to all seekers.
The descriptions he gives allows the reader to anticipate the anterior events that accompanies the various types of OBEs. I have experience some of these phenomenons, and because of his writings, I was comfortable with my anticipation. I tend to have my OBEs by way of lucid dreaming, or more specific Wake Induced Lucid Dreams , (WILD). My method is to visualize out door scenes, such as a near by park. I hold this image in my mind as I drift off to sleep. As I go through the various brain wave states, Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta , I begin to see some hypnogogic images. I remain calm as the scene of the park becomes larger and larger. At some point I find myself in the park with full lucidity. Is this a lucid dream or an OBE ? The environment is extremely tenuous, I can change it at will . Although I did not loose consciousness, this experience does not meet some of the author's descriptions of his out of body excursions. I did not experience the sounds, and the vibrations that are spoken about in the different books that I've read. Although he does describe what I did experience as I interacted with my surroundings, there were subtle differences in how I got there. He also describes how to change the density /vibrational rate of your host body, and by doing that you move up or down through the different planes of nature.
On page 196 the author covers some of the technology beginning to emerge to assist in having OBEs. The goal of a true pioneer is to forge forward first, and blaze a trail that makes it easier for those who come later. Because it takes a certain amount of mental fortitude for most people to have anything close to an OBE, workable technology would be a great leap forward in bringing this experience to the average person. With the findings from such OBE luminaries such as William Buhlman, Oliver Fox Sylvan Muldoon, Robert Monroe, The Theosophical Society , and a host of other contributors to the field our generation is much more informed than previous ones. Researchers are developing technology to assist in having OBEs, such as the Nova Pro, The Orion, the Mind lad Pro, and the Nova dreamer. Some of these devices allow the user to remain awake while their body goes to sleep. This is achieved with a series of light and sound patterns. The patterns are conducive to producing the mental states preceding an OBE. The author does a good job in covering what is being done with the various research projects on the developing technology.
Spread throughout the book are descriptions of what some of the more proficient astral travelers have achieved. I look at these people the way some people look at sport figures, Pop stars, and popular actors, these people are my role models. These descriptions are great motivation for any aspiring aspirant, and Mr Buhlman does well in his presentation of their astral escapades. Along with all the other well thought out sections, are the techniques, such as the climbing the rope technique, the floating balloon technique, the rolling out of your body technique, the seeing yourself somewhere else in the room technique, as well as the other methods that I and others have used with varying degrees of success. I have improve my success rate using some of these techniques, but my concern is that of over excitement, which the author does address.
If you are seeking to awaken yourself to the exploration of the higher dimensions, you would do well to audition either of these two books. I have read both of them twice, and I'm sure additional readings are in my future. Just about everything concerning Out-of-body travel is covered in these books. If your soul really desires to astral travel, then travel your @$$ to the book store and get this book, you won't be sorry.
The descriptions he gives allows the reader to anticipate the anterior events that accompanies the various types of OBEs. I have experience some of these phenomenons, and because of his writings, I was comfortable with my anticipation. I tend to have my OBEs by way of lucid dreaming, or more specific Wake Induced Lucid Dreams , (WILD). My method is to visualize out door scenes, such as a near by park. I hold this image in my mind as I drift off to sleep. As I go through the various brain wave states, Beta, Alpha, Theta, Delta , I begin to see some hypnogogic images. I remain calm as the scene of the park becomes larger and larger. At some point I find myself in the park with full lucidity. Is this a lucid dream or an OBE ? The environment is extremely tenuous, I can change it at will . Although I did not loose consciousness, this experience does not meet some of the author's descriptions of his out of body excursions. I did not experience the sounds, and the vibrations that are spoken about in the different books that I've read. Although he does describe what I did experience as I interacted with my surroundings, there were subtle differences in how I got there. He also describes how to change the density /vibrational rate of your host body, and by doing that you move up or down through the different planes of nature.
On page 196 the author covers some of the technology beginning to emerge to assist in having OBEs. The goal of a true pioneer is to forge forward first, and blaze a trail that makes it easier for those who come later. Because it takes a certain amount of mental fortitude for most people to have anything close to an OBE, workable technology would be a great leap forward in bringing this experience to the average person. With the findings from such OBE luminaries such as William Buhlman, Oliver Fox Sylvan Muldoon, Robert Monroe, The Theosophical Society , and a host of other contributors to the field our generation is much more informed than previous ones. Researchers are developing technology to assist in having OBEs, such as the Nova Pro, The Orion, the Mind lad Pro, and the Nova dreamer. Some of these devices allow the user to remain awake while their body goes to sleep. This is achieved with a series of light and sound patterns. The patterns are conducive to producing the mental states preceding an OBE. The author does a good job in covering what is being done with the various research projects on the developing technology.
Spread throughout the book are descriptions of what some of the more proficient astral travelers have achieved. I look at these people the way some people look at sport figures, Pop stars, and popular actors, these people are my role models. These descriptions are great motivation for any aspiring aspirant, and Mr Buhlman does well in his presentation of their astral escapades. Along with all the other well thought out sections, are the techniques, such as the climbing the rope technique, the floating balloon technique, the rolling out of your body technique, the seeing yourself somewhere else in the room technique, as well as the other methods that I and others have used with varying degrees of success. I have improve my success rate using some of these techniques, but my concern is that of over excitement, which the author does address.
If you are seeking to awaken yourself to the exploration of the higher dimensions, you would do well to audition either of these two books. I have read both of them twice, and I'm sure additional readings are in my future. Just about everything concerning Out-of-body travel is covered in these books. If your soul really desires to astral travel, then travel your @$$ to the book store and get this book, you won't be sorry.
October 27, 2018
The Secret of the Soul is a great title for beginners who are looking to understand this, sometimes confusing, other times frightening, skill that we all seem to possess — the ability to exit our bodies in a kind of vision or trance. Some call this having "out of body experiences" or OBEs.
The first half of the book, Buhlman discusses OBEs, why they are important, and gives countless examples of actual OBEs that folks have had. The second part of the book gives concrete techniques and problem solving tips to assist readers in having their own OBEs.
One of my friends is a long distance runner who has had some OBEs during his ultra marathons. I thought of him in the section entitled "Combat and Trauma-Induced Experiences": "It was while I was running in a marathon last year that I had a very strange experience. I was at about the eighteen-mile marker when I looked beside me and saw myself running. At first I thought it was someone who was my build and wearing the same shoes, but then I realized it was me!" pg 55 Buhlman has story after story like that.
If you've never had an out of body experience of your own, the sheer variety and number of people who have fills you with confidence that you can.
I also liked Chapter 4, "Transformational Experiences": For thousands of years spiritual masters have taught that the act of withdrawing from the senses is essential in order to consciously experience our spiritual self. Spiritual texts around the world speak to the importance of transcending the body and embarking on the magnificent journey of the soul into the pure realms of spirit. pg 61
And the testimony from that chapter: "This is bigger then anything I can imagine; how can I tell people without sounding like a nutcase? This changes everything I ever thought I knew or thought was true. I need to know more, see more." pg 68 That's the thing about powerful transformational experiences. Until someone has one him or herself, there's not really anyway to explain it.
Chapter 6, "Extraterrestrial Contact and Abduction," was the first time that I've read about aliens alongside traditional OBEs. Buhlman writes: "After reading more than two hundred such letters (from his OBE survey), I noticed a startling similarity: The letters describing extraterrestrial contacts and abductions were almost identical to the thousands of letters I have received describing out of body experiences. In fact, I often could not distinguish between letters." pg 89
Chapter 7, A Brief History of Out-of-Body Experiences was fascinating in that the reader is given cultures from different time periods, all over the planet, that support and confirm the existence of out of body experiences. These seem to suggest that OBEs are a "human" experience rather than a culturally specific one.
Take Emanuel Swedenborg's words: "It has pleased the Lord to... open the interiors of my mind or spirit, whereby I have been permitted to be in the spiritual world with angels, and at the same time in the natural world with people, and this now (has happened for) twenty-seven years." pg 113
I was surprised at how many of the historical figures presented here as having OBEs were scientists... I guess in my mind I've always drawn a line between the artsy/mystic types and the scientists. Line erased. :)
I'll conclude with a few statements from the Appendix of the book, which was compiled from Buhlman's extensive survey of people who had had OBE's: "Self-initiated out-of-body exploration is a direct and powerful method to experience our true spiritual essence. It is an effective method to accelerate our personal growth and evolution. In addition, it helps to prepare us for the transition of death by removing our fear and expanding our awareness. We have the ability to obtain the answers to our existence and break free from the shackles of belief and matter. This is achieved by personal spiritual experience and exploration beyond the physical limits." Appendix pg 253.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
If you're looking for more books on the topic of out-of-body experiences, check out any of the books on my "Out-of-Body Experiences" shelf.
The first half of the book, Buhlman discusses OBEs, why they are important, and gives countless examples of actual OBEs that folks have had. The second part of the book gives concrete techniques and problem solving tips to assist readers in having their own OBEs.
One of my friends is a long distance runner who has had some OBEs during his ultra marathons. I thought of him in the section entitled "Combat and Trauma-Induced Experiences": "It was while I was running in a marathon last year that I had a very strange experience. I was at about the eighteen-mile marker when I looked beside me and saw myself running. At first I thought it was someone who was my build and wearing the same shoes, but then I realized it was me!" pg 55 Buhlman has story after story like that.
If you've never had an out of body experience of your own, the sheer variety and number of people who have fills you with confidence that you can.
I also liked Chapter 4, "Transformational Experiences": For thousands of years spiritual masters have taught that the act of withdrawing from the senses is essential in order to consciously experience our spiritual self. Spiritual texts around the world speak to the importance of transcending the body and embarking on the magnificent journey of the soul into the pure realms of spirit. pg 61
And the testimony from that chapter: "This is bigger then anything I can imagine; how can I tell people without sounding like a nutcase? This changes everything I ever thought I knew or thought was true. I need to know more, see more." pg 68 That's the thing about powerful transformational experiences. Until someone has one him or herself, there's not really anyway to explain it.
Chapter 6, "Extraterrestrial Contact and Abduction," was the first time that I've read about aliens alongside traditional OBEs. Buhlman writes: "After reading more than two hundred such letters (from his OBE survey), I noticed a startling similarity: The letters describing extraterrestrial contacts and abductions were almost identical to the thousands of letters I have received describing out of body experiences. In fact, I often could not distinguish between letters." pg 89
Chapter 7, A Brief History of Out-of-Body Experiences was fascinating in that the reader is given cultures from different time periods, all over the planet, that support and confirm the existence of out of body experiences. These seem to suggest that OBEs are a "human" experience rather than a culturally specific one.
Take Emanuel Swedenborg's words: "It has pleased the Lord to... open the interiors of my mind or spirit, whereby I have been permitted to be in the spiritual world with angels, and at the same time in the natural world with people, and this now (has happened for) twenty-seven years." pg 113
I was surprised at how many of the historical figures presented here as having OBEs were scientists... I guess in my mind I've always drawn a line between the artsy/mystic types and the scientists. Line erased. :)
I'll conclude with a few statements from the Appendix of the book, which was compiled from Buhlman's extensive survey of people who had had OBE's: "Self-initiated out-of-body exploration is a direct and powerful method to experience our true spiritual essence. It is an effective method to accelerate our personal growth and evolution. In addition, it helps to prepare us for the transition of death by removing our fear and expanding our awareness. We have the ability to obtain the answers to our existence and break free from the shackles of belief and matter. This is achieved by personal spiritual experience and exploration beyond the physical limits." Appendix pg 253.
Couldn't have said it better myself.
If you're looking for more books on the topic of out-of-body experiences, check out any of the books on my "Out-of-Body Experiences" shelf.
March 31, 2012
I will forever be grateful to William L. Buhlman for teaching me to shout "CLARITY NOW" while in OBE a la Seinfeld :P It saved me from wondering in the dark having only hearing and touch to go by.
This book is one of those books that every OBE student should read. There's tons and tons of books out there, as well as websites and videos, that give you tips on achieving an Out of Body experience. Most of those books are frankly too basic. Simply learning to OBE is like learning to "buy a plane ticket". What you really want is a "travel guide" on what to expect, what can be encountered, and how these strange situations- that one can get into while in OBE- are best to be dealt with. All that, you can get in this book :)
I wholeheartedly recommend The Secret of the Soul as well as his other book, Adventures beyond the body. Similarly, the classic Monroe trilogy are a stepping stone anyone should start reading, starting with Journeys out of the body.
I only gave this 4 stars so far because at times I wish the information was better organized. However, the information he's learned from over 16,000 OBE experiences from all over the world is worth reading about!
This book is one of those books that every OBE student should read. There's tons and tons of books out there, as well as websites and videos, that give you tips on achieving an Out of Body experience. Most of those books are frankly too basic. Simply learning to OBE is like learning to "buy a plane ticket". What you really want is a "travel guide" on what to expect, what can be encountered, and how these strange situations- that one can get into while in OBE- are best to be dealt with. All that, you can get in this book :)
I wholeheartedly recommend The Secret of the Soul as well as his other book, Adventures beyond the body. Similarly, the classic Monroe trilogy are a stepping stone anyone should start reading, starting with Journeys out of the body.
I only gave this 4 stars so far because at times I wish the information was better organized. However, the information he's learned from over 16,000 OBE experiences from all over the world is worth reading about!
July 27, 2012
Perfect book for understanding the astral realm and OBE's. He describes my own experiences to a T. This is the first author who has done that. I think he has a great understanding and challenges you to find out for yourself what is true.
July 5, 2017
This was an interesting book that provided deeper insights into Buhlman's views on OBEs and how they relate to spirituality. It doesn't explore alternative explanations and doesn't try hard to convince you that his views are correct, so the book is best-suited for those who already agree with Buhlman's opinions. As a how-to book, I don't believe this one is as good as his initial "Adventures Beyond The Body" which is the book I recommend to everyone wanting to have an OBE.
August 2, 2019
in bezit
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November 14, 2021This is a very useful and practical book for anyone who's had out-of-body experiences, or is willing to have such.
October 21, 2012
An inspiring book to read, especially the first part where you can read more about the possibilities of OBE's. The second part was a little boring especially if you have read the -how to's- in other books before and he's referring to his other book a little too much. The graphics were a nice extra and the final notes (based on his research) were refreshing.
April 3, 2015
This book provides clarity
The author knows what he is talking about. It describes experiences that I have had but didn't understand. Well written, and provides instructions on how to achieve the state's required to travel.
The author knows what he is talking about. It describes experiences that I have had but didn't understand. Well written, and provides instructions on how to achieve the state's required to travel.
September 15, 2011
pretty amazing
August 15, 2024
Excellent
Really good book, lots of good info,I read his previous book,which was also excellent and I will purchase his next now.
Really good book, lots of good info,I read his previous book,which was also excellent and I will purchase his next now.
May 6, 2018
Il libro consiste in una ricerca dell'autore durata molti anni, in cui ha raccolto le più svariate esperienze fuori dal corpo. Dai bambini agli adulti, dalle paure notturne alle esperienze sessuali, dai casi più comuni a quelli più rari. Tutte descrivono chiaramente come ogni uomo abbia la capacità di uscire con il proprio sè (anima, spirito) dal corpo e vivere nel mondo astrale o altri piani di esistenza.
Le testimonianze sono la parte più interessante del libro. Sarà molto facile leggere di esperienze personali che coincidono con alcune del lettore. Ci sono poi svariate tecniche per indurre OBE volontariamente. Ho gradito meno invece la parte sulle tecnologie, ma probabilmente è un contesto che ancora devo fare mio.
Consigliato a chi già ha fatto esperienze, a chi le ha fatte e non lo ricorda, a chi non sa cosa siano e vuole scoprire il proprio sè superiore.
Le testimonianze sono la parte più interessante del libro. Sarà molto facile leggere di esperienze personali che coincidono con alcune del lettore. Ci sono poi svariate tecniche per indurre OBE volontariamente. Ho gradito meno invece la parte sulle tecnologie, ma probabilmente è un contesto che ancora devo fare mio.
Consigliato a chi già ha fatto esperienze, a chi le ha fatte e non lo ricorda, a chi non sa cosa siano e vuole scoprire il proprio sè superiore.
January 6, 2022
This book is about Out of Body Experiences (OBE's) - a phenomenon wherein a person's consciousness seems to leave their physical body and travel either throughout the physical plane or to other realms of consciousness. Pretty far out. This sometimes happens as a result of a trauma or shock, or while falling asleep or waking up. If this concept isn't intriguing to you, pass this book by!
The book gives a well-rounded introduction to the concept, including interesting possible references to the phenomenon from historical literature and spiritual texts, including the bible. The pages are packed with quotations from people who have written to Buhlman or completed his survey on OBE's. This gives a broader range of experiences and phenomena, told from a first-hand perspective. It also gives some general ideas of how one might elicit such an experience for oneself.
The book gives a well-rounded introduction to the concept, including interesting possible references to the phenomenon from historical literature and spiritual texts, including the bible. The pages are packed with quotations from people who have written to Buhlman or completed his survey on OBE's. This gives a broader range of experiences and phenomena, told from a first-hand perspective. It also gives some general ideas of how one might elicit such an experience for oneself.
February 24, 2019
"The Seat of the Soul" is an amazing book that gives insight to just what might have been happening with those famous religious figures such as the Apostle Paul, when he had a life-changing experience on the road to Damascus, and the Prophet Muhammad when he received his great revelation from God while in the cave, Hira. It also extends the lessons taught in "Adventures Beyond the Body" and is an essential classic of out-of-body literature. These two books, and Buhlman's others, should be read by anyone who wishes to study and explore astral experiences.
September 14, 2025
This book was so poorly written. I felt like I was reading a bad college paper. The fact that the author used people’s personal experiences and didn’t bother using factual evidence just made it so unbelievable and painful to read.
August 28, 2019
Not as raw and exciting as Adventures Beyond the Body, but still a great read with plenty of fascinating information and helpful tips! Love any book about OBE’s!
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December 29, 2020Alguién que me lo pueda pasar por favor🥺
July 22, 2021
Out of Body Experiences are well explained and a religious touch can be seen
October 28, 2025
The book taught me to understand my sleep paralysis and approach it in a positive, constructive way.
July 28, 2015
Actually, I've set this aside for a while. I want to devote my full attention to Greg Proops' "The Smartest Book in the World". What I read of this was very good & interesting, though I found it didn't address what I was looking for. Many case stories, which are good but I've already confirmed what these offer. Still good for the person who's new to the subject.
October 17, 2009
This book is something i came across that i thought would help me cope with insomnia. It totally freaked me out and i wish i hadn't read it. Beware of OBE's.....
April 23, 2017
Textbook for the spiritual traveler
Buhlman writes out of his own personal experience and that of his students and others whom he has surveyed. His writings are clear and free of religious dogma. If you are looking for growth and guidance in your spiritual development, this is a good place to look.
Buhlman writes out of his own personal experience and that of his students and others whom he has surveyed. His writings are clear and free of religious dogma. If you are looking for growth and guidance in your spiritual development, this is a good place to look.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews