Climbing Jacob's Ladder

This book re-unites us to the spiritual heritage and practices of the west through a new look at the biblical stories that have shaped our cultural psyche. Drawing on 16 Biblical stories, Dr. Epstein explores the struggles faced by the biblical heroes and heroines. These real-life people living real-life events are but us. Who of us has not been tempted like Adam and Eve lulled by the serpent's promise that they could control the future? Or like Lot's wife, immobilized by regret of things past, as she glances back at the destruction of Sodom? Like our biblical forefathers and mothers, we too suffer from the inner terrorists or false selves that act as roadblocks in our quest for freedom. To discover the personal meaning of these tales for ourselves, Dr. Epstein provides visualizations (mental or guided imagery) to practice after each story.

The author keeps a sharp focus on how the 10 commandments (and three vows) are lived out by the biblical figures, and the karmic consequences (reciprocity for ones actions) follow in due course. For example, Jacob's trickery (lying) of his father is mirrored in Laban's swapping of wives on Jacob's wedding day; Ruth's goodness towards her mother-in-law is repaid in Boaz's kindness towards her.

To re-ignite the western spiritual tradition, Dr. Epstein suggests three practices we can adopt:

• Apply the 10 commandments to our daily interactions with others to bring harmony and cooperation to our relationships.
• Incorporate voluntary simplicity into our lives by embracing the three intentions or vows - to surrender our ego, live moderately, and practice faithfulness.
• Utilize mental imagery to transform ourselves and find a transcendent connection with the Divine.

By practicing these simple methods, we can achieve self mastery and spiritual freedom - and climb our own ladder to reach the "top" or highest aspect of ourselves.