Book: ‘The Backdoor to Enlightenment - Eight Steps to Living Your Dreams and Changing Your World’
Written by Za Rinpoche & Ashley Nebelsieck, Published by Doubleday/Three Leaves Press, Reviewed by Lisa D. Smith

Everyone dreams of a better life. All the things you’ve ever wanted — happiness, loving relationships, well-being, abundance, and peace of mind — are qualities of enlightenment, a way of embracing our fullest potential that seemed unavailable, until now.

‘The Backdoor to Enlightenment’ is an important book for anyone who wants to live a happy and fulfilling life. Yes, happiness! When was the last time you heard that word and could smile in knowing that you are 100% happy with your life? We’re living in a stressful climate and as we keep treading that ‘hamster wheel’ to keep up with everything, we put aside those things that truly make us happy. A no-nonsense book that beautifully blends non-fiction with fiction, ‘Backdoor to Enlightenment’ leads by example and is not only fun to read, but exciting too! As you turn each page, you’ll grin with an ‘Aha’ moment, and then sigh with relief as each chapter shows you just how easy it is to be happy. All you have to do is read and do the simple exercises, and your journey to enlightenment will begin. Fear will melt into courage and confidence as you stand strong and put your chin up, people and personalities will start to make sense as you learn to let go of judgment and resentment, closed doors will open and negativity will run dry, love will prove to be attainable, goals and dreams will become a reality, success will be yours to manifest, and your inner voice will once again be heard as your loyal and trusted friend that speaks to you out of pure love. This is a book that will change your life forever – keep it close, just like you would a good friend.

About the Authors:
Za Rinpoche is a Tibetan monk who grew up in a refugee camp in Southern India. While still in high school, at age sixteen, he was recognized by the Dalai Lama as the sixth reincarnation of the ZaChoeje Rinpoche. In 1998, he led the Mystical Arts of Tibet Cultural Tour to sixty cities across the United States, and lectured at thirty universities. He is the founder of the Emaho Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in Scottsdale, Arizona, dedicated to sharing Tibetan culture with the West, supporting humanitarian projects, and assisting with personal spiritual development. Za Rinpoche teaches throughout the world, while maintaining his obligations as the spiritual leader to many monks.

Ashley Costanzo Nebelsieck is Sicilian-American, born in Hyannis, Massachusetts. She graduated from Arizona State University where she studied art and religious studies. After an internship as a librarian at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles, she wrote radio and television commercial spots and edited books. She currently lives and writes in Scottsdale, Arizona. Ashley travels all over the world checking out sacred sites—from the Vatican, to the pyramids at Giza, to Callenish in the Outer Hebrides, to Angkor Wat in Cambodia, and countless others. She’s a tri-athlete and a thrill-seeker, spending her days rock-climbing, biking, running, swimming, horseback riding, sailing, and diving, but her passion is exploring new ideas.

Radio Interview:
Authors Za Rinpoche & Ashley Nebelsieck were featured guests on SouthwestBlend.com’s online radio show called ‘Champagne Sundays’. The show was a special ‘Healthy Being’ radio show, and aired live on March 30, 2008. To listen to the entire, unedited version of the show, please click here. To listen to their interview, please double click on the play button below.

Upcoming Author Events:

May 2, Berkeley, CA: Authors reading, meditation, book signing. 7:30pm. Cody's@FCCB (First Congregational Church of Berkeley), 2345 Channing Way (at Dana), Berkeley, CA 94704

May 4, Corte Madera, CA: Authors talk/signing. 4pm, Book Passage, 51 Tamal Vista Blvd., Corte Madera, CA 94925

May 5, Woodacre, CA: Meditation, dharma talk, book signing 7 - 9:15pm. Spirit Rock Meditation Center, 5000 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., Woodacre, CA 94973. Tel: 415-488-0164. Note: This gathering is free for first time guests to Spirit Rock; an $8 donation for the teachers is requested of all other guests. Carpooling of three or more is encouraged to avoid parking fee.

May 6, Santa Cruz, CA: Authors talk/book signing, 7pm, Gateways Bookshop, 1126 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz, A 95062. Tel: 831-429-9600

May 7, Irvine, CA: Authors Talk and Book Signing 6:30-8:30 AM. University Club/The Inside Edge, University of California, 801 East Peltason, Irvine, CA 92612. Tel:  (950) 460-4242

May 9, Los Angeles , CA: Authors Talk/Signing, 7:30 PM, The Bodhi Tree Bookstore, 8585 Melrose Ave., Hollywood, CA, 90069

May 10, La Jolla, CA: Warwick’s Bookstore, Talk/Retreat/Signing, 7812 Girard Ave., La Jolla, CA 92037

For more about the authors or to purchase the book – visit www.backdoortoenlightenment.net