All the fundamental themes of the world's major religions--from Amish to Zen--are presented in this thorough, yet accessible study of religious tradition.
More than 30 B & W illustrations
More than 30 B & W illustrations
Peter Occhiogrosso began his writing career as a jazz critic and interviewer in the 1970s, and was the first journalist to cover the emerging avant-garde and "loft jazz" scene in downtown Manhattan in depth. As Music Editor for the Soho Weekly News, he also immersed himself in the burgeoning punk rock and new wave movements. Accordingly, he wrote his first book about the fictitious British metal band Spinal Tap, and collaborated with Frank Zappa on his unconventional autobiography, "The Real Frank Zappa Book" (Poseidon/Simon & Schuster). But by the 1990s, Peter's interests had grown to encompass spirituality, following his initiation into the American group Eckankar, where he learned to practice intensive dream work. That started him on a trail of spiritual exploration that led to the study of Tibetan Buddhism, Sufism, Zen, Kabbalah, and many years of practice with the Chinese qigong master Kwan Saihung.
During those years, Peter wrote a series of books about spiritual experience, including "Once A Catholic" (Houghton Mifflin/Ballantine); "Through the Labyrinth" (Penguin), and a popular guide to the world's religions entitled "The Joy of Sects" (Doubleday/Image). At the same time, he launched a parallel career as a co-author and collaborator, writing 2 books with talk show host Larry King; 5 books with healer and former Catholic priest Ron Roth; and Caroline Myss's "Why People Don't Heal" and "Sacred Contracts" (Harmony), as well as her most recent book, "Defy Gravity" (Hay House).
Following a lifelong interest in nutrition and health, Peter has also collaborated with Vijay Vad, M.D., of the Hospital for Special Surgery, on a leading book about arthritis treatment, "Arthritis Rx" (Gotham), as well as Dr. Vad's latest book, "Stop Pain" (Hay House).
Three of the books Peter co-authored have become New York Times Best Sellers. His collaboration with Joseph Pierce Farrell on his book about consciousness-based healthcare, "Manifesting Michelangelo," was published in 2011 by Atria/Simon & Schuster. Atria will also publish his most recent work, with renowned Yoga master Mark Whitwell, "The Promise of Love, Sex, and Intimacy: How a Simple Breathing Practice Will Enrich Your Life Forever" In June 2012.
Peter is currently writing an account of his tumultuous years in the music world of lower Manhattan.
