India

This eastern country, home of several of the world's key belief/spiritual systems, has a history of colonization (by the British) and conflict (with other Eastern states and within its own borders), as well as a history and/or reputation of spiritual enlightenment. The book's primary narrative and thematic focus is defined by its explorations of the nature and function of that enlightenment, as well as the reasons why it has both exploited, and been exploited, western seekers of enlightenment.

Spiritual Tourism

The term used by the author in her introduction to sum up the West's predominant attitude towards Eastern spirituality - traveling in search of enlightenment, in search of life's meaning as defined in other, outer, more appealing terms and practices.

Karma

A component of Eastern philosophy that suggests that both negative and positive experiences in an individual's current experience of earthly, physical existence will have...