This is my favorite of Stephen Snyder's books. Demystifying Awakening is a resplendent map of the contemplative paths, written with the authority and intimacy of someone who has traveled every inch of the way. The chapter on formless realms is just exquisite - a powerful description of the territory that is every bit as expansive as the awareness it points toward. It is the kind of writing that could only come from a true master. Beyond that, the chapter on the paramis and character development really got me. His description of patience in particular felt like a mirror. It helped me see the importance of being patient with your own deepening on the path and recognizing that we're not in control of how that process unfolds. I also really appreciated reading the sections about Stephen's own journey, the big realizations and also the hard parts. What makes Stephen Snyder so rare as a teacher is that he is both a complete master and utterly sincere - and this book really reflects that.