Is it good for a person to use quantum physics and prayer technology that works with the same principles as the Judeo-Christian healing books, and the ancient Tibetan prayer wheel? Is this as good as the St. Francis prayer, or I should stay with the St. Francis prayer? — GW, Michigan

Dear GW,

What's most important, you already have: a dedication to finding practices that draw you closer to the heart of what matters. Spiritual practices are an individual matter. Even a practice appropriate for you now may not be right for you two years from now. In the best of all possible worlds, you can find a guide who deeply understands you and can help you determine what your growing edge is right now and what practices will carry you further. But if you do not have a guide, you can choose practices based on a few safeguards:

1) Does this practice help me connect heaven and earth, so that my bliss is well grounded and my practical life is inspired?
2) Does a community of people I trust recommend this practice as being of value?
3) Does the practice address fundamental human values like kindness, honesty, humility, courage, warmth of heart?
4) Can my intuition and reason come to an agreement that this practice is right for me at this time?

Not knowing the details of the physics and prayer-technology you mention, it's hard to advise you one way or another. The guidelines above may help you decide. The interface of quantum physics and Buddhist thought is a profound, mind-bending area of study, certainly worthy of exploration.

Now i've saved the best for last: St. Francis' prayer. If a person ever had to choose one prayer to carry lifelong to map the path to compassion and peace, this would be an excellent choice. Not only does its wisdom align us with what's good and true, but also the prayer carries St. Francis' presence, that joyful simplicity which each of us and the world so badly needs right now. You cannot go wrong sticking with this prayer. Yet if you are drawn to other practices, please trust that your sincere desire to figure out which way to go will help you know exactly which one to follow.

Best regards,
Patricia Carlson