Real spiritual traditions have power based on the influence of rare teachers who have undergone transformation and then taught what they realized about the nature of reality and who we are beyond identification. While traditions have different forms and practices, there are essential elements that they have in common. Traditions can provide an influence that can support us to deepen our highest spiritual intention, which we might not cleave to on our own. Barbara is a longtime practitioner and teacher of Buddhadharma. She is author of Light Years: A Spiritual Memoir and Brave, Generous, and Undefended: Heart Teachings on the 37 Bodhisattva Practices. Carl’s connection with the Gurdjieff tradition began at an early age in the New York children’s group and later continued at an upstate NY commune with Mrs. March, a student of Gurdjieff. He has written Sun Bridge and The Kindling. Vijaya Fedorschak has been involved in the Western Baul tradition through his teacher, Lee Lozowick, and the lineage of Yogi Ramsuratkumar and Swami Ramdas. He is author of Shadow on the Path and Father and Son.