The renowned religious scholar and Zen teacher Michael von Brück describes how we can break free from rigid patterns of thought and experience in order to lead a life free of fear and respectful of others. He invites readers to reconsider the old images of religions, particularly those of Buddhism and Christianity, against the backdrop of their own experiences of suffering and hope, learning and living. This is a deeply personal and inspiring book that reveals how religion and spirituality can help liberate us from the dictates of supposed necessities and societal expectations, allowing us to live autonomously and meaningfully in an unstable world.