Gary L. Beckwith

I was raised in Upstate NY in a Jewish home, but like many, I became disillusioned with religion by the time I was in high school. In college I studied renewable energy technology and I worked in this field for two decades.

I was inspired by Dr. Fritjof Capra's "The Tao of Physics," which showed me a possible connection between physics and spirituality. I decided to go back to school and take a course on comparative religion. As a class project, I decided to do a report on the similarities between the religions, as it seemed everyone else was talking about the differences. The teacher liked my report so much he suggested I keep my research and writing going. It turned into my book: "The Message That Comes From Everywhere: Exploring the Common Core of the World's Religions."

I continue to work in the solar energy field, designing systems and doing educational work. In 2003 I founded the Solar Bus project, which visits schools and public events all over the East Coast to teach people about solar energy.

I'm an avid musician, working on my first CD of original music. I enjoy the outdoors - hiking, sailing, canoeing, biking and especially those activities that bring me to quiet nature.

I live in Vermont with my wonderful family.