Jim Ligas, MD, PhD was a surgeon and intensive care physician for over 33 years. His work with patients and families led him to enroll in the Internship program and the training in supervision at the SLC after retirement. His spiritual path led from Catholicism through Zen. He has an interest in mystics of all faiths, and particularly enjoys companioning seekers whose spiritual path is nontraditional. In addition to a contemplative practice, he enjoys backpacking, particularly in the Southwest where the veil between the mundane and the spiritual worlds feels very thin.