In this fascinating account of St Francis' inner life, Haule, a Jungian analyst and student of Hindu Tantra, shows that, like tantrikas, Francis relentlessly pursued the most disturbing experiences in life to achieve higher states of consciousness -- ecstasies in which he stood outside his ordinary self while contemplating and living a higher reality. Francis embraced poverty and sorrows, cared for lepers and outcasts, begged for his bread. Fascinated early on by romantic and troubadour literature, Francis took 'Lady Poverty' as his guide, walking her path to change the world. She demanded that he change his whole nature, and he became the saint known today. Haule tells the story of Francis' life from this point of view and looks at the path of Lady Poverty, trying to understand what Francis meant by 'perfect joy'. He also examines Francis' daily practice of prayer and meditation, the states of consciousness he achieved, and how these bore fruit in his daily life. This is an important book for a deeper understanding of St Francis and his spiritual life.