Stephen Mitchell, born in 1943, is a poet, translator, scholar, and anthologist recognized for his English adaptations of significant spiritual and literary works. His educational background includes traditional institutions like Amherst College and Yale University, alongside intensive Zen practice under masters Seungsahn and Robert Baker Aitken.

Mitchell's prolific career spans translations of foundational texts such as the Tao Te Ching, the Epic of Gilgamesh, the Book of Psalms, and the Bhagavad Gita, as well as the poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke. He has also co-authored books with his wife, Byron Katie, and penned original works with spiritual themes, including "Joseph and the Way of Forgiveness" and "The First Christmas." His translations have received critical acclaim, earning awards and recognition from publications like the Chicago Tribune and The New Yorker.

Stephen Mitchell has dedicated a significant portion of his work to translating and adapting texts central to various spiritual and philosophical traditions. His notable translations include the Tao Te Ching, which achieved widespread success, and the Epic of Gilgamesh. He has also rendered into English the Book of Psalms from the Hebrew Bible, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Book of Job. His engagement with these ancient works extends to Christian texts like "The Gospel According to Jesus" and "The First Christmas," as well as Jewish scripture through his midrash on the Joseph story in "Joseph and the Way of Forgiveness." Mitchell's approach often brings a contemporary sensibility to these timeless works, making them accessible to a modern audience.

Beyond his work with sacred texts, Mitchell is also a respected poet, scholar, and anthologist. He has translated classical epics such as the Iliad and the Odyssey, demonstrating a broad range of literary engagement. His translations of Rainer Maria Rilke's poetry have been particularly lauded, with "Selected Rilke" described as a significant achievement of 20th-century poetic translation. Mitchell's academic grounding, including studies at Amherst College and Yale University, informs his scholarly approach. He has also edited anthologies, including "The Enlightened Mind" and "The Enlightened Heart," which gather sacred prose and poetry, respectively.

Mitchell's personal spiritual journey includes intensive Zen practice, having studied with Zen masters Seungsahn and Robert Baker Aitken. This influence is evident in his work, particularly in his book "Joseph and the Way of Forgiveness," described as Zen-inflected. He has also collaborated with his wife, Byron Katie, on several bestselling books, including "Loving What Is," "A Thousand Names for Joy," and "A Mind at Home with Itself." These collaborations focus on Katie's self-inquiry method, "The Work," further demonstrating Mitchell's engagement with contemplative practices and their application to everyday life.