The chapter introduces the central theme of the book, the spirited and its sub-themes of journeys and transformations. The subject of animation studies and its expanding areas of inquiry provide a multi-dimensional platform in exploring the themes concerned. The volume of fourteen essays is divided into five sections: Mindful Practices, Creation and the Spirited Process, Objects, Spirits and Characters, Inspirations from the Spiritual-Cultural Realm, Comics and Children’s Literature: Their Transformative Roles, Buddhist Worldviews, Interactions and Symbolism. The introduction posits that the universal theme of the spirited necessitates and warrants multi-faceted perspectives and analyses from scholars, artists, educators, and practitioners contributing from different geographical-cultural backgrounds. The related subjects in discussion include paintings, comics, children literature, folklore, religion, philosophy, and psychology.. It also stresses the idea of the spirited as tied to the broader aspects of mental health, spirituality and creativity. In short, it lays out the humanistic views of the book project.