All the lectures were delivered in 1900.

    Epics like the Ramayana have been recounted infinite times. Is there a need for another chronicle in the presence of so many? How is this one different? And is it relevant to our ever-changing modern lives? Yes, there is a need, yes this is different and yes, it is relevant. This new series of books, each following one khand of the Ramayana, decodes the eternal wisdom of that poetic scripture through gripping narrative and thought-provoking instruction. In the time-honored custom of spreading wisdom through tales, every fascinating story in the epic is retold here and every character unfolded to captivate your heart and open your mind to life's deepest questions.The narrative closely follows Valmiki's Ramayana, gently weaving in folk tales as well as the beautiful analogies of the Kamba Ramayana. The first of this six-volume series, Rise of the Sun Prince, takes you through the divine story of Lord Rama from His birth up to His marriage. Through these pages are revealed the tales of Dasaratha's leadership, Vishwamitra's quest for power and the intriguing story of a little-known stone maiden. Ramayana: The Game of Life has all of this and much more - food for contemporary thought drawn from an enduring masterpiece.

    The theory of karma is intellectually intriguing, but a practical understanding of how karma works can help us find hope and happiness in our lives. Eknath Easwaran is a foremost translator and interpreter of the Indian classics (the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads and the Dhammapada), and a highly respected teacher of meditation. This short ebook is one chapter from his forthcoming "Essence of the Dhammapada: The Buddha's Call to Nirvana."

    Its main focus is the conflict at Ayodhya over the Ramjanmabhumi temple allegedly destroyed by the Mughal Emperor, Babar, in 1528. It examines the accounts of foreign travelers in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and eighteenth centuries, and British administrator-scholars in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries which testify to Ayodhya’s continuing importance as a pilgrimage centre associated with Rama’s birthplace. The extended litigation over the Ramajanmabhumi/ Babri Masjid in colonial times further attests to the persistence of the claims to the Janmabhumi.From the late 1980s, Left historians have been in the forefront of the campaign against the Rama temple. They have argued that Rama worship was an eighteenth nineteenth century phenomenon and the present day Ayodhya acquired its standing and identity only in the fifth century AD, during the rule of the imperial Guptas. According to Left academics, the identification of the Ramjanmabhumi in Ayodha was a matter of faith, not of historical evidence. They also rejected any possibility of the Babri Masjid being built on the site of the Janmabhumi temple.Excavations by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) proved the inaccuracy of these assertions. And finally, the judgment of the Allahabad High Court (Lucknow Bench) marked adecisive moment in the dispute over the Janmabhumi. The writings of Life academics, the findings of the ASI, the extended arguments in the Allahabad High Court and its eventual verdict-all from the subject of this study.

    V.R. PrabhuThe Two Incarnations of Lord DattatreyaThe Dattatreya Sampradaya has kept alive the eternal principles of Truth, Righteousness, Peace, Divine Love and Non-Violence in Bharat for thousands of years. It extends back in time to the very beginning of the human race and over thousands of years this Sampradaya produced other Sampradayas like the Shaiva and Vishnu Sampradayas, to name only two. As the other Sampradyas kept increasing in number, the Dattatreya Sampradya was largely forgottren by the laity in virtually the whole of Northern Bharat.The revival of the Datta Sampradaya, in the last millenium was largely due to Sri Sripad Sri Vallabha and Sri Narasimha Saraswati. The GURU Charitra is the biography of these two incarnations of Lord Dattatreya. This text has been used for the last 300 years to revive our lost Vedic heritage. Besides many lost rituals were revived by Sri Narasimha Saraswati and are recounted in this text.

    New York Times 2013 holiday gift list pickAn exploration of yoga's meanings and transformations over time; the discipline's goals of spiritual enlightenment, worldly power, and health and well-being; and the beauty and profundity of Indian art.

    He left home for the sacred hill of Arunachala where he taught the purest form of Advaita Vedanta (non-duality) through the simple discipline of self-inquiry. His teaching, his principal instruction to all his devotes was always to meditate on the question “Who am I?”In this book Arthur Osborne gives an account of the life and teachings of Sri Ramana Maharshi. It has a special relevance to our age with its outlines of a religion based on the Indian scriptures which is essentially spiritual, without ceasing to be rational and ethical.

    Every piece of material that could possibly assist in helping you maximize results from your Kriya practice is in this workbook. This material has been carefully crafted to protect anonymous sources and to respect all copyrights. It is, essentially, a synthesis of every possible concept or technique, which will help you understand Kriya yoga as never before.All the material used here has been meticulously arranged into lessons with step-by-step instructions, including quotes from Lahiri Mahasaya, which have been freshly translated into an easy-to-understand style. New graphics have also been devised to better help explain the techniques. In addition to exacting instruction in various Kriya techniques, the book also discusses the theory and philosophy of Shyama Charan Lahiri, in order to help you get to the core of the Kriya yoga philosophy. From beginning to end, it was written in order to help you break free from anything hindering your Kriya practice.

    People have travelled to this holy land in search of resplendent knowledge which contains the key for bringing divine transformation in our lives and so there is an inherent curiosity for understanding the concepts of Hinduism through scriptures. However without proper guidance, such endeavours to fathom secrets of Hinduism, even with best intentions, do not meet with success. People get stumped with how to access the knowledge, comprehend its wide-spectrum of concepts and utilize them meaningfully in their lives. That is why Hinduism is an enigma for most westerners. Their clichéd understandings of Hinduism as a way of life, etc. cannot fathom the precious treasure of gems in its repository. Interestingly, Hinduism is not mentioned by that name anywhere in the Vedic scriptures. The word “Hindu” was first coined by the Arabs to refer to the people who lived on the other side of the river Indus. The Vedas which are the eternal knowledge of God, in contrast, have a very different and majestic perspective on the nomenclature of the religion that they teach. Thee name of the religion described in them is called Sanātan Dharm, or “Eternal Religion.” It is the path to God-realization, based on scientific, non-sectarian, and eternal principles. Swami Mukundananda has explained this ancient esoteric knowledge with rigorous scientific logic, in the modern context. He uses a simple-yet-scientific approach to make this enormous knowledge comprehensible to both youth and westerners, at the same time each subject is treated with philosophical depth for the satisfaction of the more learned and erudite readers.

    They developed the spiritual science of Hinduism, Sanatana Dharma, as their way of ensuring the constant renewal and progress of India’s spiritual tradition and culture. Sanatana Dharma permeates every aspect of Hindu culture, from religion to the arts to the sciences. Woven within its Vedic texts lie all of the essential concepts of quantum physics and other modern scientific discoveries. Providing a complete introduction to the science of Sanatana Dharma, Vanamali reveals how the core concepts of Hinduism, including Brahman, Atman, bhakti, karma, and reincarnation, relate to modern science and how the scientific discoveries of the ancient rishis have been recently rediscovered by the West. She examines the scientific principles within the classic stories and texts of India, including the Vedas, the Bhagavad Gita, the Upanishads, and the Puranas. Within the teachings of the ancient Puranic sages and saints such as Valmiki and Vyasa and legendary physicians and mathematician-philosophers such as Aryabhatta and Varahamihir, the author reveals great scientific truths--not those believed by the ancient world, but truths still upheld by modern science, particularly quantum physics. She explores Desha and Kaala (Space and Time), Shankara and his philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, and the Hindu sciences of mathematics, astronomy, and Vedic astrology. In illustrating the scientific basis of Hinduism and the discoveries of its sages, Vanamali provides a window into the depths of this most ancient spiritual way of life.

    There is much confusion about how a person should go about living their life and a million different people willing to tell you how to do it; so if you find yourself with the grace of this book, then know without a doubt that you have received a gift of clarity as well as an invitation to take up the reigns of your own life and steer the course to a life of tranquility. As an author and teacher, Ryan shares his life's work. You will not find parroted words or spiritual platitudes, nor will you be comforted in the blankets of delusion. This is a straightforward, no bullshit exposition on truth that will illuminate areas where you find yourself lost in confusion and offer methods that have been employed since time immemorial to ground our rampant human condition in the crystal clarity of eternal wisdom. This book progresses beautifully along the theme of 'first things first', taking the reader on a journey that begins by addressing the most practical elements of how to live a balanced, healthy life and continues pointing all the way to Ultimate Truth, which transcends it all (and back again). However, we don't take off to run a marathon if we have never even jogged around the block. To run a marathon takes training, and to realize the deepest truth takes an equal discipline and devotion - the way of which is outlined clearly in the pages of this book. And even in its practicality, love touches every aspect of your heart in reading this teaching. It is that pure, unattached love from which Ryan's teaching is grounded that holds the most transformative power. This ground is authentic and without agenda. You can rest in knowing you will not be lead astray with empty promises of becoming something better, more or different from what you already are. What you will find is guidance on how to be still and rest just as you are and allow the seeds of truth to blossom. Before you plant your seeds, you prepare your field. This book helps you to cultivate a nourishing field of consciousness and also plants beautiful seeds of truth. Whether you are seasoned with spiritual insight or just starting on your journey, you will find wisdom and comfort in these pages. We are all beginners and we are all in this together, lest we forget: Ryan reminds us of the simplicity of it all through A Course in Tranquility. -Prajna Ana, Author, Dying Into This

    Chadwick) of Sri Ramanasramam, Tiruvannamalai, is a good example of perfect devotion to our Guru, Bhagavan Sri Ramana Maharshi. The name and fame of Bhagavan Sri Ramana dragged him from England to India on 1st November 1935, and having come to Bhagavan’s Supreme Abode he never returned. So naturally he has much to tell us not only of Bhagavan and his teachings, but also of many things that happened in Bhagavan’s presence.Sadhu Arunachala gives us in this book what he saw happening in Bhagavan’s presence but only such as have for the most part been unrecorded in the books of others.It is needless to say that the Sadhu records his facts with great accuracy and respect for truth and hence this book will be welcomed by the devotees of Bhagavan and others. The Sadhu himself observes about Bhagavan in the Epilogue:“Though we talk as though he (the Master) were dead, he is indeed here and very much alive, as he promised, in spite of appearances.”This gives the clue to the Sadhu’s life in Bhagavan’s Home.

    This is also known as Sri Yantra and Chakra-raja. This is the most supreme amongst all the yantra-s. Uttara bhag (the chapter containing the benefits of recitation, also known as phalashruti) of Lalita Trishati elucidates Sri Chakra in a comprehensive manner. Sri Chakra is the body of Shiva and Shakti. Sri Chakra is compared to a human body and Shiva and Shakti are compared to the soul within. Sri Chakra is full of life and energy and should be worshipped with great reverence. Any god or goddess can be worshipped in Sri Chakra, as all of them have a place in it. The book has three sections. First section is titled "Journey to Sri Chakra". This part elaborately deals with Sri Nagara the outer portion of Sri Chakra. We can enter Sri Chakra only after crossing Sri Nagara, which has several forts guarded by different gods and goddesses. Our journey to Sri Chakra begins from Sri Nagara. During this journey, we worship various gods, goddesses, sages and saints. We also come across various rivers, ponds, forests and gardens. When we have traversed through Sri Nagara, we are able to see Sri Chakra and we continue our journey towards the innermost triangle after passing through various devi-s guarding Lalitambika by remaining in various triangles of Sri Chakra. We worship them and finally proceed to the innermost triangle where we are completely purified. Inside the triangle, we are blessed to have darshan of Lalitambika. After spending sometime at Her feet She takes us to Shiva in the Bindu to get us liberated. The second section of the book deals with Navavarana Puja. Every aspect of mantras is explained in detail by quoting references form Lalita Sahasranama and other sacred Scriptures. This part of the book is a complete guide to perform navavarana puja and all the mantras with explanations and images are given. This section of the book is elaborate, as it contains mantras, images and explanations and detailed procedure for performing the Navavarana puja. Third and final section of the book is Bhavanopanishad. Bhavana means imagination or formation of a concept in the mind. Like any other Upanishad, this Upanishad also does not deal with practices. It helps us to contemplate our body with Sri Chakra. There are totally thirty seven verses (some texts call these as sutra-s). Detailed interpretations are given for all the sutras. At the end of this portion, we will be able to contemplate our body as Sri Chakra. Entire book consists of both Sanskrit and English texts. English texts are given in IAST format so that, those who are not conversant with Sanskrit can pronounce the mantras properly. Pronunciation guide is also provided. This book can be acclaimed as an encyclopedia of Sri Chakra.

    People from all faiths and every walk of life came to sit at Sri Bhagavan s feet:Whether ignorant or erudite,a simple peasant or royalty,they traveled from the far corners of the earth to place their doubts before him or just to sit in his divine presence.His infinite compassion and unique insight ensured that none left his ashram empty handed. Their questions covered every aspect of the spiritual search and every problem troubling the human mind:Maharshi s answers gently led the questioner to the correct solution,each question answered according to the questioner s own level of spritual development.All had their doubts dispelled,their hearts suffused with peace and their beings uplifted in his presence.This book is a truthful chronicle of such happenings. Reflecting the warmth,the humour and the deep spirtual atmosphere generated by the Master s presence,this work is a treasure-house for all who seek the highest truth.Sri Bhagavan s teaching,self-enquiry,is the core of this work.However,doctrinal questions from the various faiths,Hindu,Christian,Buddhist,Theosophical etc., have also been answered by the Maharshi.His explanations have revealed the common thread underlying all faiths and the absolute unity of the spiritual quest,irrespective of the diverse paths encountered on the journey to the Highest Goal. First printed in the year 1955 the book has been reprinted sixteen times. Somerset Maugham visited India and met Sri Ramana Maharshi.It is said that the famous important work of Somerset Maugham 'Razors's Edge' is based on the philosophy of Sri Ramana Maharshi.

    In a gesture typical of the syncretic tendency in Esotericism, Yoga is by these Westerners often identified as an Eastern form of magic: the two disciplines were considered to share similar theoretical perspective, the difference in their methods notwithstanding. India and the Occult explores the reception of Indian spirituality among Western occultists through several case studies. Unlike existing works focusing on the activities of Theosophical Society, it looks at the 'hard-core' occultism, in particular the British twentieth century currents associated with Aleister Crowley, Dion Fortune, Kenneth Grant, and related individuals and groups. Without denying the specificity of its Western historical manifestation, it suggests that esotericism is a category that may be applied as a conceptual tool in order to interpret aspects of non-Western religious thought and practice.

    Taking German Indological scholarship on the Mahabharata and the Bhagavadgita as their example, Adluri and Bagchee develop a critique of the modern valorization of method over truth in thehumanities.The authors show how, from its origins in eighteenth-century Neo-Protestantism onwards, the critical method was used as a way of making theological claims against rival philosophical and/or religious traditions. Via discussions of German Romanticism, the pantheism controversy, scientific positivism, and empiricism, they show how theological concerns dominated German scholarship on the Indian texts. Indology functions as a test case for wider concerns: the rise of historicism, the displacement of philosophical concerns from thinking, and the belief in the ability of a technical method to producetruth.Based on the historical evidence of the first part of the book, Adluri and Bagchee make a case in the second part for going beyond both the critical pretensions of modern academic scholarship and the objections of its post-structuralist or post-Orientalist critics. By contrasting German Indologywith Plato's concern for virtue and Gandhi's focus on praxis, the authors argue for a conception of the humanities as a dialogue between the ancients and moderns and between eastern and western cultures.

    Uniquely, Gandhi placed celibacy and other renunciatory disciplines at the center of his nonviolent political strategy, conducting original experiments with their possibilities to gain practical, moral, and even miraculous powers for social change. Gandhi's abstinence in marriage, eccentric views on sexuality, and odd ways of including his female associates in his practices continue to cause ambivalence among scholars and students. Through a comprehensive study of Gandhi's own words, select Indian religious texts and myths that he used, and the historical and cultural context of his activism, Veena R. Howard shows how Gandhi's ascetic disciplines helped him mobilize millions. She explores Gandhi's creative use of renunciation in challenging established paradigms of confrontational politics, passive asceticism, and oppressive social customs. Howard's book sheds new light on the creative possibilities Gandhi discovered in combining personal renunciation, sacrifice, ritual, and myth for modern day social action.