Best of
Hinduism

2014

The Incredible Life of a Himalayan Yogi: The Times, Teachings and Life of Living Shiva: Baba Lokenath Brahmachari


Shuddhaanandaa Brahmachari - 2014
    Baba Lokenath, through his amazing penance and practice of hathayoga, rajayoga, and the synthesis of Yoga, reached a state of being one with the Divine. To thousands of followers who came to seek succor from the pains of worldly life, Baba showered his boundless grace and miraculous power, healing and redeeming them, and showing the simplest path of Yoga of Action. He never wanted the seekers to leave their home and comforts of life, but be where they are and practice meditation of self-enquiry and the path of devotional surrender to the Higher Reality. He supported Gnana-mishra-bhakti, the path of a balanced blending of Awareness and Love Divine. As you read this book, please know that very little is known about Baba Lokenath’s long life of 160 years, for he was against any propaganda about him or his incomprehensible powers of manifesting miracles. But this book has his presence, for it is his divine grace that made this book possible. Whoever will read this book will feel the aura of his divine presence surrounding them. It is no coincidence that you have this book and you are reading the life of one who could say, ‘In danger, remember me, I will save you’. Please read his promises, his teachings and the lives of those who came in touch with him and the transformations they attained, particularly, his equanimity, his infinite love for animals and his boundless compassion for mankind. When you read this incredible life, Baba’s Divine Presence works in your heart and soul and creates the ground that attracts his miraculous powers to heal you and bring fulfillment of your coveted desires of life. His Presence will cleanse your inner being to allow the awakening and opening of the petals of divine consciousness so that your human life is fulfilled. You are now on a journey to rediscovering yourself and finding your teacher who guides from within to the world of Eternal light and Joy.

Indra's Net: Defending Hinduism's Philosophical Unity


Rajiv Malhotra - 2014
    Such arguments routinely target Swami Vivekananda, a key interlocutor who shattered many deeply rooted prejudices against Indian civilization. They accuse him of having camouflaged various alleged contradictions within traditional Hinduism and charge him with having appropriated the principles of Western religion to manufacture a coherent and unified worldview and set of practices known today as Hinduism. Indras Net: Defending Hinduisms Philosophical Unity provides a foundation for theories that slander contemporary Hinduism as illegitimate, ascribing sinister motives to its existence and characterizing its fabric as oppressive. Rajiv Malhotra offers a detailed, systematic rejoinder to such views and articulates the multidimensional, holographic understanding of reality that grounds Hindu dharma. He also argues that Vivekanandas creative interpretations of Hindu dharma informed and influenced many Western intellectual movements of the post-modern era. Indeed, as he cites with many insightful examples, appropriations from Hinduism have provided a foundation for cutting-edge discoveries in several fields, including cognitive science and neuroscience.

The English Medium Myth: Dismantling barriers to India's growth


Sankrant Sanu - 2014
    Engineering, medicine, law, High Courts function in India only in English resulting in the rush to English medium. The English Medium Myth dismantles this idea. People in the richest countries are studying sciences in their mother tongue. Numerous studies show that better science outcomes from students learning in the own language.To take India on the next step to development, higher education needs to be broad-based and available in all Indian languages. The book contains specific policy proposals to make that a reality in a practical way and unleash India's talent in a globalized world.About the AuthorSankrant Sanu is an author, technologist and entrepreneur. He was a senior development manager at Microsoft where he co-founded Microsoft Sharepoint. Some of his essays were published by Rupa in the book 'Invading the Sacred.' He has written for Rediff, Entrepreneur Magazine, the Hindustan Times, Amar Ujala, Manushi and Seeking Alpha among others. Rajiv Malhotra is an Indian-American researcher, writer, speaker and public intellectual on current affairs as they relate to civilizations, cross-cultural encounters, religion and science. Rajiv has conducted original research in a variety of fields and has influenced many other thinkers in India and the West. Carl Clemens is a software developer and architect who currently works in Seattle. His education includes a Masters in Public Policy and Administration. He has an interest in the philosophy of science, religion, and general semantics.

The Near and the Dear: Stories of Neem Karoli Baba and His Devotees


Dada Mukerjee - 2014
    You meet people whose lives were forever changed by a word or a look from the great Indian saint Neem Karoli Baba."In The Near and The Dear, Dada Mukerjee tells his own story of time spent with Maharaj-ji, and relates stories about other sadhus and devotees who came to be with Neem Karoli Baba. For a little while you spend time in another culture unlike the United States but not unfamiliar, because to be on a spiritual path is a journey of opening the heart wherever you live. Mukerjee helps you discover commonalities with others despite cultural differences. Along with the stories of devotees who came to see Maharaj-ji, you read about how Maharaj-ji gave to each what he needed for his own spiritual journey. Mukerjee shows you the endlessly adaptable Guru working with his followers, not through coercion, intimidation, or fear, but with overwhelming compassion, understanding, and acceptance. You'll find yourself marveling at what you can accomplish when you follow your heart. The book also contains rare photos of Neem Karoli Baba and his devotees.

Meditations With Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj


Nisargadatta Maharaj - 2014
    These are presented in the form of Nirupanas – as passages for meditation. That is their purpose and that is where they lead. Maharaj’s words will tear away all internal and external covers and leave your innermost core bare. The uniqueness of these Nirupanas therefore lies in the fact that here they come to us from an enlightened master’s direct experience – expressed spontaneously. Maharaj spoke in Marathi, and Dinkar Kshirsagar, being also Maharashtrian, wrote them down verbatim. After being translated into English, they have been diligently edited by Suresh Mehta.

Grand Central Question: Answering the Critical Concerns of the Major Worldviews


Abdu H Murray - 2014
    The main worldviews each tend to stress a different central question. Secular humanism focuses on: What is the inherent value of human beings? Pantheism emphasizes: How do we escape suffering? Islam's main concern is: How is God great? Abdu Murray digs deeply into these three representatives of major worldviews of our day: secular humanism, pantheism and theism (specifically in the form of Islam). This lawyer and former Muslim brings compassion, understanding and clarity to his analysis, comparing the answers of each view to the central message of Christianity.

Atmatirtham


Ramanacharanatirtha Nochur Venkataraman - 2014
    This is not a historical biography of the Acharya, but a magnificent independent Vedantic epic. While unravelling the life of the great Master, sparks of profound spiritual insights flash forth. The Majesty of the teachings and the glory of the teacher open the sluice gates of deep peace and give a glimpse of our true nature. In the course of the narration, the doubts, which a seeker may have regarding Vedanta and spiritual practices, are clarified. A devout reader of this text is sure to have the experience of the sacred pilgrimage along with the enlightened Sage, from Kerala to Kedar. Bhakti, Jnana and Vairgaya seep in to one's heart while absorbing the divine life. In this, the divine story of the Acharya is freely rendered. More than facts, the highest goal, Self-realisation, is always kept in the background of the subject matter. This indeed is the story of spiritual India, the story of Sanatana Dharma.

The Nakshatras: The Stars Beyond the Zodiac


Komilla Sutton - 2014
    Deep study of these allowed the ancient sages to connect to the intangible world of spirit. The nakshatras represent the mind: its higher and lower energies and its daily struggle for peace and calmness in an uncertain world. This book reveals the meaning behind the position of the planets in the nakshatras and shows how this energy connects to us and affects our thinking. Komilla Sutton unravels the complex stories and puranic myths behind the multi-faceted nakshatras to make them easily accessible; through their understanding we gain a deeper knowledge of our minds and our divine spirit. Suitable for students of vedic astrology and anyone with an interest in vedic myths and their relevance to astrology and spirituality.

Shiva - Ultimate Outlaw


Sadhguru - 2014
    Encounter Shiva like never before!

It All Abides in Love: Maharajji Neem Karoli Baba


Jai Ram Ransom - 2014
    “It All Abides in Love” offers a contemporary view of this remarkable and completely enigmatic Indian sadhu, a spiritual renunciate who had more of an impact on America than anyone knows. Maharajji is known as the Miracle of Love. Maharajji raised the dead, turned water into milk or gasoline, made Himself and others with Him to become invisible, cured many diseases, and never really gave any formal ‘teachings’. And it is still happening. Who is Maharajji Neem Karoli Baba? That is explored by the author in this thought provoking book.This is about finding the most precious lotus flower jewel amazing person of light and love. A little man in a little world who was actually bigger than all of the universe, if one believes the reports. Maharajji’s images and stories ARE The Story, and they are worthy of the deepest contemplation. All of us have so much that we can learn from Maharajji about how to be a force for good in the world. Indeed, perhaps you can learn to do your own miracles. Maharajji manipulated this game in such perfect ways, and yet He always remains hidden, as even now.Kindle Edition.

How to Practice Self Inquiry


Ramana Maharshi - 2014
    That is why this book has twenty one chapters. These are the titles of the chapters: 1. Feeling. 2. Consciousness and Awareness. 3. See. 4. Find the Source. 5. The Seer. 6. Who am I? 7. The Self. 8. The Mind. 9. I-I. 10. Practice and Effort. 11. To whom? 12. The Heart. 13. I. 14. The Ego. 15. The I thought. 16. Distractions. 17. The World. 18. Thought. 19. Look Within. 20. Desire, Eagerness and Determination. 21. Who. The quotes are from the book Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi. Some editions of Talks have more than seven hundred pages. Only a small amount of the book Talks is on the subject of how to practice Self inquiry. That is because most questioners did not ask about how to practice Self inquiry. Placing Sri Ramana Maharshi's teachings about how to practice Self inquiry from the book Talks into one small book, such as this one, saves the reader whose primary interest is in how to practice Self inquiry from having to go through that huge book Talks trying to find Sri Ramana's teachings on that subject.

Philosophy of Hinduism


B.R. Ambedkar - 2014
    B. R. Ambedkar was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. A great statesman and politician, he fought for the rights of the backward classes in India. In this unpublished work, of the early 20th century, he expounds on the Philosophy of Hinduism...

Bhagavad Gita: The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies Guide


Nicholas Sutton - 2014
     Bhagavad Gita – India's best-known gift to philosophy – is a conversation between the warrior-prince Arjuna and his friend and guide, Krishna. We find Arjuna disconsolate and unwilling to wage war against his own family members. He turns to Krishna, who "With a slight smile spoke these words to the lamenting Arjuna..." (Bhagavad Gita 2.10) Krishna's reply goes far beyond Arjuna's initial concern, developing into a thorough discussion of belief and practice that has had an immeasurable influence on the formation of religious doctrines througout Asia and the West. Matter and spirit, work, God and the soul, time – all these and more are clearly and carefully explained in a relatively brief space of 700 verses over 18 chapters. Dr Sutton's Bhagavad Gita is a core text of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies highly successful Continuing Education Department. It is a new translation of the full text and it brings a thematic approach to the work as well as a discussion of the principal ideas presented in each chapter. It examines the text from the viewpoint of a number of schools of thought giving the broadest possible understanding of how the Bhagavad Gita has influenced Indian thought and practice and examines its relevance to the modern world. Dr Sutton has given us an accessible Gita without sacrificing any of its profound wisdom. This edition of the Bhagavad Gita has been refined over more than a dozen years teaching and is ideal for students of Indian thought as well as non-specialists. A work of depth and clarity, Dr Sutton’s Gita translation and commentary is an essential addition to any thoughtful person’s library.

Owner's Manual for the Human Body: Kundalini Yoga as Taught by Yogi Bhajan


Yogi Bhajan - 2014
    Kundalini yoga is an ancient science to maintain and tune-up all the systems of the human body so that we can achieve peak performance at every age of life. There are 47 kriyas in the Owner’s Manual, ranging from Routine Maintenance, Brain and Nervous System, Maintaining our Organs and Revving up the Glands.Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D. Master of Kundalini YogaPublished by the Kundalini Research Institute, 1998

Awakening to Kali: The Goddess of Radical Transformation


Sally Kempton - 2014
    Kali, teaches Sally Kempton, may be both the most powerful—and misunderstood—goddess of all.Kali—her name means “Black One”—is the original Dark Goddess, whose hidden gift is ecstasy. She brings both fierceness and love, destruction and rebirth—and untamed courage and freedom for those willing to fully comprehend and embrace her many gifts. In this e-book, readers are invited to explore teachings, stories, meditations, prayers, poems, mantras, invocations, and rituals to align with this cosmic force of radical transformation. Program Highlights Kali as the Mirror of Our Own Inner State Kali the Blood Drinker The Two Faces of the Dark Goddess Kali and the Ego Kali’s Fierce Forms Kali’s Role in Spiritual Liberation Contemplation: The Felt Sense of Kali in Your Life The Tantric Kali: Deity of Heroes The Kali Woman: Archetype of Feminine Power, Sexuality, and Force A Kali Asana Practice A Contemplation on Kali’s Audacity The Shadow Kali Kali as the Inner Voice of Destructive Rage Dialoguing with Kali (a guided practice) Kali as the Human Teacher A Visualization Practice for Offering Your Negative Tendencies to Kali’s Fire Unlocking the Hidden Kali Meditation: Kali as the Great Void

Kanyakumari


Hazel Manuel - 2014
    Interwoven with this unfolding drama is the story of Sandrine, who writes letters home to her brother as she travels around India in the late 1960s.In a tense narrative that moves between two periods, we take a journey that is both sumptuous and dark. Has Rachel placed herself in danger? What is at the root of Gina’s anxiety? And what is Sandrine’s place in this story of three women making interior journeys as they travel?

Hinduism For Kids: Beliefs And Practices


Shalu Sharma - 2014
    The reality is that even the adults don't know the answers to many of these questions. The fact is, Hinduism is a complex religion even to those who are born Hindus. This book covers a complex religion in simple questions and answers.'Hinduism For Kids: Beliefs And Practices' is designed mainly for children of all ages of reading abilities for all nationalities and religious beliefs. The book can be used by non-Hindu parents who want to teach their children about Hinduism, its beliefs, practices and rituals. It will also be useful to children and adults alike who are considering taking a course on Hinduism or simply those who want to learn about Hinduism. Those thinking of visiting India especially those in pursuit of spirituality will find some of the answers in this book. Finally, parents of Hindu children who want to teach their children about their ancestral religion will also find the book useful.Here are the topics covered in 'Hinduism For Kids: Beliefs And Practices'What is Hinduism?Who are the Hindus?Where do Hindus live?Where do Hindus worship?When was Hinduism discovered?What are the Hindu holy books?What are the Vedas?What is a bhajan?What is Aum?What is the swastika?What is Ishvara?Who is a sadhu?Meaning of aarti in Hinduism?What is ahimsa?Do Hindus eat meat?Why don't Hindus eat beef?Do Hindus eat pork?Why is the River Ganges holy?What is the importance of the lotus in Hinduism?Why do Hindu women put a dot on their head?Why do Hindus put a dot on their forehead?Who is Lord Ganesha?How did Ganesha get the elephant head?Who is Lord Rama?Who is Lord Shiva?Who is Lord Krishna?Who is Lord Vishnu?Who is Goddess Durga?Who is Goddess Lakshmi?Who is the Monkey God?What is Holi?What is Diwali?What is Raksha Bandhan?What is the caste system?What is reincarnation?What is moksha?What is yoga?What is the Bhagavad Gita?What is the Ramayana?What is the Mahabharata?What is aatma?What is maya?What is the Gayatri Mantra?What is the Saraswati Mantra?What are the other Hindu Festivals?What is Namaste?Where do Hindus go for pilgrimage?Why are cows sacred in Hinduism?Is Buddhism the same as Hinduism?Who are the Jains?Who are the Sikhs?

Lost Kingdoms: Hindu-Buddhist Sculpture of Early Southeast Asia


John Guy - 2014
    Lost Kingdoms reveals newly discovered architectural and sculptural relics from this region, which provide key insights into the formerly mysterious kingdoms. The first publication to use sculpture as a lens to explore this period of Southeast Asian history, Lost Kingdoms offers a significant contribution and a fresh approach to the study of cultures in Cambodia, Thailand, Burma, and other countries.   Authoritative texts by John Guy introduce more than 160 objects, extensively described and beautifully illustrated, together with essays by prominent scholars. Many of the objects have never before traveled outside their home countries. Gorgeous photography shot on location highlights each artwork, and maps and a glossary of place names elucidate their geographical context. A watershed study of Southeast Asia’s artistic and cultural legacy, Lost Kingdoms is an essential resource on a fascinating and enduring subject.

The Art and Science of Vedic Astrology Volume 2: Intermediate Principles of Astrology: Intermediate Astrological Techniques


Ryan Kurczak - 2014
    This book is based on an advanced tutorial course and is systematically arranged to expand upon the important variables necessary in horoscope analysis. The subtler aspects of astrology are brought to light, enabling the astute student of Vedic Astrology to enlarge comprehension and predictive abilities. Many potent, yet often neglected principles are explained in detail, such as the Lajjitaadi Avashtas. A comprehensive delineation of planetary Karakas and house lord combinations are included to help guide the practicing astrologer towards accurate assessment of one’s karmic state. Contents Include: Time and Cycles, Bhava Charts, Planetary States, The Non Luminous Sub Planets, Subtleties of the Divisional Charts, Additional Named Yogas, Shadbala, Relationship Compatibility Analysis, Introduction to Lajjitaadi Avashtas, House Lord Combinations, Planetary Karakas in Vargas, Prasna (Vedic Horary) Astrology

Parables


Chinmayananda Saraswati - 2014
    The practical manner in which these stories are presented, make learning a more joyous experience. This book is a collection of parables as written by Swami Chinmayananda. Within each tale lies a fountain of wisdom to drink from and refresh ourselves. "

Sufi Lyrics


Bulleh Shah - 2014
    1758) is considered one of the glories of premodern Panjabi literature. Born in Uch, Panjab, in present-day Pakistan, Bullhe Shah drew profoundly upon Sufi mysticism in his writings. His lyrics, famous for their vivid style and outspoken denunciation of artificial religious divisions, have long been held in affection by Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs, and they continue to win audiences today across national boundaries and in the global Panjabi diaspora. Indeed, many young people in South Asia are already acquainted—albeit unknowingly at times—with the iconic eighteenth-century Panjabi poet’s words through popular musical genres of the twenty-first century.The striking new translation in English is presented alongside the Panjabi text, in the Gurmukhi script, re-edited on the basis of the best modern Pakistani and Indian editions. Bullhe Shah’s Sufi Lyrics thus offers at once the most complete and most approachable version of this great poet’s works yet available.

Eating God: A Book of Bhakti Poetry


Arundhathi Subramaniam - 2014
    As old as time, its spirit suffused the outpourings of mystic poets across India from the eighth century onward. Their compositions passionate, sensuous, intimate, often articulated in regional languages and dialects spoke to cobbler and priest alike, and have embedded themselves in our collective unconscious. The two-hundred-odd poems in this volume remind us of this rich palette of human longing: from the trenchant irony of Kabir and audacious sensuality of Annamayya and Chandidas to the earthy mysticism of Tukaram and fierce lyricism of Mira and Akka Mahadevi. We travel the emotional arc of bhakti, from wild longing to liberation, through these utterances and many more. Featuring classic translations by A.K. Ramanujan and Dilip Chitre, among others, as well as new and unpublished ones by acclaimed poets, Eating God is a fabulous treat for seekers and poetry lovers alike.

Describing Gods: An Investigation of Divine Attributes


Graham Oppy - 2014
    In this book Graham Oppy undertakes a careful study of attributes which are commonly ascribed to God, including infinity, perfection, simplicity, eternity, necessity, fundamentality, omnipotence, omniscience, freedom, incorporeality, perfect goodness and perfect beauty. In a series of substantial chapters, he examines divine attributes one by one, and relates them to a larger taxonomy of those attributes. He also examines the difficulties involved in establishing the claim that understandings of divine attributes are inconsistent or incoherent. Intended as a companion to his 2006 book Arguing about Gods, his study engages with a range of the best contemporary work on divine attributes. It will appeal to readers in philosophy of religion.