This new deluxe printing of these timeless teachings is a treasure to be read and referred to again and again by seekers treading the spiritual path. The classic Sutras (thought-threads), at least 4,000 years old, cover the yogic teachings on ethics, meditation, and physical postures, and provide directions for dealing with situations in daily life. The Sutras are presented here in the purest form, with the original Sanskrit and with translation, transliteration, and commentary by Sri Swami Satchidananda, one of the most respected and revered contemporary Yoga masters. In this classic context, Sri Swamiji offers practical advice based on his own experience for mastering the mind and achieving physical, mental and emotional harmony.

    America John Climacus: The Ladder of Divine Ascent edited and translated by Colm Luibheid and Norman Russell notes on translation by Norman Russell, preface by Kallistos Ware Prayer is the mother and daughter of tears. It is an expiation of sin, a bridge across temptation, a bulwark against affliction. It wipes out conflict, is the work of angels, and is the nourishment of everything spiritual. John Climacus (c. 579-649) The Ladder of Divine Ascent was the most widely used handbook of the ascetic life in the ancient Greek Church. Popular among both lay and monastics, it was translated into Latin, Syriac, Arabic, Armenian, Old Slavonic, and many modern languages. It was written while the author (who received his surname from this book) was abbot of the monastery of Catherine on Mount Sinai. As reflected in the title, the ascetical life is portrayed as a ladder which each aspirant must ascend, each step being a virtue to be acquired, or a vice to be surrendered. Its thirty steps reflect the hidden life of Christ himself. This work had a fundamental influence in the particularly the Hesychastic, Jesus Prayer, or Prayer of the Heart movement. Pierre Pourrat in his History of Christian Spirituality calls John Climacus the most important ascetical theologian of the East, at this epoch, who enjoyed a great reputation and exercised and important influence on future centuries. +

    Written more than two thousand years ago, the Tao Teh Ching, or -The Classic of the Way and Its Virtue, - is one of the true classics of the world of spiritual literature. Traditionally attributed to the legendary -Old Master, - Lao Tzu, the Tao Teh Ching teaches that the qualities of the enlightened sage or ideal ruler are identical with those of the perfected individual. Today, Lao Tzu's words are as useful in mastering the arts of leadership in business and politics as they are in developing a sense of balance and harmony in everyday life. To follow the Tao or Way of all things and realize their true nature is to embody humility, spontaneity, and generosity. John C. H. Wu has done a remarkable job of rendering this subtle text into English while retaining the freshness and depth of the original. A jurist and scholar, Dr. Wu was a recognized authority on Taoism and the translator of several Taoist and Zen texts and of Chinese poetry. This book is part of the Shambhala Pocket Library series. The Shambhala Pocket Library is a collection of short, portable teachings from notable figures across religious traditions and classic texts. The covers in this series are rendered by Colorado artist Robert Spellman. The books in this collection distill the wisdom and heart of the work Shambhala Publications has published over 50 years into a compact format that is collectible, reader-friendly, and applicable to everyday life.

    Nowhere is the use of paradox in Zen illustrated better than in the teaching of Huang Po, who shows how the experience of intuitive knowledge that reveals to a man what he is cannot be communicated by words. With the help of these paradoxes, beautifully and simply presented in this collection, Huang Po could set his disciples on the right path. It is in this fashion that the Zen master leads his listener into truth, often by a single phrase designed to destroy his particular demon of ignorance.

    • Numerous new and rare color photographs complement the completely revised and updated text. • Explores the uses of hallucinogenic plants in shamanic rituals throughout the world. • Cross-referenced by plant, illness, preparation, season of collection, and chemical constituents. Three scientific titans join forces to completely revise the classic text on the ritual uses of psychoactive plants. They provide a fascinating testimony of these "plants of the gods," tracing their uses throughout the world and their significance in shaping culture and history. In the traditions of every culture, plants have been highly valued for their nourishing, healing, and transformative properties. The most powerful of those plants, which are known to transport the human mind into other dimensions of consciousness, have always been regarded as sacred. The authors detail the uses of hallucinogens in sacred shamanic rites while providing lucid explanations of the biochemistry of these plants and the cultural prayers, songs, and dances associated with them. The text is lavishly illustrated with 400 rare photographs of plants, people, ceremonies, and art related to the ritual use of the world's sacred psychoactive flora.

    The original version of the Dhammapada is in the Khuddaka Nikaya, a division of the Pali Canon of Theravada Buddhism.The Buddhist scholar and commentator Buddhaghosa explains that each saying recorded in the collection was made on a different occasion in response to a unique situation that had arisen in the life of the Buddha and his monastic community. His commentary, the Dhammapada Atthakatha, presents the details of these events and is a rich source of legend for the life and times of the Buddha.

    But Buddhism has also inspired some of the greatest philosophical writings of any religion, and two such works lie at the center of Zen: The Heart Sutra, which monks recite all over the world, and The Diamond Sutra, said to contain answers to all questions of delusion and dualism. This is the Buddhist teaching on the perfection of wisdom and cuts through all obstacles on the path of practice. As Red Pine explains: The Diamond Sutra may look like a book, but it's really the body of the Buddha. It's also your body, my body, all possible bodies. But it's a body with nothing inside and nothing outside. It doesn't exist in space or time. Nor is it a construct of the mind. It's no mind. And yet because it's no mind, it has room for compassion. This book is the offering of no mind, born of compassion for all suffering beings. Of all the sutras that teach this teaching, this is the diamond.

    His many works include texts addressed to lay audiences, letters of advice to kings, and a set of penetrating metaphysical and epistemological treatises. His greatest philosophical work, the Mulamadhyamikakarika—read and studied by philosophers in all major Buddhist schools of Tibet, China, Japan, and Korea—is one of the most influential works in the history of Indian philosophy. Now, in The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way, Jay L. Garfield provides a clear and eminently readable translation of Nagarjuna's seminal work, offering those with little or no prior knowledge of Buddhist philosophy a view into the profound logic of the Mulamadhyamikakarika.Garfield presents a superb translation of the Tibetan text of Mulamadhyamikakarika in its entirety, and a commentary reflecting the Tibetan tradition through which Nagarjuna's philosophical influence has largely been transmitted. Illuminating the systematic character of Nagarjuna's reasoning, Garfield shows how Nagarjuna develops his doctrine that all phenomena are empty of inherent existence, that is, than nothing exists substantially or independently. Despite lacking any essence, he argues, phenomena nonetheless exist conventionally, and that indeed conventional existence and ultimate emptiness are in fact the same thing. This represents the radical understanding of the Buddhist doctrine of the two truths, or two levels of reality. He offers a verse-by-verse commentary that explains Nagarjuna's positions and arguments in the language of Western metaphysics and epistemology, and connects Nagarjuna's concerns to those of Western philosophers such as Sextus, Hume, and Wittgenstein.An accessible translation of the foundational text for all Mahayana Buddhism, The Fundamental Wisdom of the Middle Way offers insight to all those interested in the nature of reality.

    Through these ancient aphorisms you will learn how to control your mind and achieve inner peace and freedom. Although these methods were taught over 2,000 years ago, they are as alive and effective today as they have ever been. The 2008 edition has been reset and now has an extensive index for reference.

    Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan has therefore translated the Sefer Yetzirah the oldest and most mysterious of all kabbalistic texts, and now brings its theoretical, meditative and magical implication to light. He expounds on the dynamics of the spiritual domain, the worlds of the Sefirot, souls and angels. When properly understood, the Sefer Yetzirah becomes the instruction manual for a very special type of meditation meant to strengthen concentration, and to aid the development of telekinetic and telepathic powers. These powers were meant to help initiates perform feats that outwardly appeared magical. The magical kabbalah is closely related to the meditative kabbalah, and uses various signs, incantations, and divine names by which initiates could influence or alter natural events. This translation includes the meditation in five dimensions, the transition from Binah to Chakhmah consciousness, the point of infinity, kabbalistic astrology, Ezekiel's vision according to the Sefer Yetzirah, and the mystery of the 231 gates.Also included is a digest of all major commentaries on the text of Sefer Yetzirah and a bibliography of many of the major kabbalistic works that discuss it, as well as extensive notes regarding various aspects of the translation, Rabbi Kaplan's translation is based on the Gra version, which has been thought to be the most authentic. Also included is the short version, the long version, and the Saadia version, making this volume the most complete work on the Sefer Yetzirah in English.

    And Burton Watson's lucid and beautiful translation has been loved by generations of readers.Chuang Tzu (369?-286? B.C.) was a leading philosopher representing the Taoist strain in Chinese thought. Using parable and anecdote, allegory and paradox, he set forth, in the book that bears his name, the early ideas of what was to become the Taoist school. Central to these is the belief that only by understanding Tao (the Way of Nature) and dwelling in its unity can man achieve true happiness and freedom, in both life and death.Chuang Tzu: Basic Writings includes the seven "inner chapters," which form the heart of the book, three of the "outer chapters," and one of the "miscellaneous chapters." Watson also provides an introduction, placing the philosopher in relation to Chinese history and thought.Witty and imaginative, enriched by brilliant imagery, and making sportive use of both mythological and historical personages (including even Confucius), this timeless classic is sure to appeal to anyone interested in Chinese religion and culture.

    Yoga is from the Sanskrit root meaning “union,” and a sutra is a thread or aphoristic verse. The basic questions “Who am I?” “Where am I going?” “What is the purpose of life?” are asked by each new generation, and Patanjali’s answers form one of the oldest and most vibrant spiritual texts in the world. He explains what yoga is, how it works, and exactly how to purify the mind and let it settle into absolute stillness. This stillness is our own Self. It is the indispensable ground for Enlightenment, which is the ultimate goal of all our aspirations.Alistair Shearer’s lucid introduction and superb translation, fully preserving Patanjali’s jewel-like style, bring these ancient but vital teachings to those who seek the path of self-knowledge today.Bell Tower’s series, Sacred Teachings, offers essential spiritual classics from all traditions. May each book become a trusted companion on the way of truth, encouraging readers to study the wisdom of the ages and put it into practice each day.

    It has exerted a living influence in China for 3,000 years, and interest in it has been rapidly spreading in the West.

    It is said that he was a contemporary of Mencius, an official in the Lacquer Garden of Meng in Honan Province around the 4th century b.c. Chuang Tsu was to Lao Tsu as Saint Paul was to Jesus and Plato to Socrates.While the other philosophers were busying themselves with the practical matters of government and rules of conduct, Chuang Tsu transcended the whang cheng, the illusory dust of the world—thus anticipating Zen Buddhism’s emphasis on a state of emptiness or ego transcendence. With humor, imagery, and fantasy, he captures the depth of Chinese thinking. The seven “Inner Chapters” presented in this translation are accepted by scholars as being definitely the work of Chuang Tsu. Another twenty-six chapters are of questionable origin; they are interpretations of his teaching and may have been added by later commentators.      This is an updated version of the translation of Chuang Tsu: Inner Chapters that was originally published in 1974. Like the original Chinese, this version uses gender-neutral language wherever possible. This edition includes many new photographs by Jane English and an introduction by Tai Ji master Chungliang Al Huang, who has been highly successful in bringing to the West the wisdom of the East.

    The object of intense veneration among generations of Buddhists in China, Korea, Japan, and other parts of the world, it has had a profound impact on the great works of Japanese and Chinese literature, attracting more commentary than any other Buddhist scripture.As Watson notes in the introduction to his remarkable translation, " The Lotus Sutra is not so much an integral work as a collection of religious texts, an anthology of sermons, stories, and devotional manuals, some speaking with particular force to persons of one type or in one set of circumstances, some to those of another type or in other circumstances. This is no doubt why it has had such broad and lasting appeal over the ages and has permeated so deeply into the cultures that have been exposed to it."

    Presented in the form of a personal meditation in verse, it outlines the path of the bodhisattvas--those beings who renounce the peace of an individual salvation and vow to work for the deliverance of all beings, and to attain enlightenment for their sake. The text is beloved by Buddhists of all traditions.Originally written in India in Sanskrit, the text first appeared in Tibetan translation in the eighth century. The fact that it has been expounded, studied, and practiced in Tibet in an unbroken tradition lends the Tibetan version of the Bodhicharyavatara a particular authority. The present version has therefore been translated from the Tibetan, following a commentary by the Nyingma master Kunzang Pelden, renowned for its thoroughness, clarity, and accessibility.

    Imam Bukhari collected the Ahaadeeth over a period of 16 years. He stated that before writing any Hadith in this book, he performed Salat of Istikhaara (offered two Rak'at prayer for guidance from Allah), and when he was sure of its authenticity, he included that Hadith in his Sahih.There are 7563 Ahaadeeth in this great collection consisting of 9 Volumes. Each book (subtopics in each volume categorized by very broad topics such as the Book of As-Salat) contains many chapters which represent one logical unit of Ahaadeeth. Each book contains anywhere from one to 150 chapters with each chapter containing several Ahaadeeth.Dr. Muhammad Muhsin Khan translated this book in simple and easy language. Tremendous amounts of errors exist in the translations by other translators. To eliminate the problem Dar-us-Salam spent over 3 years in the publication of this book and presented a book which is translated into English in a very easy & simple language, so that all readers can understand it without difficulty. We wish that all the peoples of the world, and the Muslims in particular, implement the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (sallallahu alaihi wasallam) in their daily life.

    The real identity of the person who chose to write under the pseudonym of Dionysius the Areopagite is unknown. Even the exact dates of his writings have never been determined. Moreover the texts themselves, though relatively short, are at points seemingly impenetrable and have mystified readers over the centuries. Yet the influence of this shadowy figure on broad range of mystical writers from the early middle ages on is readily discernible. His formulation of a method of negative theology that stresses the impotence of humans' attempt to penetrate the "cloud of unknowing" is famous as is his meditation on the divine names.Despite his influence, relatively few attempts have been made to translate the entire corpus of his written into English. Here in one volume are collected all of the Pseudo-Dionysius' works. Each has been translated from the Migne edition, with reference to the forthcoming Göttingen critical edition of A.M. Ritter, G. Heil, and B. Suchla.To present these works to the English-speaking public, an outstanding team of six research scholars has been assembled. The lucid translation of Colm Luibheid has been augmented by Paul Rorem's notes and textual collaboration. The reader is presented a rich and varied examination of the main themes of Dionysian spirituality by René Roques, an incisive discussion of the original questions of the authenticity and alleged heresies in the Dionysian corpus by Jaroslav Pelikan, a comprehensive tracing Dionysius' influence on medieval authors by Jean Leclercq, and a survey by Karlfried Froehlich of the reception given the corpus by Humanists and sixteenth-century Reformers.

    Each Upanishad, or lesson, takes up a theme ranging from the attainment of spiritual bliss to karma and rebirth, and collectively they are meditations on life, death and immortality. The essence of their teachings is that truth can by reached by faith rather than by thought, and that the spirit of God is within each of us - we need not fear death as we carry within us the promise of eternal life.Older cover edition for ISBN 9780140441635.

    It is a collection of religious and philosophic texts gathered and translated into Coptic by fourth-century Gnostic Christians and translated into English by dozens of highly reputable experts. First published in 1978, this is the revised 1988 edition supported by illuminating introductions to each document. The library itself is a diverse collection of texts that the Gnostics considered to be related to their heretical philosophy in some way. There are 45 separate titles, including a Coptic translation from the Greek of two well-known works: the Gospel of Thomas, attributed to Jesus' brother Judas, and Plato's Republic. The word gnosis is defined as "the immediate knowledge of spiritual truth." This doomed radical sect believed in being here now--withdrawing from the contamination of society and materiality--and that heaven is an internal state, not some place above the clouds. That this collection has resurfaced at this historical juncture is more than likely no coincidence.--P. Randall Cohan

    From the author of The Complete Commentary by Sankara on the Yoga Sutras, this book deals with the karma-yoga meditation practice and the realization of the supreme self as described in the Bhagava Gita yoga.

    Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

    

    The special feature of this book is the detailed description of the various kinds of samadhi. Devanagri text with English translation and notes.

    The Definitive Book of Human Design, The Science of Differentiation, by Lynda Bunnell, Director of the International Human Design School, and Ra Uru Hu, Founder of The Human Design System, is a definitive collection of the foundation knowledge in one volume. Based on Ra's work, and with his approval and cooperation, this book is both a reference guide for Human Design students, professionals and enthusiasts, and a step-by step introduction for newcomers as they enter into their own experiment with these practical and life transforming tools.The Human Design System is a precise map and user guide that gives us access to how we are each genetically and uniquely designed to engage with the world, and how our own inner guidance system for decision-making operates. Never before have we been able to see so clearly the conscious and unconscious parts of ourselves, the true aspects that no one can take away from us, as well as the aspects of self that we have been taught or conditioned to believe are us, but are not. The Human Design System is not a belief system. It is a concrete map to the nature of being, and a mapping of our genetic code that reveals the mechanics of our nature in such depth that it opens the door to the potential of self-love, a love of life and the love of others through true understanding and compassion.Free downloadable software available.Also, look on Amazon for Human Design, The Rave I'Ching Card Deck by Lynda Bunnell

    Gregory of Nyssa This great spiritual master of the fourth century was born as the general persecution of Christians was ending. One of the Greek Cappadocian Fathers (the other two were Gregory's brother, St. Basil the Great, and their mutual friend, St. Gregory Nazianzen), Gregory has come to be regarded increasingly as the most brilliant and subtle thinker and most profound mystical teacher of the three. Whether or not one agrees with Jean Danielou who saw Gregory as the founder of mystical importance within the Christian tradition.The Life of Moses has special significance because it reflects Gregory's spiritual sense of the Scriptures. He maintained that the ultimate purpose of the Bible was not its historical teachings but its capacity for elevating the soul to God. Gregory saw the totality of the spiritual life as an epektasis, a continual growth or straining ahead, as in the words of St. Paul, Forgetting the past, I strain for what is still to come. Gregory frames an immensely significant synthesis of the earlier Hellenistic and Jewish traditions in this work. He describes the spiritual ascent as taking place in three stages, symbolized by the Lord's revelation of Himself to Moses, first in light, then in the cloud and, finally, in the dark. This translation and introduction, winner of the Christian Research Foundation Award, has been expertly rendered by Professors Abraham Malherbe of Yale University and Everett Ferguson of Abilene Christian University.

    Brian weiss collection, the

    In addition, each of the daily readings is followed by a short, insightful reflection that will lead you to prayer and help plant God’s Word deep in your heart. Bible-in-a-Year is designed to give you daily selections from the Old Testament, New Testament, and Wisdom Literature to help you read and pray all 73 books of Holy Scripture in one year. Each daily reflection is intended to open up the Scriptures and facilitate a deeper meditation that leads to an encounter with God through his Word. The easy-to-use format will help inspire you to keep reading the Bible every day of the year—day by day, month by month, year after year. Through the daily reading of Sacred Scripture, you will hear the beauty and majesty of the Word that God intended just for you. There are several ways you might like to use the daily readings: Bible in one year, once a day: Follow the plan. Read each day's readings during your daily Bible reading time to finish the whole Bible in a year. Bible in one year, twice a day: Follow the plan, but in two daily sections. Read the Old Testament in the morning and the Wisdom literature and New Testament in the evening. Bible in two years: Read the Old Testament the first year, then the Wisdom literature and New Testament the second year. Scripture quotations are from the] Revised Standard Version of the Bible—Second Catholic Edition (Ignatius Edition), copyright © 2006 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

    The current JPS translation, based on classical and modern sources, is acclaimed for its fidelity to the ancient Hebrew.

    The original text has been printed in Devanagari type with running lucid English translation. Footnotes have been added wherever necessary. The Candi is divided into 13 chapters and consists of 700 mantras and hence it is called the Saptasati. Three aspects of the Divine Mother have been depicted in the book and they are (1) Mahakali (Chapter I), (2) Mahalaksmi (Chapters II to IV) and (3)Mahasarasvati (Chapters V to XIII) and meditation on each of them has been added with English translation. The whole of Devi-Mahatmyam is chanted on sacred occasions, especially during the Durga-Puja (Navaratri).

    It is an encounter with the truth, the wisdom and the force that is innate to us all. At the brink of a divorce and personal breakdown, Arjun took a trip into the heart of the Himalayas, on the insistence of a sadhu, who predicted that the journey up to Hemkund Sahib would align him to his purpose and change his life forever. At every turn the mountains holds secrets and tests that urge Arjun to evolve into the person he had denied to be - himself. Pretenses, falsities, confusions and untruths fall apart as Arjun is forced to confront the mess he had created in his life. What started off as an opportunity to escape reality, turned out to be an opportunity to escape from the dwindling spiral of self-created misery. Filled with spiritual insights and sprinkled with light humor, this story will help you find your calling, your voice and who knows, even your true self.

    The various teachings of the Buddha found throughout the Pali canon are organized in a clear, comprehensive path leading to the final goal of nibbana, the state of complete purification. Originally composed in the fifth century, this new translation provides English speakers insights into this foundational text. In the course of this treatise full and detailed instructions are given on 40 subjects of meditation aimed at concentration, an elaborate account of Buddhist Abhidhamma philosophy, and explicit descriptions of the stages of insight culminating in final liberation. This replaces 9552400236.

    

    

    Venkataramaiah) during the years 1935 to 1939. All the notes made to produce this book were shown to the Sage for approval, and every effort was made to record correctly both the question and answer as they occurred. Open up this book anywhere, begin reading and you will find yourself transported to the Old Hall, sitting before the Maharshi and drinking in his life-giving words. We highly recommend this book to all serious seekers.

    It has exerted a living influence in China for 3000 years and interest in it has spread in the West. Set down in the dawn of history as a book of oracles, the Book of Changes deepened in meaning when ethical values were attached to the oracular pronouncements; it became a book of wisdom, eventually one of the Five Classics of Confucianism, and provided the common source for both Confucianist and Taoist philosophy. Wilhelm's rendering of the I Ching into German, published in 1924, presented it for the 1st time in a form intelligible to the general reader. Wilhelm, who translated many other ancient Chinese works and who wrote several books on Chinese philosophy and civilization, long resided in China. His close association with its cultural leaders gave him a unique understanding of the text of the I Ching. In the English translation, every effort has been made to preserve Wilhelm's pioneering insight into the spirit of the original.This 3rd edition, completely reset, contains a new forward by Hellmut Wilhelm, one of the most eminent American scholars of Chinese culture. He discusses his father's textual methods and summarizes recent studies of the I Ching both in the West and in present-day China. The new edition contains minor textual corrections, bibliographical revisions and an index.

    

    Many scholars and linguists have published Shah Jo Risalo with their own compilations, hence its many editions are available. No single edition is believed to be the authentic, but the oldest manuscript of Shah Jo Risalo is believed to contain all the authentic verses of Bhitai.It is believed that Shah's verses were compiled in his life, but he did not like that and threw the only manuscript of his verses into a pond. Later, his devotees demanded him to write some verses, hence he told them many verses which were noted in writing. But most of his work was never written, only memorized by people, and became popular in the folk culture of Sindh.The traditional compilations of Shah Jo Risalo include 30 Surs (chapters) which were compiled by the renowned researchers. The oldest publications of Shah Jo Risalo contained some 36 Surs, but later most of the linguists discarded 6 Surs, as their language and content did not match with the Shah's style. Recently, Dr. Nabi Bakhsh Baloch, the most renowned linguist of Sindhi language has compiled and printed a new edition after 32 years of research in folk culture, language and history of Sindhi language.

    

    

    Jean Dunn, a close follower of Maharaj edited this and two other volumes that make up a triology of Maharaj's talks, Seeds of Consciousness and Consciousness and the Absolute.

    

    

    In the moments before a great battle, the dialogue sets out the important lessons Arjuna must learn to change the outcome of the war he is to fight, and culminates in Krishna revealing to the warrior his true cosmic form, counselling him to search for the universal perfection of life. Ranging from instructions on yoga postures to dense moral discussion, the Gita is one of the most important Hindu texts, as well as serving as a practical guide to living well.

    

    

    

    It analyses the entire range of human consciousness in the three states of waking (jagrat),dream (swapna) and dreamless sleeo (susupti) which are common to all men.It asserts unequivocally that the Absolutely Reality is non-dual (advaita) and attributes (nirguna). It has a unique method of approach to Truth.It provides symbol for meditation in the mono-syllable AUM-comprising of three sounds A,U,M, detailing it's philosphical implications.According to Muktikopanisad,it forms the epitome of all the hundred and eight Upanisad-s which have been accepted as authentic.

    This compelling narrative paints a delightfully intimate portrait of the Navagrahas. Surya subdues his raging heat to please his beloved Samjna. Chandra lusts after his guru’s wife and is cursed to wane each month. Kuja emerges from a drop of perspiration on Shiva’s brow. Budha marries Ila, who is his wife for one month and a prince in the next. Brhaspati forgives his wife’s adultery and curses an amorous apsara to be born as a monkey. Usana becomes Sukra when he is swallowed by a furious Shiva. Sanaischara requests the Trimurti to ensure he inspire fear in all living beings. Rahu and Ketu wreak their vengeance on Surya and Chandra by swallowing them. In an irresistible medley of drama, romance, humour and devotion, Navagraha Purana entertains and informs as it asserts that no one is exempt from the implacable influence of the Nine Planets. V.S. Rao is a celebrated, multifaceted Telegu author, playwright, translator and scriptwriter. Mr. Rao has 84 titles to his credit, including short stories, novels, children’s books and plays. His writing spans an astounding variety of genres, from crime and detective fiction, to thrillers, drama, mythology, philosophy and lyrics for devotional albums. In his largely womencentric writing, Mr. Rao passionately highlights women’s issues. He is the recipient of numerous literary honors and awards.

    

    She reveals the sacred feminine as spiritual survival. In feminist eco-fashion she sees invisible connections between animate and inanimate, the miraculous within mundane. She accepts the challenge of Mormon theology, to translate spirit from materia, as living soul. Her images are aflame, impossible to ignore, arresting attention to awakening the self, body and soul. In the gaps between our molecules she sees electrons marry form and energy, architecture and theology. She finds "the axis of absolute reality" in every moment, by walking an inner landscape to the "cosmic odeum" in the center of our own being. Her facile grasp of poetic technique woos truth from words. Read at your own risk: you will be consumed by the alchemy catalyzed within these pages. --Maxine Hanks, editor of Women and Authority: Re-emerging Mormon Feminism

    

    All other major translations have been revised to conform to feminist demands for “inclusive language” (the same language Rome rejected in the new Catechism). Acclaimed for decades as the clearest, most accurate and most beautiful modern translation of the Bible in English. The RSV Bible is an accurate translation and there is hunger and burning desire for the Word of God in the hearts of people

    The method consists in the analysis of the three states of waking, dream and deep sleep, which are common to all men. Through a study of these states, a way is pointed out, even for those who are not willing to accept any theological pre-suppositions, to form the necessary intellectual background for cultivating the higher life.

    The Gospel of Thomas, from manuscripts discovered in Nag Hammadi

    It is the story of the quest for self-knowing and ultimate knowledge of the self, presented in a candid and often humorous way. It has been called a western "Autobiography of a Yogi."

    

    It is this path shown by the guru which help the aspirants to achieve their supreme goal. By constant repetition of this mantra with utmost devotion and sincerity given by the guru, a aspirant will get free from the bondage of ignorance, i.e. liberation from the chain of births and deaths and attain the eternal peace. Thus, Swami Bhuteshanandaji Maharaj (the twelfth President fo the Ramakrishna Math & Mission) have lucidly analized about all the factors related with spiritual initiation.

    This volume is the first in a four-volume anthology of suttas (discourses) drawn from the Sutta Pitaka (Discourse Basket or Repository) of the Pali Canon. This volume contains suttas drawn from the first of the five collections comprising the Sutta Pitaka: the Digha Nikaya, or Long Collection.

    A philosophy which enunciates the eternal principles of life and living. Living is an art, a skill, a technique. Few understand it to be so, in the span of human history. Nevertheless, you need to learn and practise the technique of living. As you would for playing a musical instrument or flying an aircraft.The world today is unaware of this process of learning. They lack this fundamental knowledge of living. And have become victims of stress and strain.Above all, the Treatise helps you evolve to greater heights in your own spiritual path. It provides you with the knowledge and guidance to reach the ultimate in human perfection. The goal of Self-realisation.

    Cooper. The spiritually rich allegory that has positively influenced so many lives is now even better with an added devotional for women.

    Lieh-tzu's teachings range from the origin and purpose of life, the Taoist view of reality, and the nature of enlightenment to the training of the body and mind, communication, and the importance of personal freedom. This distinctive translation presents Lieh-tzu as a friendly, intimate companion speaking directly to the reader in a contemporary voice about matters relevant to our everyday lives.

    Description:- The Courage to be Happy: True Contentment Is In Your Power In The Courage To Be Happy, Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga again distil their wisdom into simple yet profound advice to show us how we, too, can use twentieth-century psychological theory to find true happiness. The Courage To Be Disliked: How to free yourself, change your life and achieve real happiness The Courage to be Disliked shows you how to unlock the power within yourself to become your best and truest self, change your future and find lasting happiness. Using the theories of Alfred Adler, one of the three giants of 19th century psychology alongside Freud and Jung, the authors explain how we are all free to determine our own future free of the shackles of past experiences, doubts and the expectations of others. It's a philosophy that's profoundly liberating, allowing us to develop the courage to change, and to ignore the limitations that we and those around us can place on ourselves.

    

    During the ensuing trial, where both humans and animals testify before the King, both sides argue their points ingeniously, deftly illustrating the validity of both sides of the ecology debate. The ancient antecedents of this tale are thought to have originated in India, with the first written version penned in Arabic sometime before the 10th century in what is now Iraq. Much later, this version of the story was translated into Hebrew in 14th century France and was popular in European Jewish communities into the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This exquisite English translation, illustrated with 12 original color illumination plates, is useful in introducing young and old alike to environmental and animal rights issues.

    Catholic Prayer Book

    And there are all sorts of conflicting ideas and messages about what a "real man" is (and is not). Is a real man one who hunts, loves sports, grills meat, fixes cars, and climbs mountains? Sure, sometimes. But that's not really the point of being a man and it's not the purpose for which men were made. Into our cultural confusion, Brant Hansen paints a refreshingly specific, compelling picture of what men are made to be: "Keepers of the Garden." Protectors and defenders. He calls for men of all interests and backgrounds (including "avid indoorsmen" like himself) to be ambitious about the right things and to see themselves as defenders of the vulnerable, with whatever resources they have.Using short chapters loaded with must-have wisdom and Brant's signature humor, The Men We Need explains the essence of masculinity in a fresh, thoughtful, and entertaining way that will inspire any man who dares to read it.

    IT MAKES YOU UNLOCK THE FORCES THAT PUTS YOU PERMANENTLY IN CHARGE.

    295-373) Bishop of Alexandria, spiritual master and theologian, was a major figure of 4th-century Christendom.Contents:Foreword -- Preface -- Introduction --The life and affairs of our holy father Antony --A letter of Athanasius, our holy father, Archbishop of Alexandria, to Marcellinus on the interpretation of the Psalms.

    In this 64-page book, Frank challenges popular notions on "finding God's will" and sheds fresh light on the subject that is highly practical, solidly Biblical, spiritually insightful, and most of all - liberating!

    

    This book presents an English translation and expansion of the Mahaviri, with the original text, word-by-word meanings, translation, commentary, detailed notes, prosody, musical notation, verse index and word index of the Hanuman Chalisa. The book is a must-have for reciters and singers of the Hanuman Chalisa who want to understand the deep essence of Tulsidas' timeless hymn to Hanuman. "... Shri Nityanand Misra has translated and annotated the text based on the acclaimed Hindi commentary Mahaviri (1983) by Swami Ramabhadracharya. This throws a great deal of light on the deeper meaning of Tulasi Das's famous work, and will be welcomed by scholars and laymen alike." -Dr. Karan Singh "Inspired in equal measure by profound devotion and immense knowledge, the Mahaviri commentary on the beloved and revered Hanuman-Calisa will be welcomed by the many devoted reciters of this praise-poem who would like to explore its deeper meanings ... Nityananda Misra's careful English translation, scholarly yet readable, will make these insights accessible to a broader audience." -Philip Lutgendorf, Professor of Hindi: University of Iowa "One of the very few books which have inspired me to make positive changes in lifestyle. Gives a new dimension to the world of devotion. A must-read." -Anup Jalota "My love and blessings to Nityananda Misra for this effort." -Sri Sri Ravi Shankar "This elaborated edition ... will certainly exhilarate hundred thousands of devotees and other readers also. The editor-translator Sri Nityanand Misra and the publisher Niramaya publishing house both deserve profuse felicitations on this new arrival." -Devarshi Kalanath Shastri (Sanskrit scholar, Jaipur)

    It ALSO includes the best materialfrom the (3) Bashar Books released in Japan. Those books sold over 300,000copies...100,000 more than Shirley McClain's works (Los Angeles Times). That in itself is a statement as to how much impact this information has had on peoples' lives.Transcending cultural differences, the Bashar material speaks directly to peoples' hearts. The new perspectives, ideas and insights presented in Quest For Truth connect at a deep, universal level-a place where we are all very much the same. Everyone shares the same basic joys, fears and challenges in Life...no matter where we live. Regardless of culture, everyone loves his or her close friends and family. All people everywhere want security, a life filled with joy and wonderful experiences. Everyone is interested in knowing how to live a fuller, richer life...and THAT is what the entire focus of Quest For Truth is all about: to provide you with a complete set of "tools" to create the life you truly prefer.I read many books and it bothers me to wade through a 300-page book-only to end-up with 25 pages of real substance. So, when Quest For Truth was created the goal was to make SURE the book "delivered" more than the reader ever expected. Every chapter, paragraph and sentence in this book is highly focused, yet easy to read and understand. Many describe Quest For Truth as "dense"...meaning, it's jam-packed with information.Each chapter begins with an opening dialogue, then followed by the audiences' questions and Bashar's responses. The dialogues layout the foundational ideas; the Q&A's fill in the details and focus on specific questions. Presenting the material is this way helps the reader come to a complete understanding of the ideas AND how they can be practically applied in everyday life. The material is arranged as follows:[image]hspace=0>Introduction by Steve MeyersForeword by Darryl Anka(1) Opening Dialogue (orientation to basic principles) (2) Creating Abundance & Wealth (3) Vision & Creativity (4) Death, Dying & Religion (5) Health & Healing (6) Creative Relationships (7) Sign Off & EpilogueKeyword IndexThese were the main areas of interest; the questions asked most frequently by those who attended the seminars. Then, the questions and Bashar's responses (going back several years to present) were brought together into chapters, each focusing on a general theme. Bashar is a treat to listen to, but you don't have listen through 25 different tapes to get the complete picture in a key subject area...that's already been done for you in this book. It's FAR easier to understand the main ideas and you can begin applying the ideas that much sooner, that much more effectively, in your daily life.What you get-for the price of one book-would cost over $600 if attending the live seminars, and cost over $450 if purchasing the audio cassette tapes. On this basis alone, the book is an extraordinary value at $22.95. Even more- you can go through the material at your own pace and it's always there for quick reference. We wanted to create a useful resource; something that amounted to a "Bashar Workbook"...something you could use over and again for guidance and inspiration. The book is well laid-out and easy to read. It includes a keyword index so you can locate ANY idea or subject very quickly. Each chapter has powerful quotes and inspiring poems, including all-time favorites by Kipling, Emerson, Theodore Tilton, and others. Quest For Truth is the first volume in a series of (7) new Bashar books. It provides the core foundation from which to explore the ideas presented in the next (6) books. If you already "know" about the Bashar material, you can help in this endeavor by purchasing Quest For Truth and by letting your friends know it's available.If you are new to this material, but enjoyed reading James Redfield's "The Celestine Prophecy"...we think you'll be VERY pleased with Quest For Truth. Many people familiar with the Bashar material have often said: "Hey? What's the big deal about the Celestine Prophecy? Those nine insights are not even 5 pages of the Bashar material..." We say this not to put down Redfield's excellent book, but to let you know that Quest For Truth is a virtual treasure chest-filled to the brim with useful insights, new tools and many empowering ideas.The ideas presented in Quest For Truth can be understood by all age groups in all cultures. Everyone can benefit from the new perspectives shared in this extraordinary book. If you seek a fuller, richer life-or just want to find more meaning-this book is definitely for you.Nobul Press&copy S. Meyers, August 1998

    Five short stories woven together about Karma and the changes that were made in theseKARMIC KRACKERS

    

    

    In this classic talk, beloved speaker Truman G. Madsen shares his profound appreciation for this holy privilege. A perfect message for those preparing to enter the temple as well as for those who serve there regularly, the talk emphasizes that if young people could glimpse the importance and blessings of temple worship, it would become "the most powerful spiritual motivation of thier lives." Listeners will benefit from suggestions of how to prepare to enter the temple, along with ideas on how the temple can bring us peace and help us find answers to prayers. Punctuated by poignant personal stories, this talk is sure to provide a deeper appreciation for how the temple provides "a step-by-step ascent into the Eternal presence."

    Taking time to pause and be grateful.....When I take time to pause....I enrich my life and become aware of all that life offers me.

    One did in Bethlehem more than 2,000 years ago. No one expected God to come the way he did. Yet the way he came was every bit as important as the coming itself. The manger is the message. In this four-session video Bible study, Max Lucado explores how the One who made everything chose to make himself nothing for us. He experienced hunger and thirst. He went through the stages of human development. He was taught to walk, stand, and wash his face. He was completely and genuinely human. Because of Bethlehem, we no longer have marks on our record . . . just grace. We have the promise that God is always near us, always for us, always within us—and that we have a friend and Savior in heaven. Long after the guests have left, the carolers have gone home, and the lights have come down, these promises endure.

    Graced with opening words by His Holiness The Dalai Lama, the Penguin Deluxe Edition of The Tibetan Book of the Dead is "immaculately rendered in an English both graceful and precise." Translated with the close support of leading contemporary masters and hailed as “a tremendous accomplishment,” this book faithfully presents the insights and intentions of the original work. It includes one of the most detailed and compelling descriptions of the after-death state in world literature, practices that can transform our experience of daily life, guidance on helping those who are dying, and an inspirational perspective on coping with bereavement.

    

    

    While the Upanishads lay the foundation of the loftiest reach possible for humanity and the Brahmasutras logically elucidate the intricate issues involved in the Upanishads, the Bhagavadgita blends together the Transcendent and the Immanent features of the Ultimate Reality, bringing together into an integrated whole knowledge and action, the inner and the outer, the individual and the society, man and God, all which are portrayed as facets of a Universal Operation, presenting entire life and all life as a perfectly complete organic wholeness, leaving nothing unsaid and attempting to solve every problem in life.

    Includes two books authored by John Eldredge: Sacred Romance and Desire.

    

    A complete translation of the book of the Udana from the Khuddaka Nikaya collection of the Pali Canon. The role of the Udana within the context of the Pali Canon is to focus on the values and principles—“meaning” in the larger sense of the term—that underlie the Buddha’s teachings. Freely available at dhammatalks.org

    Available here:boomreads.com/download?i=1591791707Nonviolent Communication: Create Your Life, Your Relationships, and Your World in Harmony with Your Values PDF by Marshall B. RosenbergRead Nonviolent Communication: Create Your Life, Your Relationships, and Your World in Harmony with Your Values PDF from Sounds True,Marshall B. RosenbergDownload Marshall B. Rosenberg’s PDF E-book Nonviolent Communication: Create Your Life, Your Relationships, and Your World in Harmony with Your Values

    

    There are so many things to be glad for as the author points out. You will leave the book knowing that all is well and giving out your personal sunshine to the world will make you so glad...JUST BE GLAD!!

    Organized by theme, the collection includes full-length books as well as articles, seminar transcripts, poems, plays, and interviews, many of which have never before been available in book form. From memoirs of his escape from Chinese-occupied Tibet to insightful discussions of psychology, mind, and meditation; from original verse and calligraphy to the esoteric lore of tantric Buddhism—the impressive range of Trungpa's vision, talents, and teachings is showcased in this landmark series.This set contains volumes one through eight.

    This unque two-in-one volume combines two discussions with Sadhguru,each encompassing a diverse range of themes.What emerges from these stimulating exchanges is the voice of a master-crisp,authoritative and inspirational,offering a refreshingly new take on questions that all seekers will recognise as their own.

    Translated by Ruth Mossner from 'Die Tierbrüder' with permission of the Waerland-Verlagsgenossenschaft eG Mannheim."My dear Friend!How shall I begin to tell you what I want to say? It is hard, and I hardly know how to begin.And yet I will try my best; at first, I want you to know my fundamental thoughts, before come to the details:I believe that, as long as man tortures and kills animals, he will torture and kill humans as well — and wars will be waged — for killing must be practiced and learned in a small scale, inwardly and outwardly. As long as animals are confined in cages, there will be prisons as well — for incarceration must be practiced and learned, in a small scale, inwardly and outwardly. As long as there are animal slaves, there will be human slaves as well, — for slavery must be learned and practiced, on a small scale — inwardly and outwardly. ..."

    

    These texts are, respectively, the eighth and ninth texts in the Khuddaka Nikaya, or Collection of Short Pieces, the last collection of the Sutta Pitaka in the Pali Canon.Freely available at dhammatalks.org

    Now available in the United States for the first time! This little gem of a book has moved many to respond with greater reverence and love to the hidden Guest of their souls. "Fr. Moynihan writes about being aware of God as Somebody. Somebody who loves us, lives with us and guides our actions. People still continue to read and re-read and to recommend this booklet which has endured and will continue to endure." (Austin Flannery, OP) "This booklet has the enduring quality of a classic." (Donagh O'Shea, OP)

    Tirumantiram is the seminal text of Saiva-Siddhanta which has produced a galaxy of saints and has powerfully influenced the day-to-day life of millions in South India,generation after generation.It’s author Tirumular was according to legend, a yogi who took compassion on a herd of cattle that had lost their shepherd and entering the body of the shepherd by his yogic power,continued to look after the flock.So when we find in this great classic,such splendid gems as ""Anbe Sivam’-God is Love-we realize that the great yogi preached only what he lived.His fervent message that the ultimate Reality is One and all of us belong to the same family has special relevance to us moderns,who have lost our moorings of faith and and are ‘wandering between two worlds,one dead,the other powerless to be born.’Apart from the literasry merits,Tirumantiram blazes a number of spiritual trails any of which the aspirant can follow with the full confidence that the Goal Suprerme is within the reach.The English translation and part of the notes are by the Late Dr.B.Natarajan who was not only a profound tamil scholar but also a noted economist.The book has the original Tamil verse and the English translation.

    It takes an in depth look at the character of God and His faithfulness and goodness to His people through every circumstance of life. It reminds us that no matter what we face, we can trust Him.Each week contains 5 days of study including study questions. Each week also has a memory verse and a weekly reflection to help dig deeper into Scripture.

    English Translation available by Swamy Nithya Swarupananda, John Richards, Hari Prasad Shastri.‘Ashtavakra Gita’ is one of the advaitic masterpieces. Without mincing matters it comes out with the advaitic truth, the whole truth and nothing but advaita which is the Truth. This book embodies Ashtavakra’s teaching to King Janaka which vouched him Self-Knowledge between the time he placed one foot upon the stirrup of his horse and lifted himself to place the other foot on the other stirrup.However, as can be seen from the following quote, Bhagavan Ramana said that there is no time involved at all in Self-Knowledge.“…. When I entered the hall the story of how the Ashtavakra Gita came to be taught was being recounted in English for the benefit of the above Raja and other visitors. After the story was read out, Bhagavan said, ‘Because Brahma Jnana is not something external, which is somewhere faraway where you can go and get it, you cannot say that it will take so long or so short a time to attain it. It is always with you. . . . All that is necessary is to surrender yourself completely to the Guru, to surrender your notion of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ ….” Of course, that is what King Janaka did. He surrendered his notion of ‘I’ and ‘mine’ to Sage Ashtavakra. Has not Bhagavan said that surrender and Self-enquiry are the only two ways to Self-Realisation?Bhagavan has also made other references to this great book.Sri Ramakrishna persuaded Narendra to read ‘Ashtavakra Gita’ which had a stupendous impact on the young devotee who later flowered into Swami Vivekananda, the doughty Advaitic evangelist.The Sanskrit script is in Bhagavan’s own handwriting cut out from an Archival Publication of the Ashram.

    Rejecting a triumphalistic reading of church history, he argues that the first-century church had a very specific christological confession, one very different from what the church later came to believe. Norris demonstrates how the writers of the New Testament, specifically anchored in a Jewish conception of the absolute oneness of God were able to celebrate Jesus Christ in the Incarnation. The author works to demonstrate that this christological understanding is biblical, historical, and logical.