However, in culturally diverse societies where there is a mixture of ethnic groups and various philosophies of life, most people look upon such shifts in intellectual allegiance as a matter of personal choice and individual right. By contrast, in Islam apostasy is still viewed as an almost unthinkable act, and in orthodox circles it is considered a crime punishable by death. Renowned scholar of Islamic Studies Bernard Lewis described the seriousness of leaving the Islamic faith in the following dire terms: "Apostasy was a crime as well as a sin, and the apostate was damned both in this world and the next. His crime was treason ù desertion and betrayal of the community to which he belonged, and to which he owed loyalty; his life and property were forfeit. He was a dead limb to be excised."Defying the death penalty applicable to all apostates in Islam, the ex-Muslims who are here represented feel it is their duty to speak up against their former faith, to tell the truth about the fastest growing religion in the world. These former Muslims, from all parts of the Islamic world, recount how they slowly came to realize that the religion into which they were born was in many respects unbelievable and sometimes even dangerous.These memoirs of personal journeys to enlightenment and intellectual freedom make for moving reading and are a courageous signal to other ex-Muslims to come out of the closet.

    The Book was first published in 1942. The present edition has been revised and expanded. Though primarily intended for the students and beginners rather than scholars, the reader will find it an extremely valuable handbook, offering a sound foundation to the basic tenets of Buddhism as found in its original Pali tradition. Besides providing a comprehensive account of the Life of the Buddha and His chief disciples, the moral and ethical code of conduct, culminating in the Ten Perfections, a considerable portion of the book deals with current issues in Buddhist studies regarding KARMA, REBIRTH and NIBBANA. It also includes an introduction to Buddhist Meditation with particular reference to the practise of the Four Sublime States (or Brahma Viharas) namely METTA (loving-kindness), KARUNA (Compassion), MUDITA (Sympathetic Joy), and UPEKKHA (Equanimity). The Author, the Venerable Narada Maha Thera is a well known Buddhist Missionary from Sri Lanka. He is also the author of many other Buddhist publications — well-used among students of Buddhism. We are grateful to him for his kind permission, enabling this reprint to be effected in Malaysia.

    from Preface to the Fourth Edition:The object of this treatise is not so much to give a narrative history of the countries included in the Romano-Germanic Empire -- Italy during the Middle Ages, Germany from the ninth century to the nineteenth -- as to describe the Holy Empire itself as an institution or system, the wonderful offspring of a body of beliefs and traditions which have almost wholly passed away from the world.

    Kudos to the writer.” ~Rajeev Patel, an Amazon top 1000 reviewerSummary:Vedgarh, an ancient home of purebred Aryans, is a secret world in modern times where the chants of Vedic Mantras mingle with Acoustics and Applied Physics, the Maharathi warriors fight alongside Indian Army Veterans, and Ancient Daivi Astras join hands with modern Sonic Weapons. Gurukul, Vedgarh’s school, is the sole protector and preacher of sacred Vedic scriptures and Celestial powers. It is due to these powers that Vedgarh is the only corner of the universe where Dwapara Yuga persists even today. Vedgarh is in a continuous state of war with the rising dark powers of Kaliyuga: The Asuras. If Vedgarh falls, the Universe will drown in the darkness of Kaliyuga forever. Sitting on the verge of yet another war with Asuras, Vedgarh is suffering from a lack of warriors. Seeing no promising talents in the Gurukul, Vedgarh opens its gates for modern science and selects a few from the contemporary world to work on a grand mission: a mission to harmonize ancient Vedic powers with modern scientific miracles, to prepare an army of warriors equipped with ancient and modern techniques of fighting, and to invoke Daivi Astras (celestial weapons of Gods) using light and compact modern Sonic weapons. Get ready to witness Vedic Scholars, Physicists, Professors, Sacred Gurus, Ancient warriors, and Indian Army soldiers preparing for the greatest upcoming war of Daivi Astras in the history of mankind.

    Now, using this simple method you'll learn the best way to put this important discipline to use for maximum spiritual benefit.

    During our journey we will explore stories from Babylon, Greece, Ireland, Ethiopia, and various other cultures to fill in the missing pieces to one of the biggest mysteries on our planet. This 2nd Edition includes 40+ hours of additional audio and video content for your enjoyment. Make sure you download a free QR code scanner for your smart phone or tablet so you can take full advantage of the features in this book.

    With new interviews, never-before-published material, and fresh insights, Turner helps the reader understand the religious and spiritual ideas and ideals that influenced the music and lives of the Beatles and helps us see how the Fab Four influenced our own lives and culture.Topics discussed include the religious upbringing of John, Paul, George, and Ringo; the backlash in the United States after John Lennon's "The Beatles are more popular than Jesus" comment; the dabbling in Eastern religion; the use of drugs to attempt to enter a higher level of consciousness; and the overall legacy that the Beatles and their music have left. While there is no religious system that permanently anchored the Beatles or their music, they did leave a gospel, Turner concludes: one of love, peace, personal freedom, and the search for transcendence.

    “Stop Living In This Land, Go To The Everlasting World Of Happiness, Live There Forever” explains the reason of human existence and the reason why we are born into this world, the fundamental principle of the world and recovery of the true self.- San Francisco Chronicle, January 6, 2013At last, the way to become complete is here. Now we can live in the everlasting world of happiness. By discarding the fake within one s mind, one can live as the infinite, never changing universe, which is the true self. This book unveils the mystery of the human mind and teaches the ultimate solution to become liberated from the illusion of the false self and live forever as Truth. It gives all people hope to be free of pain and suffering.This book is for everyone: those seeking happiness, those suffering from stress and worries, those searching for the meaning and purpose of life, those wanting to understand the human mind, those wanting to know the universe mind, those interested in spirituality and Truth, and those wanting a unified world of harmony and peace. The diversity of people interested in these teachings is as vast as humanity itself.What is the human mind? What is the meaning and the purpose of life? What is enlightenment? Countless numbers have asked these questions and many have tried to answer them. This book provides the ultimate answers. Now is the time to stop living in this land.Now is time to go to the everlasting world of happiness. Now is the time to live forever in the true world. Woo Myung will teach you how.

    The Shack Study Guide includes excerpts from The Shack with questions for reflection and instructions to lead readers through a healing process. The goal, like the theme of The Shack, is to usher readers into the loving presence of the triune God, where together with Him, they will confront their deepest pain and experience a real, lasting healing.

    Yet as we start to become more poised, more present, fully receptive of all this moment has to offer, we start to experience it vividly and listening to it can draw us ever--deeper into the mysteries of now.Always skillful and good humored, Ajahn Sumedho's teachings defy boundaries. Anyone--from laypeople looking to deepen their grasp of the Buddha's message, to lifetime Buddhist monastics--will appreciate the author's sparkling insights into to such key Buddhist themes as awareness, consciousness, identity, relief from suffering, and mindfulness of the body. The Sound of Silence represents the best of Ajahn Sumedho's masterful work to help us all see each life with a new and sustaining clarity.

    The purpose of his trip was to share the teachings and vision of the Baha'i Faith with the people of the West.This collection of inspiring and uplifting talks documents an extraordinary series of public addresses 'Abdu'l-Baha gave on his historic trip to the West in the early twentieth century. Addressing such subjects as the nature of humankind, the soul, the Prophets of God, the establishment of world peace, the abolition of all forms of prejudice, the equality of men and women, the harmony of science and religion, and the causes of war, Abdu'l-Baha spoke in a profound yet simple manner that transcended all barriers.

    These monuments, built between the ninth and 15th centuries, the classic period of Khmer art, are unrivaled in architect

    This title contains essays that include expositions on nature and its impossibility without the existence of God and suggested ways for the elderly and sick to treat their ailments while staying true to their religion.

    It explores the differences between the premillennial, amillennial, and postmillennial views of the Kingdom of God and presents an apology for dispensational-premillennial system of theology. The book is written in easy-to-understand, nontechnical language and has received favorable response form lay people, pastors, students, and reviewers.

    A young boy Ashtavakra goes to king janaka’s Court to debate the kingdom most learned sages but is ridiculed by the courtiers for his deformed body. After the boy triumphs in the debate, Janaka realizes that the boy has an extraordinary intellect and becomes his disciple. While Janaka is obsessed with his quest for spiritual liberation, a treacherous plan unfolds inside the secretive world of the royal palace. Very soon war clouds gather on the horizon of Mithila, but all Janaka does is devote more and more time to the young sage. Even though the whole world believes a calamity is imminent, Janaka stays on the path to spiritual enlightenment. Ultimately, with Ashtavakra’s guidance, the king enters the realm of a new world which alters the reality for him and his kingdom. This novel is rooted in ancient Indian spiritual wisdom and philosophy, but with new interpretations of the concepts of liberation, enlightenment, consciousness and the realities of life. Among others, It seeks to answer the question: is everything we see indeed an illusion? This compelling story sheds light on the modern readers’ existential questions, leading them to relate to the king and his struggles.