Book picks similar to
H.P. Blavatsky, on the Gnostics by Henk J. Spierenburg
theosophy
esoteric-occult
gnosticism
The Gospel of Thomas: Annotated and Explained
Stevan L. Davies - 2002
To those who learn to unpack its sometimes cryptic sayings, the Gospel of Thomas offers a naked and dazzlingly subversive representation of Jesus’ defining and most radical discovery: that the living Kingdom of God burns in us and surrounds us at all moments."―from the Foreword by Andrew HarveyThis ancient text can become a companion for your own spiritual journey. In 1945, twelve ancient books were found inside a sealed jar at the base of an Egyptian cliff. One of those texts was the Gospel of Thomas, one of the most important religious archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century. While illuminating the origins of Christianity, it raises the question whether the New Testament’s version of Jesus’ teachings is entirely accurate and complete.Written at the same time as the canonical Gospels, the Gospel of Thomas portrays Jesus as a wisdom-loving sage. The aphoristic sayings emphasize the value of the present, teaching that the Kingdom of God is here and now, rather than a future promise or future threat. It presents a new way of looking at the challenging and intriguing figure of Jesus, and reminds us that the Divine can be found right here on earth.Now you can experience the Gospel of Thomas with understanding even if you have no previous knowledge of early Christian history or thought. This SkyLight Illuminations edition offers insightful yet unobtrusive commentary that explains references and philosophical terms, shares the inspiring interpretations of famous spiritual teachers, and gives you deeper understanding of Thomas’s innovative message: that self-knowledge and contemplation of the nature of this world are the keys to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Butterflies Are Free To Fly
Stephen Davis - 2010
When Isaac Newton figured out the law of gravity from a falling apple, everything changed. When Benjamin Franklin harvested electricity from lightening and Thomas Edison made the first commercial light bulb, everything changed. Today, when quantum physicists realize our physical universe isn’t real, that it’s just a hologram, everything … wait! Nothing’s changed - yet. "Butterflies Are Free To Fly" offers a new and radical approach to spiritual evolution based on the recent scientific experiments in quantum physics and brain research outlined in Part One. Given that the physical universe which looks and feels so real to us is actually a unique holographic projection from our own brain, the author examines various models for life and living that are very different than what we have been told and taught. “This is the only radical thinking that you need to do,” Dr. Amit Goswami is quoted as saying. “But it is so radical, it is so difficult, because our tendency is that the world is already ‘out there,’ independent of my experience. It is not. Quantum Physics has been so clear about it.” For example, in Part Two we are introduced to something the author calls an “Infinite I,” which is creating our unique holographic experiences. Then there is the “Human Game Model,” offering explanations all the way from why we experience pain and suffering to how we can change our reactions and responses by letting go of our judgments, beliefs, opinions, and fears. The end result, suggests the author, is peeling away all the layers of false identities that make up the “ego,” transforming and emerging from our cocoon as a “no-self.” Part Three of the book is a series of questions and answers to offer alternative explanations consistent with these models on subjects such as money, past lives, karma, trust, and the “Earth Environment.” This book will leave you thinking, because this book is truly radical.
The Seven Sermons to the Dead
C.G. Jung - 1925
We are, however, the pleroma itself, for we are a part of the eternal and infinite. But we have no share thereof, as we are from the pleroma infinitely removed; not spiritually or temporally, but essentially, since we are distinguished from the pleroma in our essence as creatura, which is confined within time and space. Yet because we are parts of the pleroma, the pleroma is also in us. Even in the smallest point is the pleroma endless, eternal, and entire, since small and great are qualities which are contained in it. It is that nothingness which is everywhere whole and continuous. Only figuratively, therefore, do I speak of created being as a part of the pleroma. Because, actually, the pleroma is nowhere divided, since it is nothingness. We are also the whole pleroma, because, figuratively, the pleroma is the smallest point (assumed only, not existing) in us and the boundless firmament about us. But wherefore, then, do we speak of the pleroma at all, since it is thus everything and nothing? I speak of it to make a beginning somewhere, and also to free you from the delusion that somewhere, either without or within, there standeth something fixed, or in some way established, from the beginning. Every so-called fixed and certain thing is only relative. That alone is fixed and certain which is subject to change. What is changeable, however, is creatura. Therefore is it the one thing which is[...]".
Think and Grow Rich "Stickability": The Power of Perseverance
Greg S. Reid - 2013
Most people encounter setbacks and obstacles that threaten to derail them from their chosen route. The most successful people, however, adhere to their principles and goals, capitalizing on hidden opportunities, even in the face of what many would consider unconquerable obstacles. To coin a new word—these people have STICKABILITY!This thought-provoking book shows readers of all ages and backgrounds how they, too, can not only apply the self-motivation principles of Napoleon Hill’s timeless and groundbreaking self-help volume Think and Grow Rich, but make them stick. Combining author Greg S. Reid’s modern business wisdom, interviews with numerous business celebrities like Steve Wozniak (co-founder of Apple), Frank Shankwitz (founder of the Make a Wish foundation), and Martin Cooper (inventor of the cell phone), and valuable information from the secret files previously available only to the Napoleon Hill Foundation and its members, this book will reveal:The “Three Causes of Failure” from Napoleon Hill’s hidden vault of wisdomThe importance of flexibilityThe principle of relaxed intensity in actionHow to define and conquer your “cul-de-sac” momentsHow to overcome the ghost of fearThe importance of insight through necessityAnd so much more!Each inspiring chapter will remind readers that if ever a discouraging moment arrives and the temptation to stop becomes greater than the dream, to keep one simple observation from Dr. Hill in mind:“Most great people have attained their greatest success just one step BEYOND their greatest setback and failure.”STICKABILITY shows readers just how life-changing this simple principle can be. Additionally, it gives readers an outlines on how to develop their own stickability—and transform their lives forever!
Sivananda Companion to Yoga
Lucy Lidell - 1983
Easy-to-follow instructions and authoritative teaching cover all aspects of this timeless discipline -- an inspiration for the beginner and expert alike. * Develop a fit and beautiful body * Keep youthful in every stage of life * Eat wisely and well * Breathe for life and vitality * Improve your health * Enjoy a troublefree pregnancy * Banish stress and tension * Increase your powers of concentration * Experience peace of mind
The Tibetan Book of the Great Liberation
W.Y. Evans-Wentz - 1954
Dr. Carl Jung, eminent psychologist, has contributed a lengthy psychological commentary of unusual significance.
Master of Lucid Dreams
Olga Kharitidi Yahontova - 2001
Kharitidi had already immersed herself in Siberian native traditions of seeing and healing. Now, at the invitation of an emissary from an ancient secret brotherhood, Dr. Kharitidi set out to learn first-hand the secrets of healing deep emotional wounds. As she quickly discovered, to master these methods she would first have to heal herself.Under the tutelage of the mysterious and charismatic Michael, the master of lucid dreams and protector of esoteric teachings first given millennia ago, Dr. Kharitidi entered another world altogether. There, she saw how our deepest emotional traumas are held in place by baleful spirits and can only be overcome by the technique of dreaming while awake.A major contribution to experiential psychology and a vivid revelation of little-known ancient teachings, The Master of Lucid Dreams describes a startlingly different and effective approach to inner healing.
Everything Isn't Terrible: Conquer Your Insecurities, Interrupt Your Anxiety, and Finally Calm Down
Kathleen Smith - 2019
Kathleen Smith offers a smart, practical antidote to our anxiety-ridden times. Everything Isn't Terrible is an informative and practical guide -- featuring a healthy dose of humor -- for people who want to become beacons of calmness in their families, at work, and in our anxious world. Everything Isn't Terrible will inspire you to confront your anxious self, take charge of your anxiety, and increase your own capacity to choose how you respond to it. Comprised of short chapters containing anecdotal examples from Smith's work with her clients, in addition to engaging, actionable exercises for readers, Everything Isn't Terrible will give anyone suffering from anxiety all the tools they need to finally...calm...down.Ultimately, living a calmer, less anxious life -- one that isn't terrible -- is possible, and with this book you'll learn how to do it.
Buddhism: Its Essence and Development
Edward Conze - 1951
This timely new edition of his Buddhist classic reminds us that true happiness is not to be found in material comfort and earthly satisfaction but in the pursuit of a higher ideal. Demonstrating throughout his heartfelt response to the fundamental wisdom of the Buddha, Conze presents a readable introduction to the array of doctrines, methods, and literature that have developed in the many schools of Buddhism as a result of their different approaches to the goal.
Gnosis: The Nature and History of Gnosticism
Kurt Rudolph - 1977
Presents a readable and appealing introduction to what otherwise might seem an inaccessible religion of late antiquity.
Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas
David Brakke - 2015
And, though the emerging Orthodox Church eventually condemned Gnosticism as heretical, the church formed many of its most central doctrines (such as original sin, the Immaculate Conception, and even the concept of heresy) in response to Gnostic ideas.This fascinating 24-lecture course is a richly detailed guide to the theology, sacred writings, rituals, and outstanding human figures of the Gnostic movements. What we call "Gnosticism" comprised a number of related religious ideologies and movements, all of which sought "gnosis," or immediate, direct, and intimate knowledge of God. The Gnostics had many scriptures, but unlike the holy texts of other religions, Gnostic scriptures were often modified over time. Gnostic cosmology was extraordinarily intricate and multidimensional, but religious myth was simply a means to the ultimate end of gnosis.Follow Gnostic ideology and its vivid impact on Western thought through the centuries, from its role in early religions and its re-emergence in medieval spirituality to its remarkable traces in modern popular culture, from science fiction novels like Blade Runner to Hollywood films like The Matrix. In delving into the paths of gnosis, you'll discover a compelling, alternative current of religious practice in the West, and reveal Gnostic influence resonating in Western spirituality even in the present day.
Sacred Books of the East
Epiphanius Wilson - 2012
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Unveiled Mysteries
Godfré Ray King - 1935
Quality assurance was conducted on each of these books in an attempt to remove books with imperfections introduced by the digitization process. Though we have made best efforts - the books may have occasional errors that do not impede the reading experience. We believe this work is culturally important and have elected to bring the book back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide.
The Great Beast : The Life And Magick Of Aleister Crowley
John Symonds - 1951
Aleister Crowley and the Ouija Board
J. Edward Cornelius - 2005
This book provides surprising information on hos the renowned twentieth-century magician Aleister Crowley employed the Ouija Board to great effect, even attempting to create his own version of the device for sale.Like any powerful tool, the Ouija Board requires knowledgeable and proper use. Aleister Crowley and the Ouija Board suggests ways of protecting the magician while using this remarkable spiritual implement.