Religion

Place the word Tao Into your heart. Use no other words. The Tao is constantly moving, the path that all life and the whole universe takes. There is nothing that is not part of it?harmonious living is to know and to move with the Tao?it is a way of life, the natural order of things, a force that flows through all life.365 Tao is a contemporary book of meditations on what it means to be wholly a part of the Taoist way, and thus to be completely in harmony with oneself and the surrounding world.Deng Ming-Dao is the author of eight books, including The Living I Ching, Chronicles of Tao, Everyday Tao, and Scholar Warrior. His books have been translated into fifteen languages. He studied qigong, philosophy, meditation, and internal martial arts with Taoist master Kwan Saihung for thirteen years, and with two other masters before that.

Features the oldest-known complete Hebrew version of the Holy Scriptures, side by side with JPS's renowned English translation. Its well-designed format allows for ease of reading and features clear type, an engaging and efficient two-column format that enables readers to move quickly from one language to another, and an organization that contemporary readers will find familiar.

The complete biblical historical fiction compilation by the New York Times bestselling author of Redeeming Love and A Voice in the Wind.The Bible is filled with inspiring stories of unlikely candidates God chose to change eternity. This bestselling compilation in one volume contains five novellas about such people―women in the family tree of Jesus Christ.Tamar. Rahab. Ruth. Bathsheba. Mary.Each was faced with extraordinary―even scandalous―challenges. But they had courage. They lived daring lives. Sometimes they made mistakes―big mistakes. And yet God, in His infinite mercy and grace, used them to bring forth the Christ, the Savior of the world. Their stories still hold great meaning and inspiration for us today.Tamar risked her life and reputation to be the woman she was called to be. See how the Lord uses our circumstances and our steps toward Him, however faltering, to fulfill His plan.Rahab was exploited by men who saw only her beauty, yet she held fast to her faith in God and was rewarded. Discover how God seeks and finds those whose hearts are tender toward Him, no matter how far away they are.Ruth's loyalty, especially toward her mother-in-law Naomi, helped her persevere in the face of tragedy, and God gave her a second chance at love. Be encouraged that God will provide even when all hope seems lost.Bathsheba's scandalous affair with David did not end in one night. Learn that God is willing to restore and redeem those lost in the depths of despair who call out to Him.Mary is one of the most revered women in history. But first, she was an ordinary woman striving to please God in the same way women still do today. When God spoke, Mary responded in obedience which changed the world forever.Each novella includes an in-depth Bible study perfect for personal reflection or group discussion.Watch these five women in the Bible come to life and learn from their examples of hope, faith, love, and obedience.

A stunning defence of faith from one of the world's leading scientists: the long-time head of the Human Genome Project.

The Goetia is the most famous grimoire after the Key of Solomon. This volume contains a transcription of a hitherto unpublished manuscript of the Lemegeton which includes four whole grimoires: Liber Malorum Spituum seu Goetia; Theurgia-Goetia; Ars Paulina (Books 1 & 2); Ars Almadel. This was owned by Dr Thomas Rudd, a practising scholar-magician of the early seventeenth century. There are many editions of the Goetia, of which the most definitive is that of Joseph Peterson, but here we are interested in how the Goetia was actually used by practising magicians in the 16th and 17th century, before the knowledge of practical magic faded into obscurity. To evoke the 72 demons listed here without the ability to bind them would be foolhardy indeed. It was well known in times past that invocatio and ligatio, or binding, was a key part of evocation, but in the modern editions of the Goetia this key technique is expressed in just one word ''Shemhamaphorash'', and its use is not explained. This volume explains how the 72 angels of the Shem ha-Mephorash are used to bind the spirits, and the correct procedure for safely invoking them using special seals incorporating the necessary controlling angel, whose name is also engraved on the breastplate and Brass Vessel.

Now available in paperback: The Great Transformation is nothing less than a global account of the time when religion was born. 'A remarkable history... fascinating and highly readable... profoundly relevant.' Julie Wheelwright, Independent

In How on Earth Did Jesus Become a God? Larry Hurtado investigates the intense devotion to Jesus that emerged with surprising speed after his death. Reverence for Jesus among early Christians, notes Hurtado, included both grand claims about Jesus' significance and a pattern of devotional practices that effectively treated him as divine. This book argues that whatever one makes of such devotion to Jesus, the subject deserves serious historical consideration.Mapping out the lively current debate about Jesus, Hurtado explains the evidence, issues, and positions at stake. He goes on to treat the opposition to -- and severe costs of -- worshiping Jesus, the history of incorporating such devotion into Jewish monotheism, and the role of religious experience in Christianity's development out of Judaism. The follow-up to Hurtado's award-winningLord Jesus Christ (2003), this book provides compelling answers to queries about the development of the church's belief in the divinity of Jesus.

This modern spiritual classic highlights a trick we play on ourselves and offers a brighter reality: liberation by letting go of the self rather than working to improve it The Tibetan meditation master Chögyam Trungpa calls attention to the commonest pitfall to which every aspirant on the spiritual path falls prey: what he calls spiritual materialism. "The problem is that ego can convert anything to its own use," he says, "even spirituality." The universal tendency is to see spirituality as a process of self-improvement-the impulse to develop and refine the ego when the ego is, by nature, essentially empty.Trungpa's incisive, compassionate teachings serve to wake us up from these false comforts. Featuring a new foreward by his son and lineage holder, Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism has resonated with students for nearly thirty years-and remains as fresh as ever today.

Over the past twenty-five years A. H. Almaas-widely recognized as a leader in integrating spirituality and psychology-has been developing and teaching the Diamond Approach, a spiritual path that integrates the insights of Sufism, Buddhism, Gurdjieff, and other wisdom traditions with modern psychology. In this new work, Almaas uses the metaphor of a "spacecruiser" to describe a method of exploring the immediacy of personal experience-a way of investigating our moment-by-moment feelings, thoughts, reactions, and behaviors through a process of open-ended questioning. The method is called the practice of inquiry, and Spacecruiser Inquiry reveals what it means to engage with this practice as a spiritual path: its principles, challenges, and rewards. The author explores basic elements of inquiry, including the open-ended attitude, the focus on direct knowledge, the experience of not-knowing, and the process of questioning. He describes the experience of "Diamond Guidance"-the inner wisdom that emerges from our true nature-and how it can be realized and applied. In this process Almaas looks at many of the essential forms of Diamond Guidance, including knowing, clarity, truth, love, intelligence, compassion, curiosity, courage, and determination. Also included are exercises and questions and answers from the original talks by Almaas on which the book is based.

Massmarket edition of this spiritual guide to making the most of life, through bad times as well as good, from bestselling author Pema Choedroen. This accessible book has been on the US bestseller lists consistently for four years now.

In The Gateless Gate, one of modern Zen Buddhism''s uniquely influential masters offers classic commentaries on the Mumonkan, one of Zen''s greatest collections of teaching stories. This translation was compiled with the Western reader in mind, and includes Koan Yamada''s clear and penetrating comments on each case. Yamada played a seminal role in bringing Zen Buddhism to the West from Japan, going on to be the head of the Sanbo Kyodan Zen Community.The Gateless Gate would be invaluable if only for the translation and commentary alone, yet it''s loaded with extra material and is a fantastic resource to keep close by: An in-depth Introduction to the History of Zen Practice Lineage charts Japanese-to-Chinese and Chinese-to-Japanese conversion charts for personal names, place names, and names of writings Plus front- and back-matter from ancient and modern figures: Mumon, Shuan, Kubota Ji''un, Taizan Maezumi, Hugo Enomiya-Lasalle, and Yamada Roshi''s son, Masamichi Yamada. A wonderful inspiration for the koan practitioner, and for those with a general interest in Zen Buddhism.

Dating for around 300 BC, this is an early work of the Chinese school of philosophy called Taoism. It offers a complete view of the cosmos and how human beings should respond to it. It has mystical insight into the nature of things and forms a basis for a humane morality and political utopia.

A chance encounter with a reproduction of Rembrandt's painting, The Return of the Prodigal Son, catapulted Henri Nouwen into a long spiritual adventure. In his highly-acclaimed book of the same title, he shares the deeply personal meditation that led him to discover the place within which God has chosen to dwell. This Lent course, which has been adapted from the book, helps us to reflect on the meaning of the parable for our own lives. Divided into five sessions, the course moves through the parable exploring our reaction to the story: the younger son's leaving and return, the father's restoration of sonship, the elder son's resentment and the father's compassion. All of us who have experienced loneliness, dejection, jealousy or anger will respond to the persistent themes of homecoming, affirmation and reconciliation. Each session contained on the CD includes extracts from the book by Henri Nouwen, and background information about Henri Nouwen's life, as well as suggestions for reflection. Notes for Group Leaders and written questions for group discussion are also included in the enclosed booklet.

Tantra-often associated with Kundalini Yoga-is a fundamental dimension of Hinduism, emphasizing the cultivation of "divine power" (shakti) as a path to infinite bliss. Tantra has been widely misunderstood in the West, however, where its practices are often confused with eroticism and licentious morality. Tantra: The Path of Ecstasy dispels many common misconceptions, providing an accessible introduction to the history, philosophy, and practice of this extraordinary spiritual tradition. The Tantric teachings are geared toward the attainment of enlightenment as well as spiritual power and are present not only in Hinduism but also Jainism and Vajrayana Buddhism. In this book, Georg Feuerstein offers readers a clear understanding of authentic Tantra, as well as appropriate guidance for spiritual practice and the attainment of higher consciousness.

Unlocking Ramadan's Treasures: A Daily Companion for Reflection, Prayer, and a Meaningful Ramadan Experience Embark on a transformative journey through the holy month of Ramadan with Unlocking Ramadan's Treasures, your daily companion for reflection, prayer, and a truly meaningful observance. This enriching resource goes beyond mere information, offering a wealth of practical tools and guidance to deepen your connection with Allah (SWT), foster personal growth, and create lasting memories throughout Ramadan. Unveiling the Depths of Your Faith: Daily Reflections: Spark introspection and ignite a deeper understanding of Ramadan's significance with thought-provoking prompts and inspiring quotes. Explore themes of self-improvement, spiritual growth, and the core values that illuminate the holy month.Curated Daily Prayers: Strengthen your connection with the divine through a collection of carefully selected prayers tailored for each day of Ramadan. Find solace, express gratitude, and seek guidance with these heartfelt supplications, fostering a deeper connection with Allah (SWT) throughout the holy month.Engaging in Meaningful Action: Practical Activities: Unlocking Ramadan's Treasures goes beyond mere reflection. It provides individuals and families with a treasure trove of engaging and practical activities that embody the spirit of Ramadan. Foster self-reflection, cultivate a sense of community, and inspire acts of charity through these enriching exercises, ensuring a truly meaningful Ramadan experience for all.Family-Oriented Approach: Families seeking to share a meaningful Ramadan journey together will find this resource especially valuable. The book's engaging activities and thought-provoking prompts provide opportunities for shared experiences, fostering connection, spiritual growth, and lasting memories for all family members.Unlocking Ramadan's Treasures is the Ideal Companion for: Muslims of all ages and backgrounds: Seeking to enrich their personal observance of Ramadan, cultivate a deeper connection with their faith, and experience the transformative power of the holy month.Families: Wishing to create a meaningful and enriching Ramadan experience together, fostering shared reflection, connection, and acts of kindness.New Muslims: Yearning for guidance and support in understanding and observing the traditions and practices of Ramadan, embarking on their personal journeys of faith and spiritual growth.More than just a guide, Unlocking Ramadan's Treasures empowers you to actively engage with the holy month and create lasting memories that will illuminate your life long after Ramadan.

"A Meditator's Guide to Buddhism is written for secular meditators who wish to learn more about the roots of contemporary mindfulness practices. The book will open readers' eyes to the full range of principles and practices in the Buddhist tradition, adding depth and inspiration to their meditation practice. The core message of the book is that the Buddha's teachings present a comprehensive path of awakening that involves much more than mindfulness and present-moment awareness, providing practical guidance on living a rich, meaningful life with awareness, compassion, and wisdom. The contents of the book will address the core principles and meditation practices found in the Buddhist tradition, centered on the "three yanas" model that first originated in ancient India and later took root in Tibet. The unique view, meditation, and application found in each of these three yanas (or vehicles) will be explored, with practical examples, stories that bring the tradition to life, and tips for integrating the teachings with daily life"--

What seems impossible can become possible through düaIn The Power of Düa, Sunday Times bestselling author and revert, Aliyah Umm Raiyaan takes you on a journey that shows how faith and practising düa (a personal supplication) can transform your life.Featuring inspirational real-life stories from those who have experienced miraculous results from living with düa, this book is a comforting guide to revive and develop a close relationship with Al Mujeeb ¿ The One Who Responds. Through life¿s challenges and struggles, with tools from the Qur¿an and Sunnah, you will learn how to:Sincerely prepare your heart before düaAsk of Allah from a place of certainty, during düaMove forward in faithful trust after He respondsYou will learn how to prepare your heart and then ask of Allah from a place of sincerity and certainty. This book provides tools to navigate the response to your düa, developing a close and trusting relationship with The Most High.Deeply moving and uplifting, The Power of Düa is for anyone looking to reflect, reshape their dialogue with the Divine and walk in complete faith ¿ embracing the perfect plans Allah has for each and every one of us.

A transcendental debut novel from a multiple prize-winning poet; a story of mothers and sons, empires, and what it might mean to strive for love in a world that feels consumed by loss.

This book offers the entire text of the Holy Qur'an translated into modern, free-flowing English. It provides explanatory background information so that the historical context for the verses can be understood according to how the earliest generations of Muslims experienced it.

An old cat considers himself as wise as can be, until he hears of a solitary ancient pine far away, under the boughs of which infinite insight can be found. So begins his journey to seek out this tree, along the way he meets a range of animals with their own stories to tell, each offering a piece of zen wisdom. Beautiful illutrated throughout.

"Discover the peace and joy that come when you dwell in the active presence of God, as the beloved author of Joni weaves contemporary insights with the timeless wisdom of seventeenth-century monk Brother Lawrence"--

An ancient Taoist text rediscovered by Richard Wilhelm, who recognized it as essentially a practical guide to the integration of personality.The original 1931 edition.First translated into German by sinologist Richard Wilhelm, a friend of Carl Jung, The Secret of the Golden Flower describes a straightforward and silent meditation method that has been characterized as "Zen with details."