Religion

'It isn't likely that this collection of journal entries will pass the censors. If it can't be published, I hope my friends will circulate it among themselves. I'll leave Vietnam tomorrow...' Thus Thich Nhat Hanh begins his 11 May 1966 journal entry. Since that time, he has been unable to return to his homeland but, now based in France, he has become one of the world's most respected spiritual leaders. Fragrant Palm Leaves reveals a vulnerable and questioning young man reflecting on the many difficulties he and his fellow monks faced in Vietnam trying to make Buddhism relevant to the people's needs. We follow him, in 1964, as he helps establish the movement known as 'engaged Buddhism': starting self-help villages, a new university, a Buddhist order and many other efforts for peace. Fragrant Palm Leaves is regarded by many Vietnamese as Thich Nhat Hanh's most endearing and stimulating book. It offers readers a glimpse into the mind of a great thinker and activist and shows how to live fully, with awareness, during a time of challenge and upheaval.

In this beautifully-written guide, Chief Druid Philip Carr-Gomm shows how the way of Druids can be followed today. He explains- The ancient history and inspiring beliefs of the ancient Druids- Druidic wild wisdom and their tree-, animal- and herb-lore- The mysteries of the Druids' seasonal celebrations- The Druids' use of magic and how their spirituality relates to paths such as WiccaThis guide will show how the wild wisdom of the Druids can help us to connect with our spirituality, our innate creativity, the natural world and our sense of ancestry. The life-enhancing beliefs and practices of this spiritual path have much to offer our 21st-century world.

The science delusion is the belief that science already understands the nature of reality. The fundamental questions are answered, leaving only the details to be filled in. In this book, Dr Rupert Sheldrake, one of the world's most innovative scientists, shows that science is being constricted by assumptions that have hardened into dogmas. The sciences would be better off without them: freer, more interesting, and more fun. According to the dogmas of science, all reality is material or physical. The world is a machine, made up of dead matter. Nature is purposeless. Consciousness is nothing but the physical activity of the brain. Free will is an illusion. God exists only as an idea in human minds, imprisoned within our skulls. But should science be a belief-system, or a method of enquiry? Sheldrake shows that the materialist ideology is moribund; under its sway, increasingly expensive research is reaping diminishing returns. In the skeptical spirit of true science, Sheldrake turns the ten fundamental dogmas of materialism into exciting questions, and shows how all of them open up startling new possibilities.The Science Delusion will radically change your view of what is possible. and give you new hope for the world.

One of the most important scholars of our century, Gershom Scholem (1897-1982) opened up a once esoteric world of Jewish mysticism, the Kabbalah, to concerned students of religion. The Kabbalah is a rich tradition of repeated attempts to achieve and portray direct experiences of God: its twelfth-and thirteenth-century beginnings in southern France and Spain are probed in Origins of the Kabbalah, a work crucial in Scholem's oeuvre. The book is a contribution not only to the history of Jewish medieval mysticism but also to the study of medieval mysticism in general and will be of interest to historians and psychologists, as well as to students of the history of religion.

When Dr Eben Alexander wrote about his own startling near-death experience in Proof of Heaven, he was contacted by countless people from all walks of life. His story had touched them personally and they in turn had their own miraculous experiences of the afterlife to share with Eben. In The Map of Heaven, Eben recounts the astonishing stories he has heard on his travels, from near-death experiences and encounters with angelic beings to inspiring messages from departed loved ones. Each account helps us to understand just how vast the universe really is. Drawing on these accounts and lessons from religious leaders, philosophers and scientific investigations into the role of consciousness, Eben explores our true place in the universe and what exactly exists beyond death.

The Essential Guide for ProphetsMining from years on the frontlines of prophetic ministry, and overseeing the internationally renowned Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry, bestselling author Kris Vallotton takes you deep into the heart of one of the most crucial, compelling and controversial topics today: the office of prophet. In this definitive guide, Kris offers often-neglected foundational teaching and provides critical advanced training, including how to· discern your calling and grow in your gift· define your divinely appointed sphere of influence and depth of authority· recognize the six different types of prophets--and how to deal with false ones· navigate potential relational difficulties as you step into your gifting· understand the complex ways God communicates· prepare for the common, but dangerous, spiritual attacks prophets faceVallotton offers a balanced view of not only what modern-day prophets are, but also what they are not. You will come away empowered and equipped with the knowledge and skills needed for this beautiful, vital, supernatural ministry."The New Testament of Jesus Christ is a message of faith, hope and love. It is called the Good News. My friend and colleague Kris Vallotton is one of the best in the prophetic community to help shape, teach and model these 'Good News Prophets.' Thanks for honoring my generation's pioneering work and picking up the baton and carrying it forth!"--Dr. James Goll, founder, Encounters Network, Prayer Storm and GET eSchool"My friend Kris Vallotton has masterfully crafted this treatise, School of the Prophets, on the dynamics and framework of building a prophetic community in the 21st century. His life experience and seasoning in Christ have afforded the Spirit the opportunity to make him an influencer of influencers and a prophetic voice to the nations with a global footprint."--Mark J. Chironna, M.A., Ph.D.; Mark Chironna Ministries; Church on the Living Edge, Orlando, Florida"I love this book! As a person passionate to see the most desired gift in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 14:1) flourish all over the world, I would recommend this book wholesale. It clearly and biblically describes how to function in the New Testament gift of prophecy and articulates various kinds of biblical prophets. If one heeds its principles, it will give greater understanding and produce higher levels of maturity in prophetic ministry."--Stacey Campbell, founder, Canadian Prophetic Council; author, Ecstatic Prophecy"This is a must-read for all ministries. As an apostolic ministry, we recognize the gifts and callings that God has placed on the lives of those we pastor. Reading School of the Prophets has given us greater insight and understanding of how to help develop and prepare others to walk in their divine assignment. Kris Vallotton brings much clarity in what it means to be called in the office of a prophet and eliminates the fear of giving and receiving the prophetic."--Tony and Cynthia Brazelton, founders and pastors, Victory Christian Ministries International"Kris Vallotton's book reminds us that the heart of prophecy should be God's heart to build up, encourage and speak life. Kris goes through strategic and important teaching about prophecy versus the office of prophet, specifically in the context of the Church. I highly recommend this book and pray that it helps you to understand the prophetic and to 'call the gold' out of those around you."--Heidi Baker, Ph.D.; co-founder and director, Iris Global"As I read this book, I could hear the sound of an entire generation of voices emerge that will transform culture. Kris Vallotton is a father to these voices. School of the Prophets presents a practical methodology for prophetic community and a powerful manifesto for prophetic transformation in this generation."--Bob Hazlett, author, The Roar: God's Sound in a Raging World; Future Perspectives, New Haven, Connecticut

Cindy Jacobs, bestselling author and recognized leader in the worldwide prayer movement, brings her passionate message to all Christians who struggle with prayer or desire to be more effective prayer warriors. This powerful guide will answer such questions as, "Why does it take so long to receive answers to my prayers?" "How can I take my prayer life to the next level?" and many more. Whether they wonder why their prayers aren't answered, if God likes the way they pray, or if they are persistent enough in their prayers, Jacobs addresses these concerns and provides solid biblical answers. Written out of the crucible of her own deep prayer life, Jacobs starts with basic teaching and builds up to more in-depth topics, including fasting and spiritual warfare. Readers will come away with a fresh understanding of how to develop a strong, consistent prayer life and to discover the power of persistent prayer.

In The Ancient City, Fustel de Coulanges hands us the skeleton key unlocking classical civilization—the Indo-European domestic cult—showing this archaic religion to be the engine behind the rise and fall of the classical world.In his foreword, Dennis Bouvard views The Ancient City through the lens of generative anthropology, pointing the way to a post-liberal understanding of our own social order, informed by the imperative order described by Fustel.

It breaks down barriers to accessing this ancient tradition for modern seekers by dispelling myths about the Muslim faith concerning gender bias, inclusivity and appreciation for diversity.

Suitable for students and others who need a lightweight, compact version of the popular "JPS Hebrew-English Bible", this title presents a pocket version of the "JPS Hebrew-English Tanakh". It features Hebrew vowels, and cantillation marks.

Working on the cutting edge of both magic and art, Austin Osman Spare developed a unique synthesis of older ritual magic systems with post-modern, erotic, and surrealist themes. His theory of magic eschews complex formula and ritual to favor creativity, spontaneity, and ecstasy, embracing artistic expression and alternative sexualities. Collected here are some of Spare's most important works. Though dense and esoteric, these texts bear repeated study by the serious occultist, for they speak to the human drives that make real magic possible.

Discover the majestic flow of the universe and how its symbolic architecture can awaken higher energies.

Push back the darkness!The atmosphere around you is alive with unseen spiritual activity-a battle between forces of darkness and light. You can take dominion over the supernatural environment for the Kingdom of God!Dawna De Silva presents a strategy for spiritual victory. Get ready to discern the enemy's tactics and learn how to use your weapons of warfare to enforce Jesus' victory over forces that war against your mind, your family, and your region!Don't be blind to the unseen reality-every Christian is in the midst of a supernatural conflict.Don't fall victim to the enemy! Every Christian can release God's power into places and situations under the influence of evil.Through the power of the Holy Spirit, you can transform your spiritual environment from darkness to light. Dawna De Silva shows you how.Through her revelatory teaching, you will learn to… Discern the spiritual atmospheres and forces at work around you Draw from the Holy Spirit's presence within you to release God's Kingdom power Demonstrate the authority of Jesus over the powers of darknessJoin the fight! When God's Kingdom advances, darkness must flee.*Enhance your learning with Shifting Atmospheres book, Shifting Atmospheres DVD Study, Shifting Atmospheres Interactive Manual and Shifting Atmospheres e-course

Famous theologian Jürgen Moltmann returns here to the theme that he so powerfully addressed in his groundbreaking work, Theology of Hope. In the twenty-first century, he tells us, hope is challenged by ideologies and global trends that would deny hope and even life itself. Terrorist violence, social and economic inequality, and most especially the looming crisis of climate change all contribute to a cultural moment of profound despair. Moltmann reminds us that Christian faith has much to say in response to a despairing world. In "the eternal yes of the living God," we affirm the goodness and ongoing purpose of our fragile humanity. Likewise, God's love empowers us to love life and resist a culture of death. The book's two sections equally promote these affirmations, yet in different ways. The first section looks at the challenges to hope in our current world, most especially the environmental crisis. It argues that Christian faith-and indeed all the world's religions-must orient themselves toward the wholeness of the human family and the physical environment necessary to that wholeness. The second section draws on resources from the early church, the Reformation, and the contemporary theological conversation to undergird efforts to address the deficit of hope he describes in the first section.

The Angels of heaven are ready!Are you?Kevin Zadai had a supernatural encounter where he received insight and revelation on angels that will prepare God's people for coming days of glory. For Heaven to flood the Earth with miracles and divine acceleration to take place, you need to learn how to partner with the angelic realm!Prepare to go behind the veil.Spiritual maturity is not just learning doctrine; it's also discovering how to operate with the unseen realm.The Agenda of Angels will give you unique glimpses into the invisible realm that will help you: Understand the Command Center of Heaven Access the Battle Strategies of Heaven Decode the veil of secrecy that surrounds the dimensions of the spirit Clearly discern God's will for you Identify and defeat enemies of the glory Execute the Victorious Rules of Engagement Establish a link between praying in tongues and operating in the supernaturalRight now you are surrounded by all of the heavenly help that you could ever need. Discover how to engage and partner with these angelic allies in your everyday life and step right into the greatest move of God the world has ever seen!

This is the book that your Soul has been waiting for you to find.Modern-day society is not designed to help us find our Soul. Instead, we have lost our way and lead domesticated and tamed lives, cut off both from our own true nature and from the natural world too. These days, the sad truth is that most people live and die without knowing who they really are, never knowing the magnificent being that Mother Earth intended them to be.This was not always the case. In recovering the wisdom and knowledge of our hunter-gatherer shamanic ancestors, we can remember what we are meant to be. If we free ourselves from the distorted stories that our culture tells us, we discover that our true nature is something that is altogether more beautiful and profound than we have been led to believe. We remember how to live in right-relationship with ourselves, with each other as humans, and with the more-than-human world too.For our shamanic and animist ancestors knew that healthy humans are not separate or superior to nature, but a part of nature. They knew that the world is alive and conscious, full of intelligent and sentient beings with gifts of healing and wisdom for us. They knew that we belonged, a part of a living and greater whole.Drawing on both ancient shamanic wisdom and knowledge from modern-day psychotherapy, and with easy-to-follow, practical and effective exercises, this book helps you wake up and free yourself from the illusions that we live under. It guides you step-by-step along the path of finding your authentic Soul – the grounded, embodied and inter-connected being that you were born to be. It helps you come home to your Soul.[This book is the third in the ‘Therapeutic Shamanism’ series. It is not necessary to have read the other books in the series first. However, this book does assume prior knowledge of the shamanic realms, and the ability to do shamanic journeys for yourself.] Praise for “The Shamanic Journey”, the first book in this series. “Intelligent, beautifully written, thoughtful, thought-provoking, and deeply engaging.”. “A beautifully crafted book”. “Accessible and practical”. “Warm, grounded and encouraging”. “One of the best books I have ever read.” “An instant classic”. “Practical, compassionate and wise”. “Clearly and intelligently written from a firm foundation of knowledge and experience”. “Intelligent and down to earth”. “A fantastic book!”. “Absorbing and fascinating”. “A very special and important book”. “Life-changing”. “A clear map to an ethical, peaceful, grounded way of being”. “Very relevant and necessary for contemporary society”. “Full of profound wisdom and practical guidance”. “An instant classic”. “A beautifully crafted book”. “Thoughtful, accessible and practical”. “Warm, grounded and encouraging”. “Intelligent, beautifully written, thoughtful, thought-provoking, and deeply engaging.”.

Until relatively recently, vegetarianism was considered a positive dietary alternative for Christians. Often considered a preference for those seeking better spiritual awareness for a season, biblical tradition still acknowledged that a plant-based diet wasn't any more spiritual or moral than eating meat, therefore meat-eating was considered legitimate for humans; not prohibited and was even blessed by God. But, increasingly, and especially in light of the current Green movement that wants to at least limit the eating of meat, alongside the relentless calls by other secular organizations and activists to end meat-eating altogether, it is now more important than ever for people to know what the Bible and biblical tradition have to say about the subject. Within Christian circles, well-meaning people have been pressuring fellow Christians to turn from eating meat- a practice once historically understood as a Christian freedom- and are now asking them to embrace abstinence, but what many are calling "e;just a new bondage."e; Christian leaders are warning the Christian community not to adopt a false commandment that is mostly based on secular activist's personal convictions. Familiar choruses are now resonating throughout Christian communities: "e;Meat-eating isn't compassionate."e; "e;Animals have rights too."e; "e;Aren't you concerned about animal suffering?"e; "e;We should include animals into the moral community."e; "e;Would you kill and eat your dog Lassie?"e;In response to this clamor, Castle Quay Books has brought together a broad group of scholars who have applied their expertise in a wide range of fields including biblical studies, theology, philosophy, resource management, communication, and generational animal farming, to write an accessible response for all Christians. Contributors to the discussion cover both sides of the debate with their host of important views. Writers include well known authors such as Dr. Walter Kaiser, Dr. Wes Jamison, and Dr. Paul Copan, as well as other well-known authors.

An artistic approach to the historical mystery of Kaspar Hauser.

Alongside original material by Rudolf and Marie Steiner, this volume features unique first-hand accounts of the birth of the art of eurythmy by a number of its early students and practitioners. The practical and artistic stages of its development are chronicled in detail, alongside reports from the first public performance onwards.

The New Pinnacle Of Luciferian Ascent What is Luciferian philosophy? How do you apply it? How do you self-initiate into Luciferianism? Apotheosis elucidates the 11 Points of Power with in-depth explanation, examples of how to apply these 11 Points of Power, with deeper meanings behind them for the neophyte-the new seeker who is drawn to Luciferianism. Apotheosis elaborates the definitions of Left-Hand Path and Right-Hand Path, and clarifies what makes an individual "Left-Hand Path."

Strength can be so misunderstood in our world today. Well-known Bible teacher, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author Lisa Bevere leads you on a devotional journey to discover what it means to be a woman living for God. Confident, wise, gracious, powerful, forgiven, and free--these attributes and more await a faithful woman who is Strong.

NIV Study Bible with the best of the Bible Speaks Today - ideal for devotional reading, for studying and for teaching the Bible

Trekking 500 miles on the ancient Camino de Santiago was not just an item for Russ Eanes to check off his bucket list. It was a journey he had dreamed of taking for decades.At age 61, with his children grown, he was too young to retire but wise enough to know that he needed to reorient the hurried pace of his life. He left his work and took a sabbatical to "reset" himself and the first step was to head to the Camino.With everything he needed in a 16-pound pack and, equipped with a set of seven simple principles, he took off from St. Jean Pied de Port, France, to walk, as pilgrims have for twelve centuries, across Spain, to realize his dream. It was the Walk of a Lifetime.In a style that is part personal memoir and part travel memoir, he combines history, spirituality, coffee, culture and humor into an engaging journey of personal rediscovery.

A fresh and insightful account of the origin of ancient temples and the role played by sacred sites in raising human consciousness.Can a temple transform an ordinary person into an extraordinary being?Ancient texts refer to temples as living beings, intermediaries between matter and spirit that serve to transform people "into gods, into bright stars."They also describe a global flood in 9703 BC, and how groups of survivors - Seven Sages, Shining Ones, Followers of Horus - set out to "rebuild the former mansions of the gods" by creating a vast, interconnected network of power places upon the Earth's energy hotspots. And the temples that rose from them would serve future generations whenever they lost their spiritual compass. What's more, science has now discovered these portals are still working.Based on solid evidence, this original work uncovers the origin of sacred sites, the seven laws that transform ordinary locations into portals, how the measurable energy in ancient temples induces altered states of consciousness, and why we seek out these mysterious places.From Stonehenge and the sacred sites of Egypt, to India, the Americas, Pacific islands and the Far East, best-selling author Freddy Silva takes you on a 17,000-year journey of levitating stones, underwater 'cities of knowledge', 15-foot tall gods and the secret esoteric groups who kept this single-minded vision alive throughout recent history.Their aim? The transformation of every person on Earth.

Written during the English Civil War (1642-1651), Leviathan argues for a social contract and rule by an absolute sovereign. Hobbes wrote that civil war and the brute situation of a state of nature ("the war of all against all") could only be avoided by strong, undivided government. After lengthy discussion with Thomas Hobbes, the Parisian Abraham Bosse created the etching for the book's famous frontispiece in the géometrique style which Bosse himself had refined. It is similar in organisation to the frontispiece of Hobbes' De Cive (1642), created by Jean Matheus. The frontispiece has two main elements, of which the upper part is by far the more striking. In it, a giant crowned figure is seen emerging from the landscape, clutching a sword and a crosier, beneath a quote from the Book of Job-"Non est potestas Super Terram quae Comparetur ei. Iob. 41 . 24" ("There is no power on earth to be compared to him. Job 41 . 24")-linking the figure to the monster of that book. (Due to disagreements over the precise location of the chapters and verses when they were divided in the Late Middle Ages, the verse Hobbes quotes is usually given as Job 41:33 in modern Christian translations into English, Job 41:25 in the Masoretic text, Septuagint, and the Luther Bible; it is Iob 41:24 in the Vulgate.) The torso and arms of the figure are composed of over three hundred persons, in the style of Giuseppe Arcimboldo; all are facing inwards with just the giant's head having visible features. (A manuscript of Leviathan created for Charles II in 1651 has notable differences - a different main head but significantly the body is also composed of many faces, all looking outwards from the body and with a range of expressions.) The lower portion is a triptych, framed in a wooden border. The centre form contains the title on an ornate curtain. The two sides reflect the sword and crosier of the main figure - earthly power on the left and the powers of the church on the right. Each side element reflects the equivalent power - castle to church, crown to mitre, cannon to excommunication, weapons to logic, and the battlefield to the religious courts. The giant holds the symbols of both sides, reflecting the union of secular, and spiritual in the sovereign, but the construction of the torso also makes the figure the state.

We all have the power to change our lives and our relationships with the words we speak.Many of us float through life proclaiming only the things that we can see. However, we have a God-given ability to partner with the Holy Spirit to affect the world around us with our words. Once we understand God's perspective, we can speak life into every part of our existence. Let Katherine show you how wonderful your future can be by partnering with God's promises and speaking life into every situation. As you read Speak Life you will learn: that God is totally with you, in you, and for you how much power God has given you through your words how to bring God's promises into existence what the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are saying about you the keys to transforming your circumstances and relationships the treasure trove of promises waiting to be released by your words